New Skoda Octavia Scout 2021 detailed: Mazda 6 rival gets rugged with high-riding wagon

Skoda has revealed the high-riding version of the fourth-generation Octavia mid-size wagon, the rugged Scout.

The Scout is differentiated from the regular Octavia wagon by its 15mm increase in ground clearance, aluminium-look underbody protection, unique bumpers and black plastic side cladding.

The upgraded exterior is rounded out by 18-inch Braga or 19-inch Manaslu alloy wheels and silver side-mirror covers and roof rails.

Inside, there are ThermoFlux seats with ‘Scout’ logos up front, Tabor Brown upholstery stitching and specific dashboard trim.

Suitably, all-wheel drive is standard fit, although front-wheel drive is now available in some markets upon special request.

Of note, a new-generation Evo 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine makes its debut in the Scout, producing 147kW of power and 400Nm torque. It has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg.

Another diesel (an 85kW 2.0-litre) and two petrol units (a 110kW 1.5-litre and a 140kW 2.0-litre) are also offered globally. All are turbocharged.

As reported, the regular Octavia liftback and wagon are due in the first quarter of next year. The performance-focused RS wagon will go on sale at the time, while its liftback sibling will arrive shortly afterwards.

That said, Skoda Australia is yet to confirm Scout availability, although the previous version was sold locally, so there’s a good chance the model will return at some stage.