► New Skoda Karoq Scout unveiled
► Due at the Paris motor show 2018
► All-wheel drive, ‘tougher’ style
The new Skoda Karoq Scout is the latest Czech model to launch in soft-roader guise; it’s the budget alternative to Audi’s Allroad range or Volvo’s XC sub-brand – kind of off-roader lite, with smatterings of SUV style to distinguish it from more lowly crossover hatchbacks.
It’s not all posing though; all Scout models come with all-wheel drive as standard, so it will indeed do more slope-climbing and meadow crossing than most owners will likely need.
Skoda will present the Karoq Scout for the first time at the 2018 Paris motor show. It’s the third model in the range, following in the dusty tyre marks of the Octavia Scout and Kodiaq Scout.
What makes the Karoq a Scout?
Add a few chrome and silver-coloured body addenda, blistered wheelarch mouldings and 18-inch polished Braga alloy wheels (or upgrade to optional 19s) and you’ve got the Scout look. The windows are tinted and the seats are embroidered with Scout branding and have let’s-off-road contrast muddy brown stitching… Yes really.
All-wheel drive is standard on all Scout models and the Haldex system apportions drive rearwards when the going gets slippy. Choose from three engines: a 1.5 TSI petrol with 148bhp, and the 2.0 TDI in two states of tune – 148bhp or 187bhp, combined with a choice of six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG auto transmissions.
Expect UK sales to start in late 2018, with prices likely to start at a whisker under £30,000.
We drive the regular Skoda Kodiaq