Prices revealed for rugged Skoda Octavia Scout facelift

Skoda has revealed prices and specs for the facelifted Octavia Scout – the rugged, off-road biased version of the Octavia Estate designed to tempt potential crossover buyers into Skoda showrooms.

Two models will go on sale. The basic price of the entry level version, powered by a 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 148bhp is £26,470, while the more potent 181bhp Octavia Scout comes in at £29,450. Order books are open right now.  

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As with the rest of the 2017 Octavia range the most notable styling tweak is found at the front-end. Skoda has brought in new 'split' headlights with optional adaptive LED beam tech, while the grille and bumpers have also been redesigned. 

New LED tail-lights also feature, while the familiar Scout styling add-ons include plastic lower body cladding, front and rear skidplates and a 30mm raised ride height. That improves approach and departure angles when tackling rough terrain. 

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Although no interior images have been released, we know the Scout will feature the same new touchscreen infotainment system as the rest of the Octavia range. The enhanced capacitive touch system will bring more connectivity features and, on top models, a 9.2-inch screen with Wi-Fi hotspot tech. A full suite of driver assist functions also feature, including trailer assist, rear traffic alert and improved Front Assist autonomous braking.

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The Octavia Scout will go on sale in the UK with the choice of two 2.0-litre diesel engines. The base 148bhp unit is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, managing 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds and 47mpg, while the 181bhp version is only available with a seven-speed DSG gearbox, goes from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and emits 133g/km of CO2.

As before, all Octavia Scouts use a multi-plate clutch all-wheel drive system to improve efficiency. Both axles feature an electronic differential lock, and there's an Off-Road mode with hill descent control. 

Is the Octavia Scout a viable alternative to a crossover SUV? Give us your view in the comments...