Skoda Octavia Scout to launch in 2014

The Skoda Octavia Scout will be launched in Europe by next August.

The Scout, an off-road version of the Octavia SW, features unpainted wheelarch extensions and new front and rear bumpers with a more rugged look. The car is also raised by 20mm over the standard car. The Octavia Scout will be offered in both four-wheel and front-wheel-drive formats.

While engines have yet to be confirmed, they're expected to be chosen from the existing Octavia range.

Skoda is also working on a new luxury version of the Octavia. The new model will be badged Laurin & Klement, a moniker Skoda has traditionally given to its high-specification flagship models.

The special edition will have bespoke leather seats with wood and chrome trim inside the cabin, alongside a newly designed dashboard cluster containing redesigned dials. On the outside, the Octavia Laurin & Klement will get xenon headlights, LED rear lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Skoda launched a Laurin & Klement version of the Yeti in January this year.

Francisco Mota