Skoda will axe is remaining Scout models in the UK as part of a round of changes to its product line-up.
The Kodiaq Scout and Karoq Scout SUVs – launched in 2017 and 2019 respectively – currently remain on price lists, but the company has confirmed to Autocar the models will soon be dropped.
The changes have been made "as a result of customer demand" and as part of model year updates, according to a Skoda spokesman, who admitted the Scout variants accounted for just 2% of the sales mix for the SUVs.
Rugged Scout models have been a fixture at Skoda for years, most prominently on the Octavia, offering a raised ride height, four-wheel drive and protective body cladding. A Superb Scout is available in Continental Europe, but the decision was taken not to offer it in the UK at launch. It's unclear whether the new-generation Octavia will be sold here in Scout form.
The Skoda Kamiq small SUV will also now move to a petrol-only line-up, with the 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine removed from sale. This is due to the model being "predominantly a retail product, the spokesman said, "and in this segment demand for diesel is very low."
Further changes include the removal of all manual gearbox options for the Kodiaq, although a manual version of the 113bhp 2.0-litre diesel will be brought in later this year. Skoda has also removed the Edition trim from the Kodiaq range.
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I think this stems back to the testing regime
VAG struggled to get its massive range and individual variants through type testing, meaning many had to be taken off sale, or the delivery dates got extended by huge margins, they just couldnt cope, its also another indication of the massive cost cutting that is happening across the group, their whole portfolio is a mess, and its almost impossible to tell where one make starts and another finishes, they have taken badge engineering to a whole new level of confusion.
Far less choice than ever
Catnip has hit the nail on the head. The consumer has much less choice than ever. Look at the VAG brands despite appearances there is actually only one supermini, the Polo, but it is dressed up as a Skoda, SEAT, VW or Audi. Same for all the other VAG hatchbacks, saloons, SUVs etc. The Skoda Kodiaq is identical to its VW and SEAT stablemates. But, where are the coupes, convertibles etc. You cannot have them because they do not make them any more. The situation is slightly better at BMW and Mercedes-Benz but not much.
Good move. Absolutely nobody