Skoda has reintroduced the Scout specification for the Octavia exclusively for UK emergency service customers, with 148bhp and 197bhp 2.0-litre diesel engines.
The Scout specification is the only non-vRS Octavia model to offer four-wheel drive. It also gets an automatic gearbox and a rough-road package as standard.
Its bodywork is suited to off-road environments, with chunky front and rear bumpers and a ground clearance of 161mm – 15mm higher than on the standard Octavia.
Emergency teams can customise their Scout to their own requirements through the Skoda ‘one-stop shop’.
The Czech firm says the Scout’s off-road ability has also been improved, with a 15.8deg approach angle, a 13.9deg departure angle and a ramp angle of up to 19.7deg.
It's also fitted with a rear-axle skidplate, revised suspension springs and model-specific chassis tuning.
The Scout also benefits from several driver assistance systems, including hill-descent assistance and Crew Protect Assist, which tightens the seatbelts when activated. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and front and rear parking sensors are also included.
Inside, the Scout is also equipped with Skoda’s digital cockpit, mated with a 10.0in touch screen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, in addition to five USB-C charging ports.
The last generation Octavia Scout was on sale from 2014 until 2020 and was previously available for private customers as well as emergency services.
The new Scout will be available through Skoda’s ‘one-stop shop’ exclusively to emergency services fleets, where they can be customised and purchased directly or financed.
Breakdown recovery, servicing, maintenance and repair requirements are all included in the package.
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The Octavia Estate is already available in 150 dsg 4x4 form under the SEL trim..... and can be spec'ed with rough road package that also increases suspension by 15mm.
I'm sure this is just a publicity stunt. Next month Skoda will probably announce that due to unprecedented interest, it will also be available for retail... Why would the company deny itself an obvious profit opportunity?
Maybe it's a WLTP tax thing for commercial vehicles only. Real shame as the old Scout was one of the best estates you could buy and perfect for putting kit on the roof compared to an SUV.