This is the facelifted Octavia Scout – the jacked-up off-road version of the Octavia Combi wagon comes with many of the same enhancements inside and out as both the standard and high-performance Octavias.

The Scout gets a controversial front end design, inspired by the Kodiaq SUV – the new face features four separate “crystalline” headlights (now adaptive full-LED units) flanking a wider grille. The fog lights and C-shaped tail lights now also get LED technology, while a standard Rough Road package features plastic protection on the undercarriage and the brake and fuel lines.


Inside, the Scout’s seats now gain a Thermo-Flux function, which increases the air and moisture permeability and provides increased comfort in different climatic conditions. There are also new infotainment systems available, with all but the base Swing head unit getting a capacitative touchscreen.

The top-of-the-range navigation unit, Columbus, features a 9.2-inch display, a WiFi hotspot and optional LTE connectivity. Also available is the eCall auto emergency call function, along with the Skoda Connect suite of mobile online services which includes navigation, information, entertainment and assistance functions.

Engine options carried over from before include a 180 PS 2.0 litre TSI turbo petrol engine and a 184 PS 2.0 litre TDI turbodiesel. A lower-powered 150 PS 2.0 TDI variant has been added to the range, paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. A Haldex all-wheel drive system with an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch is standard as before.


The new Scout benefits from the same under-the-skin upgrades as its predecessor, including a 30 mm increase in ground clearance compared to the standard Combi, increasing approach and departure angles to 16.6 degrees and 14.5 degrees respectively. An electronic differential lock (EDL) on both axles is standard fit, while an Off-Road function is available as an option.

Safety-wise, the Octavia Scout comes with Front Assist with city emergency braking and predictive pedestrian protection, along with Crew Protect Assist which closes windows and sunroofs if it senses an imminent accident. New features include Trailer Assist that helps you reverse with a trailer attached, Blind Spot Detect, Rear Traffic Alert and an improved Park Assist.