Škoda Scout relaunches with auto

Hoping to take a bite out of the Subaru Outback's market share, Škoda  has launched six-speed automatic versions of its Octavia Scout model, priced from $41,790. Škoda  has long been without an automatic version of its all-wheel drive high-riding wagon, which it hopes will boost sales of the Scout.

"Dealer feedback was huge initially," said Matthew Wiesner, Head of Škoda Australia, of the Scout.

"But 90 per cent of customers wanted an automatic gearbox. We now have that. It's a more refined package, and it drives so much better in auto," opined Wiesner during the national media launch in Byron Bay.

Škoda Australia has packaged the Scout very competitively in a bid to tempt new buyers, boasting several features that the Subaru Outback misses out on.

Items such as six airbags, stability control, hill hold control, ABS, EBD, satellite navigation with touch screen functionality and 30GB hard drive, voice control, an eight-speaker stereo, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and under body engine protection are standard features on all models.

The Škoda Scout range is split into two models, Scout and Scout Premium.

The six-speed automatic Škoda Scout Premium models are priced from $45,790, a $4000 premium over entry-level models, and add alcantara leather seats, tinted windows, an electric glass sunroof, and electric driver's seat with three memory presets. It also features a glossy finish on the 17-inch alloy wheels.

"We are excited to offer what we believe is the best all-round package in this segment," added Wiesner. "With the new DSG transmission and Premium model additions, we are able to offer a unique package which appeals to a wider audience."

Manual versions of the Škoda Scout will still be offered (see pricing below) but the majority of buyers are expected to opt for the six-speed DSG auto variants. The six-speed dual clutch DSG transmissions are identical to gearboxes used on some high end Audi and Volkswagen vehicles and are a point of difference that the turbodiesel Subaru Outback cannot match, as it only offered with a manual gearbox.

One engine is available with the Škoda Scout 4x4, a 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit that pumps out 103kW/320Nm. It's an economical package, using a claimed average of just 6.1L/100km and emitting 160 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The all-wheel drive system is a fourth-generation Haldex coupling. Though technically a part-time all-wheel drive system (engaging the rear wheels when needed), we can report that it is virtually seamless and very capable on dirt roads. Stay tuned for our full roadtest of the Scout.

The Haldex coupling can engage the rear wheels before the front wheels begin to slip, thanks to an improved sensor suite that monitors several aspects, such as the car's throttle position, yaw rate and other areas.

Unlike the Škoda Octavia wagon it is based on, the Scout has increased ground clearance, now 180mm up from 140mm. The Scout also adds side body cladding, giving it a more rugged appearance and increased protection from stone chips and the like.

Škoda 's soft-roader wagon has 580 litres of boot space, expandable to 1620 litres with the rear 60/40 splitfold seats are laid flat.

The updated Škoda Octavia Scout range is in dealerships now, with pricing as follows:

- Octavia Scout 4x4 6-speed DSG  $41,790 (manual $39,490)
- Octavia Scout 4x4 Premium 6-speed DSG $45,790 (manual $43,490)

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