Skoda Octavia Scout goes under the knife

Skoda has revealed the last member of its updated Octavia family of cars by revealing the new facelifted version of the Octavia Scout.

Like the rest of the range, the Scout wagon gains the same striking redesigned nose that now sports a wider radiator and twin full LED lamps.

LEDs are once again used for the front fog lamps and the rear tail lamps that now feature a prominent C-shaped graphic.

Skoda has also added new silver-coloured bash plates and raised the ground clearance by 30mm.

This, claims engineers, has helped improve both approach (1.6degrees) and departure (14.5degrees) angles.

Both Scout models come also equipped with an electronic differential lock on front and rear axle and an Offroad mode that offers hill descent on steep declines that maintains speed and stability whatever the conditions.

As part of the updates the old 132kW turbocharged 1.8-litre petrol has been dropped from the line-up.

Buyers will now be offered either a 110kW or more powerful 135kW version of the old 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.

The new range-topping diesel hauls the Octavia Scout to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds and onto a top speed of 219km/h.

Like the recently updated Octavia and Octavia RS inside, the Scout comes with an updated infotainment system. In the case of the Scout, the all-wheel drive wagon gets the larger 9.2-inch system that comes equipped with a WIFI hotspot for passengers.

Other new features in the cabin that are standard on the Scout include a heated steering wheel and seats. The front chairs also fan-assisted for hot climates.

Safety has been upgraded for 2017 with both diesels coming with Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect, Rear Traffic Alert and Crew Protect that closes the window and sunroof (if open) and tensions the seat belts if the car detects an impending collision.

The Skoda Octavia Scout is expected to arrive in the middle of next year.

Pricing is expected closer to its on-sale date.