2019 Skoda Karoq Scout revealed, not for Oz
Off-road inspired variant scheduled to debut in Paris, but local arm wants the Sportline instead.
Skoda has unveiled the Karoq Scout, a more rugged version of its mid-sized SUV that should appeal more to those who regularly venture off the beaten track.
While not an all-out off-roader, the Karoq Scout boasts numerous enhancements to give it a more capable look and feel, and comes as standard with all-wheel drive.
Anthracite 18-inch ‘Braga’ alloy wheels fill the arches, while the contrasting body cladding and skid plate-like front and rear treatments emphasise the Scout’s more adventurous vibe.
Larger 19-inch wheels are offered as an option (pictured), though the ‘Scout’ badging and dark-tinted privacy glass are included as standard.
Inside, the Karoq Scout gets a model-specific cloth seat trim with brown contrasting stitching and ‘Scout’ lettering embroidered into the seat faces.
The vehicle displayed in the images also appears to be fitted with a unique wood-like trim insert, working with the stainless steel pedals and LED interior lighting package for an enhanced ambience over the standard variant.
Ahead of the driver, the optional Virtual Panel digital instrument display offers a new off-road mode, offered in conjunction with the off-road drive mode.
In Europe, the Karoq Scout will be offered with three powertrains – a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo petrol, a 110kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, and a 140kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.
As mentioned above, all versions are equipped as standard with all-wheel drive, with the petrol and high-output diesel mated exclusively to a seven-speed DSG automatic. The 110kW diesel features a six-speed manual as standard, with the DSG available as a cost option.
The Skoda Karoq Scout will make its public debut at the Paris motor show in October.
Australia
Speaking with CarAdvice, Skoda’s local division ruled out the introduction of the Karoq Scout in Australia, suggesting a sportier variant would be more preferable.
“We have no plans to launch the Scout variant in the near future. As with the Kodiaq, Sportline would be our preference,” said Paul Pottinger general manager for corporate communications at Skoda Australia.
Speaking of the Sportline, we’re expecting the more athletic-looking Karoq to be revealed shortly ahead of being presented alongside the Scout in Paris.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest, and let us know what you think in the comments.
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