Skoda India is launching a more rugged-looking version of the flagship Kodiaq SUV today, called the Kodiaq Scout. The SUV will come with a few tweaks to highlight its off-road credentials, apart from marginally higher ground clearance and improved approach/departure angles. Mechanically, the Kodiaq Scout remains unchanged, being powered by a 2-litre diesel engine producing 150PS and 340Nm torque. We'll be bringing you all the updates on the Kodiaq Scout, right from its launch.
Launched! The Kodiaq Scout is priced at Rs 33.99 lakh, ex-showroom, fitting in between the Style (at Rs 32.99 lakh) and L&K variant (at Rs 36.8 lakh)
Unique to the Kodiaq Scout will be the off-road driving mode, which can be activated under speeds of 30 kmph, tweaking the engine dynamics and electronic driver aids to better suit rough terrain.
Inside, the Kodiaq Scout boasts of highlights like a three-zone climate control, the 8-inch Amundsen touchscreen with Canton audio and panoramic sunroof among others.
The Skoda Kodiaq Scout will be the first Skoda in India to adopt the newest Skoda design trend - the lettering on the tailgate in lieu of the Skoda badge.
To address some of the concerns, Skoda has already reduced the cost of spare parts by 13 per cent, apart from ensuring quicker service turnaround by adding a third parts warehouse in Pune.
Zac Hollis, director sales, service and marketing Skoda India, says with India 2.0, Skoda will not slow down their product offensive despite the industry slowdown. Expect a growth in dealership network as well.
The Scout will be powered by the same EA288 2-litre diesel engine that does duty in other versions of the Kodiaq, outputting 150PS and 340Nm torque. It's mated to a 7-speed DSG, and has all-wheel drive capabilities
Features could include some of the headline features seen on the top-of-line Laurin & Klement model, like the all-digital driver's display and 360-deg parking camera. This is addition to the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof and more.
The interiors of the Scout get a wood and grey design theme with Alcantara seat trim and Scout badging
The Scout also benefits from the extra underbody protection afforded by the rough road package, with protection extending over the engine and drivetrain.
Like we said, the Scout also has a marginal increase in ground clearance. At 194mm, it's 6mm higher than the standard versions of the Kodiaq.
Subtle visual differences to the Scout come in the way of the silver bumper protectors on both front and rear bumpers, new alloy wheels and silver coloured ORVMs, apart from the Scout badge on the front fenders.