Skoda made an incredibly long way up in the last couple of decades. Let’s just state that from 30 thousand units sold in 1990 in Europe, it manage to sell over 650 thousand last year. That is 2166 percent rise in sales! For a brand that was living on the bare margins of the automotive world before the new millennium, current success is an outstanding story. As far as old continent goes, Skoda is currently over selling well-established brands like Citroen, Toyota, and Nissan, while Honda and Mazda are way back in sales.
Their biggest sale booster lately would be compact Octavia, going over 200 k annually in the last three years. Current third generation was introduced at the very end of 2012, so it was time for some nip and tuck, which also includes 2017 Skoda Octavia Scout.
STYLING REVISION
Most changes correspond to the one done on sedan and regular estate version. The first thing that is noticeable instantly is full LED quad headlights, with inner parts merging with the slightly revised grille. At the rear, we have new smoked LED tail lights with a different housing layout. The shape of plastic moldings and skid plates, which give a special flavor to Scout version remained the same, apart from deletion of protective plastic on lower part of the doors.
CABIN CHANGES
Visually cabin received some minor changes, which you wouldn’t be able to spot unless you are already an owner of this model. Dash buttons and knobs are mildly revised, and you can opt for the 9.2-inch infotainment system, while in any case, you have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirroLink. The cabin can feature even 10 different LED ambient lighting configurations and boot continues to be extremely generous with cargo space of 610 l (21.5 cu ft) or 1740 l (61.4 cu ft) in the best case when the seats are folded.
2017 Skoda Octavia Scout UNDER THE HOOD
There are no changes here, and you still have three options. 1.8-liter turbocharged I4 delivers 177 hp and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft). The engine is paired with 6-speed DSG automatic and race to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. Diesel offer comes in the form of 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 with two power outputs. The less powerful version is rated at 148 hp and 340 Nm (250 lb-ft), and it takes 9.1 seconds to 60 mph.
In this case, you can opt for newer 7-speed DSG automatic. Stronger diesel option brings 181 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) and needs 7.8 seconds to 60 mph. All-wheel drive is standard in any case, which is what you expect from any Scout version.
OTHER NOVELTIES
Light off-roading is possible due to the slightly enhanced stance with 30 mm (1.1 inches) more of ground clearance, while departure angle is improved now with 14.5 degrees. Most of the technological changes are concerned with safety area, as we have added pedestrian detection to automatic braking, we have blind spot detect and rear traffic alert, trailer assists and maneuver assist along with already existing systems such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane keeping and park assist.
SO
2017 Skoda Octavia Scout stays as the most interesting but also most expensive option in Octavia’s lineup with starting price at around €27k in Europe (about $28.8). While newest design approach with headlights might be questionable from the appealing point of view, new safety features are not. So, if you ever considered one of these, possibility to better shield you and your family from outside calamities might make your choice easier now.
