Skoda Octavia Gets Down to Business with Scout and RS Variants

It Skoda speak, these variants are called Scout and RS, respectively, and both these versions for the new Octavia were revealed as is the habit these days, during an online event on Friday, July 3.

First, the Scout. The nameplate has been around since 2007, when it was first used on the Octavia as an “outdoor” interpretation of the standard car. Just like back then, now too this variant will only be available for the station-wagon model, to make it a sort of undergrown crossover, if you like.

Sporting underbody protection and 15 mm more ground clearance than the standard variant, the Octavia Scout launches with the capability of towing behind it up to 2,000 kg of cargo (4,409 lbs).

The Octavia Scout range of engines includes both gasoline and diesel engines, including new ones, with power outputs ranging from 115 to 200 ps. The most juicy unit of all is a 2.0-liter TDI described as the "most powerful diesel engine in Octavia history."

The RS, another household designation for the Octavia, comes as the first one to use three different drive systems. That’s because alongside the traditional diesel and gasoline powerplants a plug-in hybrid, the first of its kind, has been added.

Called Octavia RS iV, the PHEV uses the 2.0-liter TDI engine and a plug-in hybrid drive that develop a combined 245 ps. The RS will be available in both sedan and wagon body styles.

The Czech carmaker did not say anything at the moment about the prices for the new models or a possible launch date. Full details on both new versions can be found in the press release section below.