Czech carmaker Skoda has launched a new variant of its little Karoq SUV, with the new model aimed directly at the kind of people who want to maximise the usability of their SUV no matter where life might take them. The Karoq Scout is a fully-equipped off-road ready compact SUV that looks ready to go from paved roads to muddy tracks at any time, and represents the second new Scout model in the new Skoda SUV lineup.
The Karoq Scout is, naturally, all-wheel drive as standard. Markets receiving the little Scout will be offered a choice between a 1.5-litre TSI petrol mill, and a 2.0TDI diesel in two states of tune. A 6-speed manual is standard fare, though a 7-speed DSG auto can be optioned on.
Perhaps as important as actual off-road capability is the appearance of off-road capability, and the Karoq Scout doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find chrome & satin-silver elements throughout the exterior, as well as black 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. However, if you know you won’t venture that far off the beaten track that often, you can also opt for 19-inch alloys too, though those will attract additional cost.
Standard fare on the Karoq Scout, along with those silver/chrome bits and pieces, are tinted windows and mudguards up front. Inside, the Karoq Scout gets things like unique upholstery for the seats replete with brown/black seam work, further underscoring the go-anywhere-do-anything look. There’s also an LED ambient light package inside, along with a multifunction steering wheel wrapped in leather, and stainless-steel pedals.
The Karoq Scout, being a fully-laden model, also gains Skoda’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display as standard, which offers a unique display along with the ‘off-road’ drive mode should that be selected. Further, the Karoq Scout boats the ability to be “always online,” thanks to a built-in LTE connection as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot, but we’re pretty sure that won’t do squat when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
This is about the time you’d expect us to discuss prices, but that’d be an exercise in pointlessness, as the Skoda Karoq Scout will not be made available in Australia. However, the ambitious little overlander will be making its in-the-flesh debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, where we’ll be sure to grille who we can about a possible Oz introduction.
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