2022 Skoda Octavia Scout launched, but only for ‘blue light’ customers
The rugged Skoda Octavia Scout is making a comeback in the UK – but there’s just one catch: you have to be a member of the emergency services to bag one of the go-anywhere jacked up estates. All Octavia Scouts will be supplied directly by Skoda to emergency service customers, and already converted ‘to the user’s requirements’.
Its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is available with 148bhp or 197bhp, and every car is equipped with a DSG automatic transmission and four-wheel drive as standard. The Octavia Scout’s factory modifications see it raised by 15mm compared with the standard Octavia Estate, for a total ground clearance of 161mm. Wisely, a Rough Road Package is also being fitted to UK ‘blue light’ cars, which includes a skid plate for the rear axle, revised suspension springs and specific chassis tuning making it ‘better equipped to handle unpaved terrain.’ That should come in handy when chasing unscrupulous criminals or trying to get assistance to patients in rural areas. The Scout is the only Octavia with an Off-Road driving mode, which adjusts its electronic stability systems and automatic gearbox for driving in slippery conditions and over steep terrain.
Skoda says the Scout ‘provides excellent value to blue light fleet managers looking for one vehicle capable of performing a range of crucial duties’, and its 640-litre boot will no doubt be appreciated by any police force, fire and rescue team or ambulance paramedic service.
The Scout’s interior gets black ‘thermoflux’ upholstery with brown stitching and Scout logos, along with a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and 10-inch central touchscreen. There are also no less than five USB-C ports for charging portable devices. Skoda operates a ‘one-stop shop’ for emergency vehicles, which can be fully converted to suit specific requirements ‘giving fleet managers the peace of mind that the conversion, breakdown recovery, service, maintenance and repair requirements are built into one complete package.’