Skoda is working hard on keeping its best-selling moniker, the Octavia, tip-top. The car received a new-gen model last year, and a few months back, the automaker introduced the vRS version as well.

Now, Skoda has revealed the new Octavia Scout ahead of its launch slated in July. The wagon features a few aesthetic changes and looks a little more off-road friendly than the outgoing model. The Scout is based on the latest generation of the Octavia Combi (read wagon) and is longer and wider than its predecessor. It also sits higher off the ground.

What’s New On The Outside?

In terms of cosmetic upgrades, the 2021 Octavia Scout has received changes all around that bring out the wagon’s off-road side. The wagon is 16 mm longer and 15 mm wider. It now comes with the Rough Road package as standard that adds 15 mm to the ground clearance and underbody protection.

Black plastic cladding is added to the wheel arches, which don’t go well with the premium vibe of the Scout. It rides on 18-inch silver Braga wheels as standard, but you can opt for the 19-inch Manaslu wheels for extra moolah. Things in the rear are the same as the current model, except for the redesigned bumper. Skoda has not played around much with the design except for the few additions to give it a rough look.

Are There Any Changes Inside The Cabin?

On the inside things are a little different, too. It looks to be a tad bit spacious, thanks to the increased length and width. The cargo space now measures 22.6 cubic feet, an increase of one cubic foot. The redesigned dashboard layout looks fresh and premium. The upholstery on the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel receives Tabor Brown contrast stitching, whereas the pedals are finished in aluminum. The most noteworthy addition to the cabin is the 10-inch, free-standing touchscreen infotainment system. We’re yet to hear if it features an updated software or not.

It Will Be Offered With A Front-Wheel-Drive Layout

Along with the multitude of engine options, Skoda will be offering the 2021 Octavia Scout with a front-wheel-drive configuration, too. This could be to lure the buyers on a budget. This drive layout will be offered with the 1.5-liter TSI engine and the 2.0-liter TDI mill that make 148 and 113 horsepower, respectively. These engines send power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. The 1.5-liter TSI gasoline engine can also be had in an e-TEC mild-hybrid avatar with a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

There’s A New Engine Offered As Well

The automaker is offering a new EVO-gen 2.0-liter TDI mill that churns out 197 ponies and 295 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all the wheels via a seven-speed DSG transmission. Other than this, you can opt for the 2.0-liter TDI engine in a different guise that makes 148 horses. If you need powerful petrol, there’s the 2.0-liter TSI that produces 187 ponies. Both these engines are also mated to the seven-speed DSG gearbox and an all-wheel-drive layout as standard.

Skoda also said that with the new EVO-gen 2.0-liter TDI engine, the Scout can tow up to 4,409 pounds. With the growing popularity of camper trailers, caravans, and boat trailers, this will be a big selling point.

Final Thoughts

With the growing popularity of wagons, this one, too, should be a hit. The Scout checks all the boxes here – a premium interior, a plethora of engine options and drive layouts, and refreshed looks. The Rough Road package makes the Octavia Scout better suited for beaten paths. The pricing is yet to be revealed, but the starting price could see a significant drop, thanks to the small engine + manual transmission + front-wheel-drive layout.

Skoda will be debuting the wagon in the first half of July. What are your thoughts on the 2021 Skoda Octavia Scout? Share them with us in the comments section below.