Octavia Scout 'a real adventurer for family and for leisure'

Skoda's new Octavia Scout will have its Irish market launch at the 2014 National Ploughing Championships in September.

Prices are from €33,795-€37,095.

Compared to the previous model, emission and consumption levels have been reduced by up to 20 percent while power and performance has increased across all drive units.

Three new and more powerful engines include two diesels and one petrol version. All feature improved AWD technology and meet with EU 6 standard which comes into force in September.

The most powerful diesel engine is the 2.0 TDI/184bhp with a combination of an automatic 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) and all-wheel-drive. This is the first time that the engine has been used in this configuration in a SKODA. The combined fuel consumption is 5.1 L/100km with C02 emissions of 134g/km (Band B2 of €280p.a).

The 2.0 TDI 150bhp is available exclusively with a manual 6-speed gearbox. It manages 5.1 L/100kms and is in Tax Band B1 of €270p.a.

The petrol is a 1.8 TSI, 180hp DSG returning 6.9 L/100kms and with €570 in annual road tax. This version is priced from €37,095.

New distinctive features identify the front, side and rear ends, and the interior has been specially designed for the Scout.

SKODA are billing the car as a 'real adventurer for family and for leisure'. It can tow up to two tonnes which is a 25 percent more than the previous car. The brand claims it also has excellent steep-slope capability. Ground clearance has been raised to 171mm which is 31mm higher than the standard Octavia. There's also additional underbody protection as standard. 17-inch alloy wheels are also fitted as standard.

The car is as spacious as the Octavia Combi with the passenger compartment one of the largest in its class. The boot has a 610 litre capacity, expandable to 1,740 litres with rear seats down. It has a handy double-sided floor cover while other 'Simply Clever' features include folding cargo fasteners, an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, a hi-vis vest holder under the driver's seat and an array of storage areas.

The Octavia Scout has been a feature in the Czech carmaker's model range since 2007.