Ayush khanna
It’s strange how manufacturers have been pitching in and out SUVs – with different shapes and sizes, that is – in the last decade. I mean, take the Renault Kwid and Maruti Suzuki S-Presso for instance. These small hatchbacks have somewhat established a mini-SUV segment in the niche.
So, how do they manage to achieve the typical SUV stance and appeal? Well, give it some extra ground clearance and plastic cladding, of course. Interestingly, Skoda has also tried to pull the same move with its newest offering, the Kodiaq Scout. Let me explain how.
Sure, the Kodiaq was a stylish and elegant SUV in the first place, but it somehow always lacked that dose of ruggedness that one would expect from an SUV. In essence, the Scout is the third variant that perfectly sits in the middle of Style and L&K. Let’s see what else is new here, from our Skoda Kodiaq Scout review.
Beefed-up!
As I said earlier, the Kodiaq Scout does boast a dose of ruggedness as compared to its standard counterpart. Even the changes are quite subtle, Skoda has managed to differentiate the Scout so much so it does have its own presence on the road.
So, to beef things up, the Kodiaq Scout is fitted with black plastic cladding that runs across the side, and silver metallic inserts on both the bumpers. A similar silver finish can also be found on the ORVMs and roof rails.
The most prominent change, though, is the new 18-inch alloy wheels that are finished in a snazzy dual-tone shade. Then there’s the SKODA lettering on the boot lid that replaces the brand’s logo altogether.
The inside story is also more or less the same. The dashboard layout remains unchanged with the touchscreen infotainment system taking the centre space, vertically-stacked air-con vents, and the tactile HVAC controls. But this time around, the cabin is finished in an all-black layout with a faux wood finish that’s neatly placed in the middle portion of the dashboard.
Much like the RS variant – which we tested a few months back in Prague – the Scout makes do with premium Alcantara leather seats with Scout badging on the backrests. While the practicality of the Scout remains unaffected, the seats are now much more comfortable and supportive.
What about the features?
Since the Scout sits in the middle of Style and L&K variant, the equipment list is, therefore, an amalgamation of the two. Just like the Style variant, this one comes with a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats, ambient lighting, and three-zone climate control amongst a bevvy of clever features.
What it does miss out, though, is the snazzy Virtual cockpit display and 360-degree camera view from the L&K variant. All other clever features like a hidden umbrella pocket, snooze package, and a removable boot light are a part of the package. The biggest omission, though, is the omission of clever door protectors across all the variants.
Let’s take it off the road
Since the Kodiaq – the standard one, that is – have been established as an urban SUV, we only had a chance to put it through its paces on the tarmac. The Skoda Kodiaq, on the other hand, comes with a dedicated off-road mode. But before we put it through an intense – well, almost – test out in the dirt, let’s talk numbers.
The Skoda Kodiaq Scout is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel that’s good for 148bhp and 340Nm of torque and is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. The party piece of the Kodiaq is a dedicated off-road mode. Truth be told, the off-road mode is just a dedicated button for Hill Descent Control. So, as expected, the off-road experience in the Scout remains largely unchanged. That said, the Hill Descent Control does ease up the driving experience while sloping down a decline.
Middle ground
Priced at Rs. 34 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Skoda Kodiaq Scout perfectly fills the void between the Style and L&K variant.
Sure, the Kodiaq misses out on the nifty features from the L&K variant, but the price bargain makes up for it. And then there’s the addition of ruggedness, new alloy wheels, and silver garnish across places that really makes it stand out amongst other Kodiaq(s). So, should you get the Scout over the standard Kodiaq? Well, read our full verdict and Skoda Kodiaq Scout review, only at autoX.
