2018 Skoda Kodiaq Scout revealed

THE Skoda Kodiaq SUV has thrown on some hiking gear, with a new off-road styled Scout set to be officially revealed at the Geneva motor show.

Similar to the smaller Octavia Scout wagon, this rugged version of the big seven-seater has extra underbody protection, distinctive styling, higher ground clearance and off-road inspired extra standard equipment including an AWD drivetrain.

It also comes with 4WD-specific driver assist functions including Off-Road Assist, which adjusts the throttle response, dampers and diff lock for better traction, and hill-hold and descent control.

Other standard equipment will include Driving Mode Select, with Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual and Snow modes selected on the fly.

Standard interior equipment includes Alcantara-covered seats and door trims, LED ambient lighting in 10 colours, multifunction steering wheel and Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB) with eight speakers.

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The Kodiaq Scout has four engine options although Australian models will only have the two most powerful coming with the rest of the Kodiaq range ‑ the 132kW/280Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol (132TSI) and a 140kW/400Nm turbo diesel (140TDI).

Skoda Australia told WhichCar it was looking to add the Scout to its Kodiaq range, though it wouldn’t arrive before 2018.

Other Kodiaq models will start arriving this year with the 132TSI in July with the 140TDI soon after.

All Australian-bound Kodiaqs will come with all-wheel drive and seven seats.