Skoda has set the entry-level price for its new Octavia Scout range at a startlingly low $32,990 – exactly $7000 less than its predecessor.
The new model is now available in a three-variant range, as we reported last month, and even the base model (110TDI) boasts superior performance and efficiency.
For the first time, Skoda is offering the Octavia Scout powered by a (132TSI) turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed DSG (dual-clutch transmission). This variant, like the 110TDI, is priced below the previous model's price position, at $38,590.
The flagship of the new range, a 135TDI high-performance diesel model, is the only choice in the range that is priced higher than the superseded Scout, at $41,390.
But the downward price adjustment for the Octavia Scout is likely to have caught Skoda's rivals in the segment flat-footed not only for the on-paper pricing, but also for the enhanced equipment adding value to the range.
As standard, every Octavia Scout variant comes with nine airbags, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, a full-size spare wheel, driver fatigue protection, Passenger Protect Assist, 60:40 split-fold rear seat, power windows, cruise control, infotainment touch screen with Bluetooth audio streaming, voice control, air conditioning, leather-bound steering wheel/gearshift/handbrake lever and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The 132TSI and 135TDI models additionally come with a powered tailgate, a satellite navigation system with eight-inch display (versus 5.8-inch display for the 110TDI), heated front seats, powered fold-in exterior mirrors with puddle lights, privacy glass and Alcantara/leather seat upholstery combination.
Skoda offers the 110TDI model with an optional 'Premium Pack' for $4400. This basically adds the additional equipment available as standard in the higher-grade models. A 'Tech Pack' option is available for all three variants, priced at $3900 for the 110TDI and 132TSI, or $3300 for the 135TDI, which doesn't gain the active cruise control available in the Tech Pack option for the other two variants. Included in the Tech Pack option are bi-xenon adaptive headlights, automatic parking assist, adaptive cruise control (N/A 135TDI), Lane Assist, keyless entry/start, 10-speaker premium audio, drive mode selection and LED tail lights.
The 110TDI remains a Euro 5-compliant engine, but based on the same EA288 architecture as the 135TDI engine at the top of the range. Both engines displace 2.0-litres, but the 110TDI produces 110kW/340Nm, for a combined-cycle fuel consumption (with standard six-speed manual transmission) of 5.3L/100km.
The 132TSI variant is powered by a 1.8-litre (EA888) petrol engine with direct injection and turbocharging. Peak power and torque are 132kW and 280Nm, respectively, and official fuel consumption with a six-speed DSG as standard is 7.1L/100km. This engine and the 135TDI diesel are both Euro 6-compliant.
The flagship diesel engine generates 135kW and 380Nm, for a fuel consumption figure of 5.3L/100km like the 110TDI engine. Unlike the 110TDI, the 135TDI engine features a variable-vane turbocharger.
Skoda product planning expert Kieran Merrigan told motoring.com.au that the importer expects the volume-selling model in the range to be the petrol (132TSI) variant, but "the market will dictate that..."
Stay tuned for our drive impressions of the new Octavia Scout.