The Skoda Octavia Scout has been updated for 2017, with an interior and exterior makeover, the latest in-car technology and a new suite of driver assistance features.

The robust all-rounder has a distinctive off-road look, innovative four-wheel drive and increased versatility both on and off the road. The comprehensively reworked Scout bears the same front as the newest generation of Octavia and thereby underlines the family resemblance: it features a more prominent bonnet, the new front end with wide radiator grille and additional headlights with a crystalline look, full-LED headlights with adaptive front headlights (AFS). The modified fog lights and tail lights are equipped with LED technology. Its independent character is recognisable by silver-coloured underbody protection at the front and the rear. Furthermore, the Rough-Road package is also part of standard equipment and features plastic covering for the undercarriage as well as the brake and fuel lines.

The Scout impresses with its interior space, which for the compact car segment is particularly generous, good body layout, distinct versatility, high level of functionality and great driving characteristics. Besides the increased ground clearance, the all-wheel drive with electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which comes as standard, also ensures even greater driving pleasure off the road. When driving on rough terrain the advantages of the ramp angles, which have been increased to 16.6 degrees at the front and 14.5 degrees at the rear, become apparent.

Both the front and rear axle of the Scout are fitted with an electronic differential lock (EDL) as standard. EDL allows the car to pull away smoothly on difficult surfaces, transmitting drive to both the front and rear axles.

For safer and easier descents on rough terrain the Off-Road function is available for the Scout. When in use the speed of the vehicle is consistently maintained without the driver needing to do anything. Modern engine management, which increases safety during descents using braking, makes the driver’s life easier.

The ‘Simply Clever’ features include a heated steering wheel and seats with the Thermo-Flux function which, from time to time, increases the air and moisture permeability and provides considerably more riding comfort in different climatic conditions – the upgraded Scout is therefore an adventurer in the truest sense. The boot has a capacity of 610 to 1740 litres and thanks to its width of 1010 mm, is also perfectly suited to transporting bulky loads without any problems. Numerous storage solutions in the interior increase its practicality. The towing capacity is up to two tonnes, depending on the engine version.

The Scout will be available with either 148 or 181bhp from its 2.0-litre TDI diesel, with both coming with four-wheel drive as standard when it goes on sale in early 2017.