Skoda is certainly on the move in this country, and the VW-owned brand is keeping a good thing going with the Australian introduction of the Octavia Scout 4X4.

The Scout is Skoda’s first entry into the Australian compact SUV segment and, according to the PR blurb, is “designed for drivers who demand equal measures of practicality and individuality”.

The Scout features a second-generation Haldex clutch switchable all-wheel-drive system and is powered by the familiar (VW derived) 2.0-litre TDI with diesel particulate filter as standard, producing 103 kW/ 320 Nm and hooked-up to a six-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is a claimed 6.6 L/100km combined cycle.

Standard equipment includes 17 inch ‘Proteus’ alloy wheels, heated front seats, dual zone air con, ESP, 6 airbags, rear acoustic parking sensors, cruise control, twin chrome exhausts and unique ‘Scout’ touches throughout the cabin.

There is also 580 litres of boot space (1,620 litres with the back seats down) and a payload capacity of 660kg.

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