Scout incoming – Škoda’s toughest wagon reaches Aus

If you’ve followed Chasing Cars for some time you’ll be aware that we have a penchant for station wagons, especially those with some tough credentials, enter the limited-run Škoda Superb Scout.

It’s a concept that was seriously popular in the early 2000s and soldiers on despite the current SUV situation. Think of cars like the Subaru Outback, Audi A4 Allroad, Volvo V60 Cross Country and Passat Alltrack.

Škoda’s Superb Scout was intended for Europe only, but with the updated model not due until early 2021 the brand needed some sales interest for the big wagon.

Scouts will only be available with a two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with generous outputs of 200kW and 350Nm driving all-four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The package runs deeper than the obvious black plastic cladding; all Scouts get a 15mm body raise and a drive-mode select with switchable terrain options.

Thankfully, pricing will be sharp when the Superb Scout arrives at $59,490 (driveaway price), the tough wagon sits line ball with the existing $59,990 (driveaway price) Superb 206TSI Sportline.

A small number of paint options including the bright tangerine hue pictured ($1,700) are available as is a panoramic sunroof which sees $1,900 added to the price.

Specification levels are more generous than the Superb’s premium rivals and include matrix LED headlights, a kick-to-open boot, 9.2-inch touchscreen, digital instruments, leather and Alcantara electric front seats with memory function, heated steering wheel and tri-zone climate control.

Naturally, safety levels are generous and include high-speed AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise with stop-and-go function, hill-descent control, underbody protection and auto-park.

You’ve probably heard conjecture about petrol particulate filters (PPFs) now mandated by the EU. Initially, they were considered unviable for sulphurous Australian fuel. Last year though Peugeot’s 308 GT was fitted with the tech, Skoda is the second company following suit with this Superb.

The caveat being that the Superb Scout has a thirst for premium unleaded and apparently “underfueling” – ie putting 91 octane in your lovely new car – will lead to the PPF needing to be replaced rapidly.

There’s talk from Škoda Australia director Michael Irmer that 2020 will be the biggest year yet for the brand. The Kodiaq SUV has been selling well here and with a full range including compact Kamiq and mid-size Karoq the brand is confident for 2020.

The program will kick off in March this year with the Kodiaq RS, this Superb Scout will arrive shortly after in April ahead of the updated Superb in early 2021.