What's all this about?

It's an off-road version of the Skoda Kodiaq SUV, called the Scout.

Hang about - an off-road version?! OF AN SUV?!

Yes, we don't fully understand it either. Mind you, there used to be Yeti 'urban' and Yeti Outdoor models, so clearly Skoda is operating along those sorts of lines. Thus, the Kodiaq is the city-dwelling SUV that will only ever get its tyres dirty if there's a particularly big puddle in Sainsbury's car park, while the Kodiaq Scout is the one that actually ventures off-road. Or something.

I see. So are all Kodiaq Scouts four-wheel drive?

They are indeed and they're also all seven-seaters, whereas your common or garden Kodiaq can be specified in a five-seat configuration if you need more boot space.

What differentiates the Scout from the normal Kodiaq?

Body cladding, as with the Octavia Scout. You'll spot the front and rear bumpers are bespoke to the Scout, plus they have some of those silver skid plates in plain sight, while there's a diffuser at the back of the car. Silver door mirrors, 19-inch Crater Anthracite alloys and discreet 'Scout' badges on the front wings complete the external updates, while - moving inside - we have a Scout plaque on the dashboard, Alcantara for the seats and door cards and wood trim running around the fascias. You might also note aluminium-finished pedals and LED ambient lighting, too.

And have you got a rundown on the powertrain options?

Six alternatives, spread over four engines and two transmissions. Borrowed from the Kodiaq line-up, the Scout can be powered by a 1.4 TSI with 150hp, a 2.0 TSI with 180hp, or a choice of two 2.0 TDI turbodiesels with 150- or 190hp. If your Kodiaq Scout has 150hp, it comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a seven-speed DSG an option for £1,300; the more powerful petrol and diesel variants get the DSG from the off. All Kodiaq Scouts benefit from an additional Off-Road Mode that adapts the engine, chassis and brake settings for rough terrain, while it also engages Hill Descent Assist for steep downhill slopes. Furthermore, this particular variant of rugged Skoda has tough engine and underbody stone guards.

How much does all this cost?

Sitting between the SE L and Edition models of the regular range, the Skoda Kodiaq Scout starts from £32,330 for the 1.4 TSI manual. The 150hp TDI is next, at £33,870, rising through the 2.0 TSI for £34,865 and culminating in the 190hp TDI for £36,330 (add £1,300 for the DSG versions of the lower two models). UK order books for the Kodiaq Scout are open now.