This is the Karoq Scout, the latest variation on an SUV theme from Skoda, and it’s meant to be the rugged, off-roady version of the hugely popular Czech crossover. Available with either a 150hp 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, or a choice of two 2.0-litre TDI diesels (150hp or 190hp), the Karoq Scout also gets four-wheel drive as standard. You can have a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG automatic, and you’ll be able to tell the Scout apart from the standard Karoq on the outside thanks to 18-inch alloys (19s are available as an option), extra chrome and aluminium trim and chunky wheel-arch extensions. Inside, there are seats with contrasting black-brown stitching, lots of Scout logos and the Virtual Cockpit all-digital instrument panel. You can have a powered tailgate if you like, and there’s both a wifi hotspot and an LTE (mobile-phone style) internet connection.

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31 Jul 2018