2019 Skoda Karoq Scout not for Australia

Skoda Australia have confirmed that the just revealed Skoda Karoq Scout will not be sold in Australia. Comprising of tougher bumpers and a standard all-wheel drive system matched to two engine options, the Karoq Scout has been rejected for Australia thanks to its yet to be revealed sibling, the Karoq Sportline.

But while it is disappointing that the Skoda Karoq Scout won’t be coming here, it does provide a look into a driveline possibility – the the 140TDI 4×4 – for Australia and what a slightly tougher Karoq looks like. The Karoq Sportline is due to be revealed in the coming days, and will be shown with the Scout at September’s Paris Motor Show.

According to Skoda, the Karoq Scout “feels just as much at home in the big city as it does off the beaten track. In numerous variants, the model can meet the needs of every customer – from the young family to lovers of the great outdoors.”

“In addition, the powerful off-road design emphasizes the model’s optimized off-road potential. With its rough terrain package, the ŠKODA KAROQ SCOUT is fully prepared for demanding trips where tarmac roads end.”

The off-road focus of the Skoda Karoq Scout is obvious – the front and rear skid plates as well as alloy wheels up to 19-inches in size, the Scout badging on the side panels and the contrasting body cladding give clues as to its extra ability. Inside, the Karoq Scout features seats with contrasting orange stitching, some new wood trimmings, stainless steel pedals, ambient lighting (Australia already has this as standard) and an off-road mode with Skoda’s digital driver’s display as standard equipment.

As for available drivetrains, the Skoda Karoq Scout is solely available in all-wheel drive, and with the same 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine you can get in the current Karoq, as well as a 110kW/340Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel, or a new engine to the Karoq range: a 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel that’s slated to come to Australia in the Karoq Sportline. The lower powered diesel engine is available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, whilst the petrol and higher powered diesel are available solely with the automatic.

Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for Skoda news and reviews. Read and watch our review of the Karoq 110TSI here.