Škoda has confirmed a Scout variant of the Kodiaq will debut at the Geneva motor show in March wearing a rugged body kit and underbody protection.

All-wheel-drive is standard, suspension ride height has been increased and 19-inch model-specific alloy wheels are fitted.

Engines range from a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol with 150PS to a 2.0-litre diesel with 190PS. The most frugal is the 150PS diesel which emits 139g/km of CO2 and returns 53.3mpg.

Its off-road intentions are accentuated by silver-coloured design details including underbody protection at the front and rear and tinted windows.

Scout models are based on the SE trim level with the addition of Off-Road Assist, a Rough-Road package and front and rear Park Assist. Standard equipment includes Driving Mode Select, air conditioning and alcantara-covered seats.

The Kodiaq is available with a range of new functions for the brand including Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect, and Rear Traffic Alert. The Crew Protect Assist function, which closes windows and the sunroof in the event of an impending accident and tensions the seat belts of the front seats, works in conjunction with the improved Front Assist function, which includes the City Emergency Brake and predictive Pedestrian Protection functions.

The Area-View system is also a first for Škoda, surround-view cameras are located in the front and rear sections as well as in the wing mirrors and allow views of the area immediately surrounding the vehicle to be displayed on the monitor. These include a virtual top-down view and 180-degree images from the areas to the front and rear. This makes it easier to drive in confusing situations or on rough terrain.

More information will be available closer to the official unveil in Geneva on March 9.

Click here to read our roadtest of the Skoda Kodiaq.