Start-up Scout reveals near-production Harvester

Complementing the bluff but rounded exterior style is a cabin that also takes it stylistic lead from the original Scout. It’s prepared for the 21^st century with a central touchscreen, but there’s also a welcome bank of toggle switches on the dashboard.

Under the retro skin is an equally old-school construction method with a separate body-on-frame arrangement. Despite the fact that the American car-maker is backed by Volkswagen, the Scout isn’t derived from the German MEB or PPE platform; the batteries and electronics come from Magma.

Responding to the downturn in interest for pure electric vehicles, Scout will deviate from its original plan by offering a petrol range extender. It brings the total range to 500 miles from the electric-only 350 miles.

The battery size is yet to be confirmed but we do know that it’s paired with a dual motor four-wheel drive set up. With 1,355Nm (1,000lb ft) driving through all four tyres, both the Traveler and Terra will be capable of 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds. Plenty quick enough for the school run or trip to the builders’ merchants.

Pricing will start from the equivalent of £46,000 in the States before taking into account incentive schemes. Manufacture will take place in South Carolina from 2027 and Volkswagen projects an annual volume of 200,000 units.