Skoda Fabia Scout India launch soon

German car manufacturer, Skoda will likely launch their estate inspired Fabia Scout in India by late 2011 or early 2012.

The Fabia Scout is 4,247 mm long which is 247 mm more than the Skoda Fabia small car presently sold in the country. Also, Fabia has 315 litres of boot space while the Fabia Scout has 505 litres of boot space, which is at par with some of the small sedans available in India. Also read: Skoda Rapid sedan India launch soon

Let’s take a closer look at the Fabia Scout:

Exterior

The Fabia Scout looks robust and masculine thanks to its specially designed bumpers and plastic coverings along the wheel arches. It’s basically a taller Fabia estate and has minor design elements which make it look like a soft-roader.

It’s also similar to the Fabia small car in terms of design and this may not be appreciated in Indian markets where customers would like their cars to stand out from its less expensive sibling.

Interior

While it’s too early to gauge the quality of interiors on the upcoming Fabia Scout, we expect the car to come with a height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, all power windows, rear air-con vents, dual glove box, coat hooks and all fabric upholstery (no leather) as in the Fabia.

Further, the dashboard would be loaded with a multifunction display that will display the distance travelled, average speed, immediate fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, travel distance before refuelling, service interval, outside temperature etc. Also read: Skoda Yeti Elegance 2.0 TDI 4×4 (off) road test

Engine

The Fabia Scout sold in the U.S market has four petrol engines with powers ranging from 86 hp to 105 hp and three diesel engines with powers ranging from 75 hp to 105 hp.

The India-bound Fabia Scout could share its engines with the Fabia. The India specific Fabia comes with two 1.2 litre engines (diesel and petrol) both of which produce 75 hp of power. It also comes with a 1.6 litre petrol engine that produces 105 hp of maximum power.

Safety Features

The Fabia Scout will likely come with ABS, a Motor Speed Regulator, Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Dual Rate Brake Assist as in the current Fabia. We expect it to be loaded with safety features considering the segment it targets.

Price

Skoda has already achieved 40% localization for the Fabia small car and we expect the Fabia Scout to have similar levels of localization if Skoda is to price it aggressively.

The Fabia Scout will attract buyers who are looking for a solid vehicle fit for long distance drives and can house the entire family in comfort.

Fabia Scout vs. competition

The Indigo Marina seems to be the only car which belongs to the same category as the Fabia Scout in India. The Fabia Scout will have an edge over the Indigo Marina in many aspects such as performance, handling and fuel efficiency. Also Skoda as a brand has a premium image as far as India is concerned and will rope in customers from a different financial background altogether.