It has been four years since Skoda Fabia came on the Indian roads. When Fabia Scout reaches Skoda fans yet again, its not marketing tricks that Skoda has aimed at, but its the brand name itself. This is the reason why Scout reaches India after quite some time.
Fabia Scout is built on the same platform as Volkswagon Polo. Eventhough built on the same platform, Scout does not have the same look. This review is about the full option Skoda Fabia Scout.
DESIGN
Usually, when a revised model is introduced, some changes are made here and there. But that is not the case with Fabia Scout. The difference in appearance can be felt at first look itself. One of the specialities worth mention is the black coloured cladding. The Skoda logo is placed at the middle of the chrome finished bumper. The exterior is newly designed and the lines of the bonet gives a sporty look to Scout.
Scout, which was displayed in Delhi Auto Expo has attracted many eyes with its new features. A compact body, showy headlamps, blossomed circular fog lamps are absolute match for the car, which has 15 inch alloy wheels with Skoda logo.
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| The New Dual Toned Interior |
The changes in the exterior also reflects inside the car. Fabia has the best in class interior space among Diesel hatches. The dual toned dashboard looks attractive and luxurious. The quality of plastic used is the best and flawless.
Scout has a 2-DIN built-in audio player that gives rocking music. This is adjoined by four door speakers. Leather covered stearing wheel, gear knobs, hand-break lever, etc. adds to the luxury of Fabia Scout. The steering gives very good back support. Five persons can travel luxuriously in the spacious car. The height of driving seat is adjustable and there is enough leg space. Both front and rear doors have power windows with cup holders on each.
Scout has a key with remote that can be folded. This makes locking and unlocking of doors, windows and boot very easy. The door locking switch is placed near the gear knobe. The safety features include child-proof rear door and window lock. Two air bags add to the safety features, the boot has a capacity of 315 litres.
TECHNICAL & DRIVE
Scout has two variants in petrol and diesel. The engine has not changed from the previous model. The 1.2L petrol engine delivers a max power of 70bhp at 5400rpm and a peak torque of 108Nm at 3000rpm.
The diesel version has a 1.2L TDA 3-cylinder engine. It gives a top power of 70bhp at 4200rpm and 180Nm peak torque at 2000rpm. Both versions has a 5-speed manual transmission gear box. Scout is best suited for family voyages. The spacious interior makes journey just more than enjoyable. Eventhough there is some noise due to the 3-cylinder engine, it is not a matter to give attention to. A sudden pick up can be expected for the new Scout. However, the gear shift could have been made a little more smoother. There is enough stability for the car at high speeds. Scout ensures high performance at the top gear. The 4-spoke stearing wheel helps Indian conditions and bends and turns can be negotiated with ease. Fabia Scout is made for long trips. The petrol version has a mileage of 16.4 kmpl and the diesel model 21kmpl.
VERDICT
It could be said undoubtedly that Skoda Fabia Scout is the best one for those looking for a premium hatch.
IN A BOX
| FEATURE | PETROL | DIESEL |
|---|---|---|
Engine | Petrol engine, in-line, liquid cooling system, 12V DOHC, transverse in front | Turbocharged diesel engine, in-line, liquid cooling system, high-pressure direct injection system, 12V DOHC, transverse in front |
Displacement (cc) | 1198 | 1199 |
Max Power/revs (bhp at rpm) | 75/5400 | 75/4200 |
Max Torque/revs (Nm at rpm) | 110/3750 | 180/2000 |
Transmission | 5 Speed Manual | 5 Speed Manual |
Suspension-Front | McPherson with lower triangular links and torsion stabiliser | McPherson with lower triangular links and torsion stabiliser |
Suspension-Rear | Compound link crank-axle | Compound link crank-axle |
Dimensions LxWxH (mm) | 4032 x 1658 x 1522 | 4032 x 1658 x 1522 |
Kerb/Gross Weight (kg) | 1070/1550 | 1152/1644 |
Brake-Front | Disc with inner cooling with single/piston floating caliper | Disc with inner cooling with single/piston floating caliper |
Brake-Rear | Drum Brakes | Drum Brakes |
Wheel Base (mm) | 2465 | 2465 |
Ground Clearance (mm) | 158 | 158 |
Mileage (kmpl) | 16.4 | 21 |
