Skoda Fabia Scout launch next month, in an ICB Exclusive!

Skoda Fabia Scout

Numerous test mules of a Skoda Fabia wearing plenty of cladding have been spotted across varying locations in India. The extra cladding gives rise to a new car from Skoda, the Fabia Scout, and today, we’ve learnt that this car will see a launch next month. While dates are yet to confirmed, a birdie tells us that a few models are already being readied up for the motoring press for road tests.

The Skoda Fabia Scout, essentially is a reskinned Skoda Fabia Hatchback that comes with more butch looks, to end up looking like a faux crossover. We don’t expect new engines lined up for the Fabia Scout although Skoda could always pull of a surprise and we’ll be delighted if that actually happens as the 1.2 Liter MPI Petrol and TDI Diesel engines that the Fabia Scout features is quite pedestrian.

Skoda Fabia Scout

The only saving grace is the 1.6 Liter, 105 Bhp petrol engine, but since that is a guzzler, we don’t expect it to find many takers even if launched in the Fabia Scout. Internationally, the Skoda Fabia Scout Combi comes with a 1.6 Liter TDI engine and if Skoda shoehorns that engine in the Scout, it could make things a lot more interesting. Also, raised suspension and larger wheels to justify the “Scout” moniker will be on many a prospective Skoda Fabia Scout buyers’ wishlist.

Just the other day, Team ICB was testing a popular C-Segment sedan in and around Pune. While at that, we realized the various shortcomings of a sedan on bad roads, which forced us to slow to a crawl due to the massive potholes lined up on a few stretches. On such roads, a crossover with high ground clearance makes a lot more sense. The Skoda Fabia Scout could just fir the bill perfectly if Skoda India decide to jack up the suspension suitably and endow taller tyres. The big question is, will they?