Even with all the victories it's achieved and championship titles it’s taken, the ŠKODA FABIA R5 is not exactly a practical car. Its basic equipment may include two spare wheels, but it still lacks rear seats and the interior space is severely limited by the rollcage. However, ŠKODA now has something to offer to those who desire a powerful, rugged family car with a 4x4 drive. It’s the new SUPERB SCOUT - and it’s similar to the rally car in many respects.
The most distinctive feature of the SCOUT version is the rough road package, which is fitted as standard. It includes the lower engine cover, sill covers and a ground clearance increase of 15 mm. All of these are things familiar to rally mechanics. While they probably wouldn’t be enough for it to deal with Turkey’s rough gravel roads, the SUPERB SCOUT would cope well with all the other rallies – including the deep cuts in Germany or Corsica. More plastic covers are there to prevent damage to the wheel wells and lower parts of the doors. For driving in genuine wilderness, the SCOUT offers, on top of the standard-fitted 4x4 system, a new Offroad mode for the Driving Mode Select. Optionally, it can also be equipped with a DCC adaptive suspension with adjustable damper stiffness.
Excellent 4x4 and benevolent stability control
The ŠKODA SUPERB SCOUT is only offered with the most powerful engines, four-wheel-drive and seven speed DSG gearbox. The 2.0 TDI engine gives you 140 kW (190 PS) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, while the 2.0 TSI petrol engine is able to generate 200 kW (272 PS) with a maximum torque of 350 Nm. That’s just 12 kW less than the FABIA R5. The power of the two-litre TSI is quite remarkable, endowing the practical estate with very respectable dynamics. Driving the SUPERB SCOUT on the wide gravel roads of Finland is a real treat.
With the ESC in the Sport mode, the car is very responsive to shifting weight and it turns into corners with a slight drift - just like when Jan Kopecký drives a tiny bit sideways, chasing the best time. The stability control is really precisely tuned. Based on the smoothness of the driver’s reactions, it is able to judge their level of control over the vehicle and set the threshold for intervention. Put simply, that means that the smoother you are in correcting the over- or understeer, the more freedom the ESC will give you. For driving on an unpaved surface, such set-up is truly great. On tarmac, the suspension dampers with longer travel provide great driving comfort and stability.
Exclusive equipment
The SUPERB SCOUT comes with various exclusive features, like the newly introduced Tangerine orange metallic finish, together with 18” Braga light alloy wheels fitted as standard. Those can also be ordered in a bi-colour version, which is also true for the optional 19” Manaslu rims. The foldable tow bar allows you to tow a trailer weighing up to 2,200 kg. Inside, there are attention-grabbing wood trim panels with the SCOUT logo. The logo is also embroidered into the front seats. The standard equipment also includes heated Alcantara and leather seats with contrasting brown stitching.
With either engine, the SUPERB SCOUT is quite a brisk companion, perfect for an adventurous family or a rally fan. There’ll be no stopping you on soaking wet Welsh fields - and you can even sleep in its huge luggage compartment, securing the best spot at the rally stage in advance!
