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Joining the Octavia in Scaron;koda's scout line is the quirky-cool Roomster MPV. Unlike the Octavia Scout, which at least has all-wheel-drive, the Roomster Scout remains a FWD-only vehicle, and the Scout trim is just a butch appearance package. That said, it looks good wearing the Audi Allroad-style black lower body cladding, and the chunky 5-spoke wheels would look good on just about anything.

We like the the current crop of Scaron;kodas, and the uniquely-styled Roomster is the kind of station wagon replacement we'd be into driving. As for the Roomster Scout, it comes with a choice of two gasoline and two TDI powerplants, and will make its debut next week at both the Essen and Bologna Motor Shows. If you're in one of Scaron;koda's markets, you can buy one in March.

(Rear view, press release after the jump)

[Source: Scaron;koda]


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PRESS RELEASE:
NEW Scaron;KODA ROOMSTER SCOUT
Scaron;koda Auto is introducing the Roomster Scout, a brand new version of its compact MPV. After the premiere of the Octavia Scout at the Paris Motor Show, the Roomster Scout is a second vehicle of the Scout family, a design line that adds distinct off-road elements to passenger vehicles.

Compared with the basic version, the Roomster Scout is mainly different in terms of new design elements and larger outer dimensions (4,219 mm x 1,695 mm x 1,650 mm). . Just like the basic version, the Roomster Scout is a front-wheel drive vehicle.

The Roomster Scout comes with 16" alloy wheels in the standard package, 17" wheels are available as an optional equipment item. Developed exclusively for this particular model, the design of the Scout wheel is very distinct. In general, the Scout packet gives the Roomster a modern, leisure-time image. The side covers and the silver part of the rear bumper are items that have already become characteristic of the Scout line.

The SunSet system in the tailgate, rear side windows and the rear windows (dark tinted glass in the standard package) makes the vehicle's exterior even more attractive. The dashboard comes in the Onyx/Onyx and Onyx/Silver versions, the seat upholstery material is identical with that in the Octavia Scout.

Two four-cylinder petrol engines are available ndash; 1.4 16V/63 kW and 1.6 16V/77 kW. Customers preferring TDI engines can choose between the three-cylinder 1.4 TDI PD/59 kW and the four-cylinder 1.9 TDI PD/77 kW. All of the engines come with five-speed manual transmissions, the 1.6 16V/77 kW version is also available with the Tiptronic six-speed automatic transmission system.

The Roomster Scout is going to have a world premiere at the Essen and Bologna motor shows in early December. The market launch is planned for March 2007.