Skoda Readying Fabia Hatchback Scout - Official Design Sketches

Yep, it's another faux-by-four variant from Skoda. In addition to the Octavia, Roomster and Fabia Estate Scout models, the Czech automaker is now getting ready to add the Scout badge to the Fabia hatchback. These official photos - courtesy of the European trademark office, show that the 5-door Fabia will receive the same visual off-road styling cues as the other Scout models meaning plenty of black plastic cladding all-around and new roof bars, and well, that's about it.

As with the Fabia Estate Scout, the hatchback model will be offered exclusively with a front-wheel drive layout while expect to see a similar engine line-up as in the standard car. That means 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter petrol engines with 85 and 105HP outputs respectively as well as two diesel powerplants, an 80HP 1.4-liter TDI and a 105HP 1.9-liter TDI.

The new Fabia Scout hatchback should make its premiere in one of the forthcoming international auto shows in Europe.

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2012 Volkswagen Passat Test Mules Hit the 'Ring

The first test mules of Volkswagen's next-generation Passat sedan are slowly starting to break cover on and around the Nurburgring race track, as the German automaker moves ahead with the development of the mid-size sedan that is expected to hit the market sometime in 2012. It's still too early for specific details but the photos reveal that the new Passat will most likely sit atop a longer and wider platform - notice the stretched B-pillar and the extended wheelarches on the test mule that uses the body of the current generation Passat.

Like most new vehicles today, it is almost certain that Volkswagen will equip the new Passat with a revised engine line up promising to offer better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

[Via: Worldcarfans]

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