From Auto-Trail’s formidable Frontier range of larger-than-average coachbuilt motorhomes, the Scout offers what, for many, is something of a Holy Grail for motorhome layouts – a magnificently spacious rear lounge.
Size matters
It’s set in its 8m-plus long body that speaks pure luxury. Fiat’s Ducato is the base vehicle, with the addition of an Al-Ko chassis extending from behind the cab. This is what gives the Auto-Trail Frontier Scout a more pliant ride, and indeed centre of gravity, compared to other motorhomes around this size.
As standard, it has Fiat’s 140bhp engine, but doubtless, at this level you’ll want to consider the 180bhp and nine-speed automatic transmission upgrades for more relaxed driving that need not necessarily be any less economical.
This model here is the Hi-line version that has an extra double bed in its heightened overcab pod. It also means an extra 7cm or so in total vehicle height compared to the Lo-line equivalent, where you get storage rather than the extra bed.
You could, also, opt for two more seat belts in the rear-facing seat of the double dinette if you wanted to transport a full complement of six people, as in the model reviewed here. Whichever options you go for, there’s plenty of payload to cope, thanks to a chassis that has a maximum 4,500kg weight rating.
There’s even a choice of five cab colours for the Auto-Trail Frontier Scout – five greys or black. Note also the trademark Auto-Trail details on the all-GRP coachbuilt bodywork – items like the recessed awning and spare wheel cover at the back. These days the latter is not just a sleeker design, it’s complemented by all-LED lights with progressive indicators. And there’s a rea view camera so you can keep an eye on what’s behind you in traffic as well as when parking.
Inside the Auto-Trail Frontier Scout, just check out that lounge because it’s one of the biggest you’ll get in any motorhome.
Its large side windows come with voiles, curtains, concertina blinds and flyscreens, while a large rooflight is a major boon to letting as much daylight in here as possible, whilst also providing ventilation when needed. That double-glazed, top-hinged window across the back is sizeable, too.
There are also upper-level lockers to three sides.
There’s an even larger skylight at the front of the Scout. It follows the swooping lines of the overcab section, extending right into the front lounge area.
That overcab pod adds to the feeling of space, while making the bed couldn’t be simpler – you just pull out a section of the mattress and add the ladder for access.
Dimensions-wise, the biggest bed is the 2.08m x 1.95m mattress area you can make at the back. Or you could go for twin singles here.
Then there’s the double from the dinette seating. All comfortably exceed 6ft in length.
As we’ve come to expect from any Auto-Trail motorhome, there’s a particularly impressive kitchen. There’s a full cooker, of course, with dual-fuel hob (three gas rings, one electric hotplate) and the oven and grill are separate. There’s even enough space for a permanent drainer to the sink. There’s excellent storage, too.
The fridge is at the other side of the habitation door. Total capacity here is a mighty 171 litres. Above it, the microwave oven is housed – a little high for some, maybe.
The washroom in the Auto-Trail Frontier Scout has the usual facilities – swivel-bowl toilet, the handbasin is fixed/integrated, there’s enough space for a separate shower cubicle with folding doors and the shower itself is on a riser bar. There’s also a handy drop-down rail. The only surprise is the lack of a window.
As for other equipment, like its Frontier stablemates the Scout is all set to offer a life of touring luxury. There’s on-board Wi-Fi and a 21.5in Avtex TV as standard.
Heating and hot water is via an Alde system. Auto-Trail Connect includes a Thatcham S7 tracking system and the colour reversing camera, which will both attract a discount on your motorhome insurance. There’s also a 100Watt solar panel and you get two 92Ah AGM leisure batteries. There’s plenty more, of course.
To find out more about insuring an Auto-Trail Frontier Scout or your current motorhome visit our motorhome insurance discounts page.
Verdict: Rear lounges rule, OK?
Plus: End lounge and sheer living space throughout, five-year conversion and bodywork warranty
Minus: Only the 140bhp engine as standard, no washroom window
In-a-nutshell: Scout leader
Alternatives: Elddis Autoquest 196, Swift Kon-Tiki 874
Auto-Trail Frontier Scout Hi-line factfile
Model | Auto-Trail Frontier Scout Hi-line |
Base vehicle | Fiat Ducato, 2.2-litre, 140bhp, Euro 6d |
Dimensions | 8.07m L x 2.35m W x 3.16m H |
Berths | Six |
Travel seats | Four (upgradable to five, or six) |
Maximum weight | 4,500kg |
Payload | From 800kg |
MPG estimate | 24-28 |
RRP | From £98,654 on the road |
Safety & security | Electronic immobiliser, Auto-Trail Connect with Thatcham 7 tracking system, colour reversing camera, ABS, remote central locking to cab doors, twin airbags, European Whole Vehicle Type Approval, fire extinguisher, smoke and CO alarms |
Key options | 180bhp engine with automatic transmission (£2,820 plus £3,840?), detachable towbar and electrics (£684), rear corner steadies (£168), coffee table (£210), seatbelts to rear-facing dinette seat (£931), Media+ Pack satellite TV upgrade (£1,000) |
Wow!, more and more Motorhomes are coming in at around £100k these days…. this market is becoming more and more just for the elite earners and those with more money than they know what to do with.