Skoda Auto India launches the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo edition in India. The Monte Carlo edition is a homage to the brand’s motorsport heritage and Rallye Monte Carlo. The Kushaq becomes only the second product in India to get the exclusive Monte Carlo badge. The first product to get the Monte Carlo edition was the now-discontinued Rapid sedan.
According to the company, the Monte Carlo edition celebrates success at the famous Monte Carlo Rally and Skoda’s INDIA 2.0 initiative. The SUV gets a host of updates to differentiate it from the other variants in the Kushaq lineup.
The Kushaq Monte Carlo will be available with two engine and transmission options. The prices start at INR 15,99,000 ex-showroom for the 1.0-litre TSI with the manual gearbox, while the automatic retails at INR 17,69,000 ex-showroom.
The Monte Carlo will also be available with the 1.5-litre TSI engine. The 1.5-litre TSI manual variant costs INR 17,89,000 ex-showroom. At the same time, the top-end 1.5-litre TSI with DSG gearbox will cost INR 19,49,000 ex-showroom.
The Monte Carlo will be exclusively available in two colours – Tornado Red and Candy White.
Starting at the front, the Monte Carlo gets the signature front grille with a Glossy Black surround. It continues to get LED headlights with Crystalline detailing and DRLs. The bumper also gets a diffuser, and L-shaped surrounds for air vents in a Glossy Black finish. The car’s roof is now painted in Carbon Steel finish and features new black roof rails.
The side of the car continues the Red and Black theme. The ORVMs feature a gloss black finish, while the door handles get a dark chrome finish. In addition to this, it also gets a new side fender garnish with a Monte Carlo logo. As a first-ever visual differentiator between the two engines, the Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI now gets Sporty Red calipers in the front. Furthermore, both get new dual-tone 17-inch ‘Vega’ alloy wheels to complete the side look.
The highlights at the rear include a Glossy Black rear diffuser and trunk garnish. At the end of the roof also sits a new dual-tone tailgate spoiler. All the inscriptions on the car are also finished in a matching Glossy Black look.
Continuing the Monte Carlo theme, the interiors feature Red and Black dual-tone upholstery with Ruby Red Metallic inserts. The ambient lighting on the car is also now in red colour. The front centre armrest, door armrest and 2-spoke steering wheel also get contrasting red stitching. The headrests and scuff plates get Monte Carlo inscriptions.
The Kushaq Monte Carlo now gets the 8-inch Virtual Cockpit display, like the Slavia. However, the instrument cluster in the Kushaq Monte Carlo gets a red theme. In addition to this, the 10-inch infotainment system with Skoda Play Apps also gets a red theme. The accelerator, brake and clutch pedals get grippy aluminium pedals for a sporty touch.
Mechanically, the Kushaq Monte Carlo uses the same engines and transmission options. The 1.0-litre TSI engine produces 115 PS and 175 Nm of torque. The transmission options for the 1.0-litre include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. On the other hand, the bigger 1.5-litre TSI makes 150 PS and 250 Nm. Similar to the 1.0-litre TSI, it gets a 6-speed manual. However, the automatic unit on the 1.5-litre TSI is a 7-speed DSG.
However, the addition of Start-Stop Recuperation on the 1.0-litre TSI is new for the Monte Carlo, which helps improve fuel efficiency.
Also Read: Skoda hikes Kushaq SUV prices up to INR 70,000