Skoda launched the Kushaq in three variants in the Indian market but there have been talks of a Monte Carlo variant ever since. The Monte Carlo variant would be the new top-end variant. Now, according to Team-BHP, the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo can soon get launched.
Skoda will be adding a new range-topping variant because even the current top-spec Style variant misses out on some features that its rivals offer. Features that the Monte Carlo variant could add to the Kushaq are a digital instrument cluster, electric adjustment for the seats and a panoramic sunroof. The roof liner is also expected to be upgraded and this time it will be from the Skoda Slavia sedan.
Kushaq currently competes with Volkswagen Taigun, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, Nissan Kicks, MG Astor and Renault Duster. Currently, Skoda has three variants of Kushaq. There is Active, Ambition and Style.
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There will be no mechanical changes to the Kushaq but there will be some cosmetic upgrades because of which the Monte Carlo variant will look a bit sportier. It is expected to be offered only with the more powerful engine i.e. the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI engine. It produces 150 PS of max power and 250 Nm of peak torque.
All other variants are also offered with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI engine that produces 115 PS of max power and 178 Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
Skoda offers the 1.0 TSI with all the variants. The base variant is offered only with the manual gearbox. The 1.5 TSI is offered with only the Style variant. It is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. As of now, we do now know whether Skoda will offer both the gearboxes with the Monte Carlo variant or not.
Skoda has already added a new variant
When Skoda launched Kushaq, the top-end Style variant was not offered with 6 airbags. Skoda listened to the feedback provided by the customers and added a new variant which is simply called Style with 6 Airbags. It cost Rs. 40,000 more than the regular Style variant. The 1.0 Style AT with 6 airbags was priced at Rs. 16.99 lakhs ex-showroom whereas the Style 1.5 AT is priced at Rs. 17.99 lakhs ex-showroom. It is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The prices of Skoda Kushaq starts at Rs. 10.49 lakhs ex-showroom and goes up to Rs. 17.99 lakhs ex-showroom. The starting price of the Kushaq might seem a bit high but that is because Skoda does not have a base variant for Kushaq as every other manufacturer does. Even the low-spec Active variant comes with a decent equipment list.
Skoda Slavia
Skoda is now preparing a new mid-size sedan called Slavia. It is the replacement for the Rapid. The Slavia shares its underpinnings with the Kushaq. It is based on the same MQB-A0-IN platform. So, it has a wheelbase of 2,651 mm. The engine and gearboxes are also carried forward. So, there is a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5-litre TSI. The pre-bookings of the Slavia has already started and the deliveries will begin in the first quarter of 2022.
Also read: Skoda Kushaq SUV”s official launch & price announcement timeline revealed officially