Skoda to launch Kushaq Monte Carlo on 9th May

Skoda used to offer a sporty looking Monte Carlo variant of the Rapid mid-size sedan. When the Kukshaq was launched, many people were hoping that Skoda would also launch the Monte Carlo variant. Then images of the Kushaq Monte Carlo variant were leaked online which meant that Skoda will be launching the new variant soon. According to Autocar India, Skoda will launch the Kushaq Monte Carlo on the 9th of May.

The Monte Carlo variant would be priced around Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 80,000 more than the range-topping Style variant. The Monte Carlo variants are expected to be offered in only red and white colours. The Monte Carlo variant would get cosmetic upgrades over the regular Kushaq that will make the Kushaq look sportier.

Also read: Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo: New details surface

The cosmetic changes would be blacked-out wing mirrors, grille, bumper inserts and roof. The front and rear skid plates are also now finished in black instead of silver. The badges are now blacked-out and there is a Monte Carlo badge on the side fender instead of a Skoda one. On the sides, there are new alloy wheels that are taken from the previous generation Skoda Octavia RS 245. The alloys are wrapped in 205/55 R17 tyres.

There are some changes to the interior also. It would come with a black and red cabin theme. So, the seats are finished in black and red upholstery and the doors and dashboard get a red insert. The biggest feature addition to the Kushaq Monte Carlo will be the digital instrument cluster which will be taken from the Slavia.

The rest of the feature equipment is expected to stay same as the Style variant. For safety, it will come with Electronic Stability Control, Multi Collision Braking, Hill Hold Control, Traction Control System, Brake Disc Wiping, Roll Over Protection, curtain airbags, front side airbags, and tyre pressure monitoring system.

Other features include auto-dimming IRVM, keyless entry, push-button to start/stop the engine, ventilated seats, electric sunroof, 6 speaker sound system with subwoofer, LED tail lamps, automatic headlamps, automatic wipers, wireless charging and much more.

As per rumours, Skoda will be offering the Monte Carlo variant with both 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI and with both manual gearbox as well as the automatic gearbox. There will be no mechanical changes.

So, the 1.0-litre TSI produces 115 PS of max power and 175 Nm of peak torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Then there is a 1.5-litre TSI that produces 150 PS of max power and 250 Nm of peak torque. It is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Skoda Kushaq currently competes against the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun and Maruti Suzuki S-Cross. Because of its pricing, it also has to go against some big SUVs such as MG Hector, Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV700.

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