Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo Edition Launched in India at Rs 15.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

Skoda has added a new variant to its successful compact SUV, the Kushaq, in India. The Monte Carlo variant adds a hint of sportiness to the SUV.

Following the trend of its previous products, Skoda Auto India has launched the Monte Carlo Edition of the Kushaq in India at Rs 15.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Costing a premium of Rs 70,00 over the top-end Style Variant, the car gets sportier updates. Here is a look at the new SUV:

What's changed on the Kushaq Monte Carlo

Being a Monte Carlo, the vehicle receives a red and black treatment that includes a blacked-out grille, scuff plate, fog lamp housing, badges and diffuser. The black treatment continues with a smoked-out headlamps, ORVMs and the roof. The car is available with both the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI engine and gets a new Tornado Red and Candy White colour option. Differentiating the larger engine from the smaller one, Skoda offers a red brake calliper on the 1.5-litre engine models. Also new to the SUV are the sportier 17-inch alloy wheels similar to the one seen on the Skoda Octavia RS.

On the inside, the sporty theme continues in black and red leather seats along with gloss red highlights elements across the dashboard's width, door cards and the centre console. In addition, the for-wheeler also gets metal pedals, red ambient lighting and Monte Carlo inscription on all headrests.

One of the biggest changes inside the cabin is the addition of a new 8-inch digital instrument cluster, like the one seen on the Skoda Slavia, in place of the analogue dials. This display feels more fitting for this model with a new red theme.

What's not changed on the Kushaq Monte Carlo

The compact SUV continues to come powered by choice of two petrol engines. The first is a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine that produces 114 bhp and 178 Nm of torque and comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The more powerful 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine produces 148 bhp and 250 Nm of torque and comes equipped with either a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG. This engine is provided with a cylinder deactivation technology that shuts off two cylinders when not required for enhanced fuel efficiency figures.

On its interiors, we see the familiar 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with a 6-speaker sound system, all-LED headlamps, automatic wipers, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a single pane sunroof and much more.

So, do you think the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo justifies it’s 70,000 premium? Let us know in the comment section below.