The sporty-looking Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo has just been launched in India. Available with all four engine and gearbox options, the new top-spec version of Skoda’s midsize-SUV is priced from Rs 15.99 lakh to Rs 19.49 lakh, ex-showroom, India. For the Rs 70,000-80,000 premium you pay over the respective Style* variant, you get some level of distinction both outside and in, along with some more creature comforts and tech.
All the chrome bits on the outside of the standard Kushaq — from the front grille and front and rear diffusers to the Skoda and Kushaq badges on the boot — have been replaced by glossy black ones, lending the Monte Carlo a more athletic look. Monte Carlo badges on the front fender replace the Skoda badges, and 17-inch alloys from the Octavia RS have supplanted the standard 17-inch ones, both of which just add to the appeal.
Skoda offers the Kushaq Monte Carlo in two dual-tone finishes — red and black, and white and black. There’s also a differentiator between the 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI versions. The 148-bhp Kushaq Monte Carlos get red brake calipers.
The red and black theme continues inside, as does the bevy of Monte Carlo badges. The front door sills, and all four headrests have Monte Carlo clearly visible, while the red highlights all about — from the inserts on the dashboard, centre console, and doors to the sed stitching on the steering and armrests are in line with the overall concept.
In terms of equipment, you get an eight-speaker sound system with a subwoofer (an upgrade from the six-speaker one in the standard car), and the 8-inch digital instrument cluster seen in the Skoda Slavia. Every other bit of kit on the Style variants, such as the six airbags, the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the start-stop technology, and the wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, continues to be offered.
