The Indian arm of the Czech automobile manufacturer Skoda Auto India on Monday launched a new variant of its popular Skoda Rapid mid-size sedan, dubbed as the “Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo” in the Indian auto market at a starting price of Rs. 10.75 lakh (Ex-showroom). The new Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo edition has been launched in the country in order to pay homage to Skoda’s long Monte Carlo racing heritage. The special edition of Skoda Rapid now comes equipped with improved styling, exciting features, and a host of smart and luxury equipment. Skoda India has already started accepting bookings for the Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo edition, while the deliveries of the special edition of the Rapid to its owners will commence from September 2017. To pre-book the new Rapid Monte Carlo edition, prospective customers will have to visit the company’s authorised dealerships across the country. The Monte Carlo will be made available in two dual-colour choice options including Candy White with black roof and Flash Red with black roof. The new Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo edition has been offered by the company in four variants and will be available in both petrol and diesel powertrain options.
Here are the variants wise prices of the Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo:
| Model Name/Variants | Price (Ex-Showroom, Pan India) |
| Skoda Monte Carlo 1.6L MPI MT | Rs. 10.75 lakh |
| Skoda Monte Carlo 1.6L MPI AT | Rs. 11.97 lakh |
| Skoda Monte Carlo 1.5L TDI MT | Rs. 12.46 lakh |
| Skoda Monte Carlo 1.5L TDI AT | Rs. 13.57 lakh |
Commenting on the launch of the new Monte Carlo edition, Mr Ashutosh Dixit – Director: Sales, Service & Marketing, Skoda Auto India, said, “The new Monte Carlo is an integral part of our model offensive strategy in India. The Monte Carlo offers a compelling combination of the brand’s emotional design, exquisite interiors, and host of convenience features, leading safety as well as intelligent connectivity features. The Monte Carlo is positioned at the top end of the segment and is targeted at the discerning customer who wants a premium experience.”
Engine & Performance:
Talking about its mechanical department, the new Monte Carlo edition will be offered in two powertrain options — one petrol variant and one diesel variant. The petrol variant Monte Carlo is powered by a 1.6-litre MPI petrol engine that generates 104bhp of peak power against the peak torque of 153Nm. On the other hand, the diesel variant Monte Carlo is powered by a 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine that churns out 108bhp of peak power against the peak torque of 250 Nm. The petrol engine comes mated to a five-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission setup, while the turbocharged diesel mill comes mated to a five-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG transmission setup. Actually, the five-speed manual transmission is standard on both the engine variants. In terms of fuel efficiency, the petrol engine offers 15.41 kmpl on manual transmission variant and 14.84 kmpl on the automatic transmission variant. On the other hand, the diesel engine offers 21.72 kmpl on 7-speed DSG automatic transmission variant and 21.13 kmpl on the 5-speed manual transmission variant.
Exterior and Interior:
As we mentioned, the Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo edition comes in two body colour options including Candy White with black roof and Flash Red with black roof. The Monte Carlo features an all-black black radiator grille with a black border, black ORVMs, dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels, rear black tailgate spoiler and the black grained diffuser on the exterior. In addition, a Monte Carlo badge has also been added on each of the B-pillars.
Inside the cabin, the Skoda Monte Carlo receives a 3-spoke super sports flat bottom steering wheel finished in black perforated leather and red decorative stitching. The car also gets black and red contrast stitching on gearstick knob, black interior decor, all black dashboard, a sporty graphic instrument cluster, a black boot spoiler and ribbed sporty stainless steel foot pedals for a racing feel. The car’s interior also comes decorated with special sporty Monte Carlo trademark leatherette seats finished in a black & red design with grey vertical stripes. Other highlights on the vehicle include Monte Carlo design front door sill strips, piano black AC vents, special cushion pillows and sporty textile mats with red stitching.
To further enhance its sporty character, the Monte Carlo edition features a new 6.5-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, called the “Drive”. The new infotainment system supports SmartLink, MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. MirrorLink technology allows you to pair a smartphone with the car. Other standard features on the Monte Carlo edition include Rain sensing wiper system, Auto-dimming electrochromic interior mirror, cruise control, and parking sensors with rear view camera.
Safety:
In terms of safety, the new Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo edition offers various safety features including Dual airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Electronic stability program, Hill start assist, Parktonic rear parking sensors, Central locking with remote control, Child safety lock and much more.
In the Indian market, the new Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo will compete against the likes of Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Volkswagen Vento, and the all-new Hyundai Verna.
