The Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo is a sporty and stylish compact SUV. It is a special version of the standard Kushaq, offering sportier looks while retaining the same size and space. It is available with two turbo-petrol engine options, and a new 8-speed automatic gearbox is also offered with the 1.0-litre engine, which is a first in the segment. The car’s exterior and interior feature a black and red theme, making it stand out and look attractive. It also comes with features like a panoramic sunroof, full LED lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. We recently drove the Kushaq Monte Carlo, and here’s how this SUV feels to drive.
Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo: Exterior Design
The Monte Carlo’s front end looks unique and aggressive for its segment. It gets a piano black grille, red highlights, and a checkered flag design that adds a racing touch. Full LED headlamps and DRLs offer excellent visibility at night. The side profile includes 17-inch alloy wheels, black ORVMs, and Monte Carlo badging. Functional roof rails and a large panoramic sunroof further enhance its premium appeal. At the rear, connected LED taillights, a roof spoiler, and gloss black elements give it a modern look. The boot space stands at 491 litres, which is sufficient for family use.
Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo: Interior Design
The cabin of the Kushaq Monte Carlo feels spacious and comfortable. Rear passengers get good legroom and headroom. The rear seat comes with an armrest, AC vents, and Type-C charging ports. It also offers a rear seat massage function, which is quite unique in this segment. The front seats are ventilated and offer two-level cooling. Red stitching and a carbon-fibre-style finish on the dashboard add to the sporty feel. The interior also includes a digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, and wireless charging. The 6-speaker sound system with a subwoofer delivers a decent audio experience.
Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo: Engine and Performance
The Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo comes with two engine options: a 1.0L turbo-petrol engine producing 118 bhp and 178 Nm of torque, and a 1.5L turbo-petrol engine producing 148 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. The 1.0L engine is paired with a new 8-speed automatic gearbox that offers smooth and quick shifts. However, the 1.5L engine is more powerful and also gets cylinder deactivation technology, which helps improve fuel efficiency.
Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo: Driving Experience
We drove the 1.0L engine with the 8-speed automatic gearbox. The gearbox feels smooth and shifts quickly. It offers good pickup in the city and cruises comfortably at low RPMs on the highway. There is minimal lag in traffic, and the throttle response is quite good. The engine feels more responsive in Sport mode, although it does get slightly noisy beyond 3000 RPM. The seats are well-cushioned and comfortable for long drives. The suspension setup is balanced and handles sharp turns confidently. This SUV also comes with standard safety features like 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, and traction control. It has received a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, making it a safe choice.
How much will the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo cost?
The Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo is expected to be priced between ₹10.5 lakh and ₹19 lakh (ex-showroom). In this price range, it offers a good combination of style, features, and performance.
Our Opinion: Is the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo value for money?
If you are looking for a compact SUV that is sporty, feature-rich, and fun to drive, the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo is a strong option. Features like the new 8-speed automatic gearbox, ventilated seats, and rear seat massage function make it stand out. Overall, it is a great choice for buyers who want a mix of style and performance.
