Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo Is Back; Priced At Rs 11.16 Lakh

• The Rapid Monte Carlo is available in all engine-transmission combinations.
• Is based on the Style variant; it is priced at a premium of Rs 26,000.
• It gets black cosmetic highlights along with an all-black interior.
• The compact sedan remains mechanically unchanged.

Skoda has re-introduced the Monte Carlo moniker in India. Based on the Rapid, it pays homage to Skoda’s motorsport heritage and the Rallye Monte Carlo. The Rapid Monte Carlo will be available with all the four drivetrain options - petrol MT/AT and diesel MT/AT - with prices starting from Rs 11.16 lakh (ex-showroom). This edition is based on the top-spec Style variant of the sedan and is priced at a premium of Rs 26,000. The Rapid Monte Carlo distinguishes itself from the standard car with the help of a few black visual tweaks on the outside and new accessories on the inside. But before we go through them, let’s have a look at the prices.

• 1.6 MPI Petrol MT - Rs 11.16 Lakh
• 1.6 MPI Petrol AT - Rs 12.36 Lakh
• 1.5 TDI Diesel MT - Rs 13.00 Lakh
• 1.5 TDI Diesel AT - Rs 14.65 Lakh

The Rapid Monte Carlo is only available with the Flash Red paint option and gets blacked-out cosmetic elements. At the front, it gets a gloss black grille complemented by black ORVM covers. From the side, the 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels get glossy black bolt covers while the B-pillars get a black garnish with a 'MONTE CARLO' flag badge. At the rear, the sedan features a black tailgate spoiler and the black grained diffuser as well. A black roof foil completes the look.

Inside, you get an all-black cabin with a SuperSport flat-bottom steering wheel, piano black centre console, special Monte Carlo leatherette upholstery (with red and silver accents), and stainless steel foot pedals and scuff plates. In terms of features, it gets all the kit from the top-spec Style variant, including a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, a front armrest, and tinted windows and windscreen.

The Rapid Monte Carlo is offered with VW Group’s 1.5-litre TDI diesel and the 1.6-litre MPI petrol engines. The diesel engine produces 110PS of max power and 250Nm of peak torque. It gets the option of a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG with claimed efficiency figures of 21.13 kmpl (MT) and 21.72 kmpl (DSG). The petrol motor makes 105PS of peak power and 153Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual with a claimed efficiency of 14.84 kmpl (AT) and 15.41 kmpl (MT).

The Skoda Rapid rivals sedans like the Volkswagen Vento, Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Toyota Yaris and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

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