Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo Launched Again; Prices Start At Rs 11.16 Lakh

• Price start at Rs 11.16 lakh and goes up to Rs 14.26 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India).
• It is priced at a premium of around 26,000 over the top-spec Style variant.
• Updates are limited to the aesthetics only.
• Will be available exclusively in Flash Red body colour.

Skoda has reintroduced the Rapid Monte Carlo in India. It is priced from Rs 11.16 lakh to Rs 14.26 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India). Skoda debuted the Rapid Monte Carlo edition back in 2017 but it was later renamed Edition 2018 due to some legal issues with the apparel brand Monte Carlo Fashions Ltd.

The new 2019 Rapid Monte Carlo edition attracts a premium of around Rs 26,000 over the Rapid Style, the top variant. For that extra premium, it gets various cosmetic updates including:

• 16-inch dual tone Clubber alloy wheels (Style variant gets single tone 16-inch Clubber alloys)

• Glossy black finish on the B pillars with MONTE CARLO flag badge
• Black roof wrap
• Black tailgate spoiler
• Monte Carlo leatherette upholstery
• Flat-bottom steering wheel
• Gear knob with black perforated leather and red decorative stitching

• Stainless steel foot pedals and scuff plates with 'MONTE CARLO' inscription
• Piano black center console

Other features on the Rapid Monte Carlo edition remain identical to the top-spec Style variant. It gets projector headlamps with LED DRLs, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, auto dimming IRVM, auto headlamps, rain sensing wipers, tilt telescopic steering, height adjustable driver seat, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For safety, it get dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold control (automatic only) and ESC (diesel automatic only).

Surprisingly, Skoda is offering only two airbags with the Monte Carlo edition despite the fact that the top-spec Style variant gets four airbags. And this is a reason why buyers who usually travel with family or sit at the back with a driver should pick the top-spec Rapid Style over the Monte Carlo. The Rapid Style is also more affordable by Rs 26,000. You will surely miss out on those cosmetic updates of the Monte Carlo edition but it is fair trade off for the extra safety.

The Rapid Monte Carlo then is particularly for those buyers who like to drive their cars themselves; the black interior with the flat-bottom steering and stainless steel pedals will give you that sporty feel inside. And on the outside, there’s the rear spoiler and roof wrap that will add to the cosmetics.

Mechanically, the Rapid Monte Carlo gets the same 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre engines from the standard car. The 1.6 litre unit makes 105PS of power and 153Nm of peak torque and the 1.5-litre engine makes 110PS/250Nm. Where the petrol Rapid is available with a 5-speed MT and a 6-speed AT, the diesel sedan can be had with a 5-speed MT and a 7-speed DSG.

Here is the price comparison between the Style and Monte Carlo edition Rapid:

Source: cardekho.com