Skoda has introduced an exciting Monte Carlo Edition of its Rapid in the country at Rs 10.75 lakh (ex-showroom). The mechanicals are kept intact but the visual appeal has been upped a notch thanks to intelligent tweaks and add-ons to the stock Rapid.
The Rapid Monte Carlo Edition is based on the regular Skoda Rapid which received a cosmetic overhaul a little less than a year ago. Based on the top-end Style variant of the regular Rapid, the Monte Carlo Edition is priced at a premium of around Rs 50,000 and gets cosmetic enhancements that make it a tempting product in a segment currently ruled by the Honda City and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Let’s take a look at some of the additional features on offer:
The Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo Edition features a combination of red or white body paint along with black accents on the front grille, headlamp inserts, outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) and the taillamp cluster. Additionally, this version also gets 16-inch alloy wheels as standard.
The Rapid Monte Carlo Edition also gets a black rear spoiler.
The Rapid Monte Carlo Edition features a sportier all-black cabin with contrast red stitching on the seats and steering wheel. The special edition variant also gets aluminium foot pedals and a flat-bottom steering wheel to give it a sportier ambiance.
Other than the above mentioned cosmetic changes, the Rapid Monte Carlo Edition is similar to the regular version. Based on the Style variant of the regular sedan, the Rapid Monte Carlo features an extensive list of equipment which includes cruise control, a 6.5-inch touchscreen Drive infotainment system with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity option, automatic front wiper with rain sensor, a cooled glovebox and LED daytime running lights.
In terms of powertrain options, the Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo Edition features the same 1.6-litre MPI petrol engine which develops 110PS and 153Nm of torque and the 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine which produces 105PS pf power and 250Nm of torque. While both engines come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the petrol variant can be had with a 6-speed tiptronic (torque converter) transmission while the diesel variant is available with the 7-speed dual clutch (DSG) automatic. The claimed fuel efficiency figures for the petrol (manual) and diesel (manual) variants are 15.41 kmpl and 21.13 kmpl, respectively. The diesel-DSG duo delivers a claimed fuel efficiency of 21.72kmpl while the petrol-AT pair delivers 14.84kmpl.
Both variants get driver and front passenger airbags along with ABS (anti-lock braking system) as standard. Additionally, the diesel automatic variant gets electronic stability control (ESC) and hill-hold function as well.
The Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo Edition will compete with the Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, the Volkswagen Vento and the all new Hyundai Verna. Recently, Maruti Suzuki too launched a sportier version of its sedan called the Ciaz S which too features a body kit, an all-black cabin and a rear spoiler. At a starting price of Rs 9.39 lakh, the Ciaz S too makes for a compelling choice for those looking to buy a premium sedan with an all-black cabin that stands out from the regular variants.
Source: CarDekho.com
