Skoda’s famed ‘Monte Carlo’ badge is back in business. However, it’s on a compact SUV this time around. Which one? Well, that’s simple – the Kushaq. And what’s really great here is that the brand hasn’t shied away from creating multiple variants with the Monte Carlo branding. So, you can have the sporty treatment with manual and automatic versions of both TSI engines. Here are the prices of all the Monte Carlo variants:

• 1.0 TSI MT – INR 15.99 Lakh
• 1.0 TSI AT – INR 17.69 Lakh
• 1.5 TSI MT – INR 17.89 Lakh
• 1.5 TSI DSG – INR 19.49 Lakh

Math time. If you compare those prices with the corresponding ‘Style’ derivatives, you’ll find the newcomers are about INR 70,000 dearer. And for the extra amount, you get some show-offy stuff both inside and outside the cabin. For instance, the Kushaq Monte Carlo dons new 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and they remind me of the previous-gen Octavia vRS. Besides that, the SUV also sports several glossy black elements, such as the ORVM caps, the front grille surround and faux skid plates. Also, the black roof rails complement the blacked-out roof, which can be coupled with red or white body colour. The 1.5 TSI variants also get red brake callipers at the front.

Upping the sporty feel inside the cabin is a red and black theme that covers the dashboard, seat upholstery and even the door trim. The seats also wear the ‘Monte Carlo’ branding, ensuring that the occupants know what they are in. If they miss out on that, the scuff plates with Monte Carlo lettering are hard to miss. And finally, the Kushaq gains an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Essentially, it’s the same unit that also does duty in the Slavia sedan. The rest of the features list is borrowed from the Style trim.

Mechanically, the Monte Carlo variants are identical to the standard Kushaq. The 1.0-litre TSI motor, which offers 114bhp/178Nm, is available with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed torque converter. However, those looking for more oomph can settle for the 1.5-litre TSI engine that delivers 148bhp/250Nm. Gearbox options include the 6-speed manual and the 7-speed DSG. Depending on which powertrain one decides for, the claimed mileage figure varies between 15.78kmpl and 17.95kmpl.

Skoda has done a nice job with the Kushaq Monte Carlo. The dual-tone makeover certainly looks great, especially those wheels. Rivals? The SUV competes with Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, MG Hector, and its sibling – the Volkswagen Taigun.