Skoda takes Rapid to Monte Carlo

SKODA has introduced a new Monte Carlo variant to its slow-selling Rapid small-car range as part of a slew of range-wide model-year upgrades that include beefier powertrains.

The Monte Carlo replaces the Elegance as the Rapid range topper, and is offered with two engine choices – the 81TSI manual from $22,990 plus on-road costs and 91TSI with a dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission from $25,790.

The new variant is easily distinguishable from its entry level siblings, thanks to its black trimmings that include 17-inch black alloy wheels, exterior mirrors, grille, headlights and fog-light surrounds.

The dusky look is carried over to the inside where the Monte Carlo gets a black instrument cluster carbon-look dash inserts.

Other touches unique to the Monte Carlo include Xenon headlights, panoramic glass sunroof, extended glass tailgate, privacy glass, special door sills, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, front fog-lights, light assist and height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats.

Other additions to Rapid range include a new 5.0-inch touchscreen and optional Tech Pack and Image Pack, depending on the variant.

The Rapid, which is available only in five-door Spaceback hatch in Australia – Europe gets a liftback too – will still be offered in Ambition spec from $18,990 for the manual and $21,890 for the 91TSI with a DSG.

These come with new Euro 6-compliant powertrains as part of the model-year upgrade. The 77TSI is out, replaced by an 81kW four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, while the old 90TSI is ditched in favour of a 92kW engine.

Both of those engines are now also available in the Yeti compact SUV range that gains 17-inch black alloy wheels replacing standard silver alloys in the top-spec Outdoor 4x4.

The top-selling Octavia mid-size range gets a power boost from 103kW to 110kW in base guise, while the 132TSI is no longer offered in the mid-spec Elegance, only the jacked-up Octavia Scout wagon.

A new three-spoke steering wheel is included in Octavia, while the infotainment system goes from 5.8- to 6.5-inches for the Bolero radio, while the 8.0-inch Columbus unit gains WiFi and SmartLink.

The changes to the range follow similar updates to the Volkswagen range last week.

2015 Skoda Rapid Spaceback pricing*

Ambition 81TSI	$18,990
Ambition 92TSI (a)	$21,890
Monte Carlo 81TSI	$22,990
Monte Carlo 92TSI (a)	$25,790

*Excludes on-road costs.