Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo and Octavia RS to be launched in India later this month

Skoda India today confirmed that the Rapid Monte Carlo edition as well as the Octavia RS will be in showrooms this month. While the Rapid launch will happen in a few days from now, the Octavia RS prices will be announced later this month. Deliveries of the former will start from this month while buyers of the Octavia RS will have to wait till September. Skoda also said that the plans for bringing in the Kodiaq are still on, and the SUV should be on Indian roads later this year.

The Rapid Monte Carlo will be based on the existing car that we now have here

The new Octavia will not only be cosmetically enhanced but also boast more power

Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo

The Rapid Monte Carlo will come with a red exterior colour shade and will be based on the existing car that we now have here. Blackened parts will be the theme inside as well as outside with the grille, mirrors, 16-inch alloys, diffuser and spoiler done in a black shade. The cabin sees the introduction of red stitching on the seats and upholstery, flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel and drilled aluminium pedals.

Mechanically though, there are no changes and the Rapid Monte Carlo will continue with the existing 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. Both the engines can be optioned a manual as well as an automatic gearbox. Expect a Rs 20,000 increase in price over the regular Rapid.

Skoda Octavia RS

Lo and behold! Our prayers have been answered. Skoda is making sure that they don't get in a cosmetically enhanced version of the Octavia this time but one with the firepower too. The new Skoda Octavia RS230 boasts 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 230 horses. The engine can be paired either with a 6-speed manual/automatic gearbox. Of course, there is also the kit -- sexy-looking alloys, subtle spoilers at the front and rear, all-LED lights at the front and back, and chrome exhaust tips. The suspension too has been revised to handle the extra power.

Inside the cabin, along with the red-stitched upholstery, there are a new 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a host of safety features like lane assist, blind spot detection, hands-free parking, front parking assist, nine airbags, ABS with ESP and more. The meters also incorporate a lap timer. Expect the Skoda Octavia RS to be available only in one trim, however, whether or not it will have all-wheel-drive capability remains to be seen. Skoda also said that the upcoming Octavia RS will not be a limited edition model and will continue to co-exist with the regular car. It will be come in via the SKD route.

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda's big SUV will be seen on our roads in a few months. It is based on the MQB platform that it shares with the very capable Volkswagen Tiguan. The SUV is a 7-seater and comes with all the bells and whistles expected from a Skoda. There are a choice of petrol as well as diesel engines, and we believe Skoda will initially bring in the diesel trims first followed by the petrol. The Skoda Kodiaq has AWD capability and also gets a Snow mode. Depending on the variant, the Skoda Kodiaq will come with eight cameras for all-around visibility, adaptive cruise control, traffic alert and many other features. It is expected to take the fight to the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. The 7-seat configuration will give the Kodiaq an advantage though.