Skoda Kushaq Facelift Sportline Variant Walkaround: Budget Monte Carlo [Video]
Skoda Auto India recently launched a facelifted iteration of its popular mid-size SUV, Kushaq, in India. Now, like previous, it is also being offered with a Monte Carlo variant. However, what if you are someone who does not want to spend a lot of money to get a similar design and features? Well, you can opt for the Kushaq Sportline variant. Recently, a video walkaround of the newly launched Kushaq facelift Sportline variant, showing its design highlights and features, has been shared online.
This detailed walkaround video of the Skoda Kushaq Sportline variant has been shared on YouTube by GA Automotive on their channel. It starts off with the presenter mentioning that the Sportline variant is the mid-range variant of the Kushaq, and it sits below the Prestige variant. After which, he mentions that it comes offered only with the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, which makes 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque.
He adds that the standard gearbox is the 6-speed manual. However, the 6-speed torque converter has been replaced by a new 8-speed automatic gearbox. Next up, he starts showing the exterior design of this SUV. He points out that the Sportline variant, instead of chrome garnishing, gets blacked-out elements similar to that of the Monte Carlo variant. At the front, it comes equipped with projector-based LED headlights and LED DRLs.
Also, the Sportline variant gets a connected LED light band in the middle, and the grille is also finished in gloss black. Moving to the lower portion, it gets four front parking sensors and a black skid plate instead of silver. Moving to the side profile, this variant gets 17-inch gloss black alloy wheels and functional roof rails that can hold up to 50 kgs of weight.
The presenter then adds that it gets body-coloured door handles with black chrome and request sensors for keyless entry. As for the rear end, he highlights that the Kushaq facelift gets new LED taillights, which connect with each other, and the rear Skoda lettering is also illuminated. Other highlights include blacked-out badges and a blacked-out skid plate.
Moving ahead, the host mentions that the Kushaq Sportline variant is being offered in all 8 color options, and this particular color is the Steel Grey, which has been recently introduced. Following this, he then moves inside the cabin and shows the dashboard layout. He states that the overall dashboard layout looks the same as before, but it is finished in black.
Notable highlights of the Kushaq Sportline variant include a single-pane electric sunroof, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument gauge cluster, fabric upholstery, and other updates.
Now, a lot of people who have already seen the Monte Carlo top-of-the-line variant of the Kushaq would be wondering why anyone would buy it over the Sportline variant. Well, the answer to this question is that although on the surface they look very similar due to blacked-out badging and elements, there are a number of key differences between the two.
First off, on the outside, the Monte Carlo offers more sporty and premium styling, including 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, red brake calipers (1.5 TSI), and dual-tone paint options. Meanwhile, on the inside, it gets a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, rear massaging seats, and powered front seats, which the Sportline variant misses out on.
Also, the Monte Carlo gets an 8-speaker system with a subwoofer and an amplifier as well. The Sportline variant, on the other hand, only gets a 6-speaker system. Another major difference between the two is that the Sportline only gets the 1.0-litre TSI engine. Meanwhile, the Monte Carlo gets the 1.5-litre TSI with the 7-speed DSG gearbox as an option. The Kushaq Sportline starts at Rs 14.74 lakh. Meanwhile, the Monte Carlo starts at Rs 17.89 lakh. There is a difference of Rs 3 lakh between the two.
So, if you are someone who wants to buy a sporty-looking Kushaq on a budget and do not care about the extra features, then you should opt for the Sportline variant. However, if you are an enthusiast who wants to get all the bells and whistles and the bigger and more powerful 1.5-litre TSI engine, then you should get the Kushaq Monte Carlo variant.