Introduction

Ever since Skoda entered the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment with the Kushaq, it has positioned itself as a driver’s SUV rather than a feature-loaded gadget on wheels. While rivals continue adding larger touchscreens and gimmicky features, Skoda has focused on delivering a solid chassis, engaging driving dynamics and reassuring safety.

The Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI AT sits just below the more powerful 1.5 TSI, but it gets the sporty styling package, premium interiors and almost every feature most buyers would actually use.

So the big question is—does the smaller 1.0 TSI engine feel adequate in a premium SUV that costs around ₹20 lakh on-road? Or should you stretch your budget for the 1.5 TSI?

Let’s find out.

Exterior

The Monte Carlo is easily the most attractive version of the Kushaq.

Instead of adding excessive chrome, Skoda has gone with an all-black sporty theme that genuinely elevates the SUV’s road presence.

Highlights include:

Gloss Black Butterfly Grille
Blacked-out Skoda Badging
Black ORVMs
Black Roof Rails
Black Roof
Monte Carlo Specific Dual-tone Alloy Wheels
Smoked LED Tail Lamps
Red Brake Calipers
Monte Carlo Badging

Unlike many “sport editions” that simply add decals, the Monte Carlo package actually changes the personality of the car.

The proportions remain excellent.

It doesn’t appear bulky, yet it has enough SUV stance to command attention.

Even in 2026, the Kushaq continues to look mature and premium.

Interior

Step inside and the Monte Carlo immediately feels different from the regular Kushaq.

The cabin receives an all-black treatment with contrasting red inserts that instantly create a sportier ambience.

The dashboard design remains clean, ergonomic and free from unnecessary clutter.

The Monte Carlo gets:

10-inch Touchscreen Infotainment
Virtual Cockpit (Digital Instrument Cluster)
Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Wireless Charger
Electric Sunroof
Ventilated Front Seats
Powered Driver Seat
Ambient Lighting
Automatic Climate Control
Leatherette Upholstery with Red Stitching
Aluminium Pedals

The sports seats deserve special mention.

They offer excellent lateral support without compromising long-distance comfort.

Material quality remains one of the stronger aspects of the Kushaq.

Most touch points feel premium, and the overall fit and finish continues to be among the best in the segment.

Rear seat space is adequate for three adults, although taller passengers may notice that rivals like the Honda Elevate and Grand Vitara offer slightly better knee room.

Engine Specs

The Monte Carlo AT uses Volkswagen Group’s well-proven 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI turbo petrol engine paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 999 cc Turbo Petrol
Power: 115 PS
Torque: 178 Nm
Transmission: 6-Speed Torque Converter Automatic
Drive Type: Front Wheel Drive
Claimed Fuel Efficiency: Around 18–19 km/l (ARAI)

Although it has one cylinder fewer than many competitors, don’t let the numbers fool you.

This engine feels far stronger than the specification sheet suggests.

Boot Space

The Kushaq offers 385 litres of boot space.

While it isn’t the largest in the segment, it’s more than sufficient for:

Weekend trips
Airport luggage
Family shopping
Two medium suitcases plus cabin luggage

The loading lip is low, making it easy to load heavier bags.

The 60:40 split rear seats also improve practicality.

Driving Impressions

This is exactly where the Kushaq justifies its premium pricing.

The 1.0 TSI engine delivers strong low-end torque, making city driving effortless.

Unlike naturally aspirated petrol engines that require frequent downshifts, the turbo motor pulls confidently from low RPMs.

The 6-speed torque converter automatic complements the engine beautifully.

Gear shifts are smooth, creep function works naturally in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and the gearbox never feels confused.

City driving becomes extremely relaxed.

On highways, the engine settles comfortably into triple-digit cruising.

Even with four passengers onboard, overtaking remains stress-free.

Will it feel as quick as the 1.5 TSI DSG?

No.

But unless you’re an enthusiastic driver who regularly enjoys spirited highway driving, the 1.0 TSI offers more than adequate performance.

Handling

This is one of the best handling SUVs under ₹25 lakh.

The steering is precise, body roll is well controlled and the chassis inspires tremendous confidence.

Whether you’re changing lanes at 100 km/h or driving through a series of corners, the Kushaq feels planted.

It doesn’t drive like a tall SUV.

It drives remarkably close to a hatchback.

That’s one of its biggest strengths.

Suspension

Skoda has tuned the suspension towards stability rather than excessive softness.

At lower speeds you’ll notice a slightly firmer ride compared to the Hyundai Creta.

However…

As speeds increase, the suspension truly comes alive.

Broken roads, expansion joints and undulations are absorbed confidently without making the SUV feel floaty.

If highway driving is your priority, you’ll appreciate this setup.

NVH Levels

Considering it’s a three-cylinder engine, refinement is impressive.

At idle, there is a slight characteristic three-cylinder vibration, but once the car starts moving, it becomes almost unnoticeable.

Wind noise remains well controlled.

Tyre noise is also minimal.

Even during long highway drives, the cabin remains a pleasant place to spend time.

Overall Visibility

Visibility is excellent.

The upright seating position, large windshield and sizeable ORVMs provide a commanding view of the road ahead.

The A-pillars are reasonably slim and don’t create major blind spots.

Parking is straightforward thanks to:

Rear Camera
Front Parking Sensors
Rear Parking Sensors
Ergonomics

One of the underrated strengths of Volkswagen Group cars has always been ergonomics.

Everything falls naturally to hand.

The driving position is excellent.

The steering adjusts generously.

Storage spaces are practical.

Physical buttons for climate controls make everyday usage much easier than fully touch-based systems.

It feels like a car designed by people who actually drive.

Acceleration

The turbocharged engine provides brisk acceleration.

Initial response is smooth, while the strong mid-range makes overtaking enjoyable.

The automatic gearbox doesn’t chase gears unnecessarily, making acceleration feel natural and linear.

0-100 km/h isn’t this SUV’s headline feature.

Real-world drivability is.

And that’s where it excels.

Braking

The braking setup inspires confidence.

Pedal progression is predictable and stopping power remains strong even after repeated braking.

The SUV remains stable under hard braking with very little drama.

ADAS Calibration

One noticeable omission in the Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI AT is the absence of Level 2 ADAS.

While many rivals now offer adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, Skoda has chosen to focus on chassis dynamics and passive safety instead.

For some buyers, this won’t matter.

For others, especially those prioritising the latest driver assistance features, it could be a deciding factor.

Safety Features

Safety has always been one of Kushaq’s strongest selling points.

The Monte Carlo comes equipped with:

6 Airbags
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Multi-Collision Braking
ABS with EBD
Hill Hold Control
TPMS
ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
Rear Parking Camera
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Disc Brakes on All Four Wheels

The Kushaq has also earned a 5-Star Global NCAP Safety Rating, making it one of the safest SUVs in its class.

Verdict

The Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI AT isn’t trying to impress buyers with gimmicks or an endless list of features. Instead, it focuses on what truly matters once the excitement of a new purchase fades—solid engineering, confident driving dynamics, a premium cabin and long-term ownership satisfaction.

The 1.0 TSI engine is more capable than its displacement suggests, offering smooth performance in the city and enough punch for comfortable highway touring. Combined with the reliable 6-speed torque converter automatic, it delivers an effortless driving experience that suits both daily commutes and weekend road trips.

Where the Kushaq truly stands apart is in the way it drives. Its composed handling, excellent highway stability and reassuring build quality make it one of the most confidence-inspiring SUVs in the segment. The absence of ADAS may disappoint some buyers, but for those who value driving feel and engineering over feature count, it remains a compelling choice.

Who should buy it?

✔ Buyers looking for a premium European driving experience
✔ Daily city commuters who also enjoy frequent highway trips
✔ Families prioritising safety and solid build quality
✔ Buyers who prefer a refined torque converter automatic over a CVT or AMT
✔ Owners planning to keep the car for many years

Who should look elsewhere?

✖ Buyers who want the most spacious rear seat in the segment
✖ Those specifically looking for Level 2 ADAS features
✖ Enthusiasts seeking stronger performance, who should instead consider the 1.5 TSI DSG

Simplifying Auto Rating: 9.4/10
Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a compact SUV that feels genuinely well engineered rather than simply well equipped, the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI AT deserves to be on your shortlist. It may not top every specification chart, but it excels where it matters most—how the car feels every time you get behind the wheel. It’s an SUV you’ll continue to appreciate long after the novelty of a large touchscreen or panoramic sunroof wears off.