My Kushaq Monte Carlo 1.5 MT at 1000 km: Key highlights & observations

The linear power delivery of the 1.5 TSI is so reassuring, both in bumper to bumper traffic and when you are overtaking on highways.

BHPian drrashmisaurabh recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo 1.5 MT 1000km report:

Finally, I brought home my Kushaq after much deliberation about variant and colour. I went for the Monte Carlo 1.5 MT as 1.0 looked underpowered and not very smooth to me as compared to 1.5. Fear of DSG failures kept me away from automatic. So far, I have covered 1000 km mainly city driving with a bit of highway and here are highlights of my experience so far:

What I like:

• Smoothness: Everything is so smooth in driving as soon as you hold the steering and press the accelerator, you feel it. The clutch, the suspension and overall driving experience is amazingly smooth.. yes I am impressed by it, may be due to the fact that I have been moving in a Duster for 3 years.
• Looks: It looks very sharp and slick to me.. there is a contrast to bold and boxy looking SUVs like Creta which is fresh and pleasing.
• The linear power delivery of the 1.5 TSI is so reassuring, both in bumper to bumper traffic and when you are overtaking on highways.
• Solid built and reassuring safety.
• Rear seats have plenty of leg room and overall car feels spacious.
• Boot is very practical.

What is lacking:

• The pricing is very high..If you compare with what others are offering in the same segment.
• Suspension feels too soft.. not meant for any amount of offloading.
• The clutch is also very long and needs getting used to.
• Poor ergonomics : Almost impossible not to touch AC button while changing gears..Same with seat belt slot and box lid.
• Mileage is 12.5 kmpl with almost 50% highway drives.. I expected better.
• Till date, Skoda connect could not be activated.

Overall the driving experience is very pleasant so far, but still the Duster remains my go to car.

Attaching some pics.. sunroofs aren't that bad if you have kids and you live in Uttarakhand:

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