Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo
The limited edition Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo, which was first launched in August 2017 and later renamed to Skoda Rapid Edition X, has been re-introduced in the country. The new Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo features a handful of exterior and interior enhancements that help it enjoy a distinct identity. Highlights of the exterior include a black radiator grille, R16 dual-tone alloy wheels, gloss-black ORVM caps, black tailgate lip spoiler, black roof wrap, and quartz-cut projector headlights with chrome eyelashes and LED DRLs. While the original 2017 Rapid Monte Carlo was available in Candy White and Flash Red colours, the new version is available exclusively in the latter. Mechanically, the Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo has no differences from the standard variant. Powering the petrol engine model is a 1.6-litre MPI motor that outputs 105 PS and 153 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic unit. The oil-burner on offer displaces 1.5-litre and produces 110 PS and 250 Nm. It can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
What鈥檚 the best pick for a sun-drenched, cross-country luxury-car road trip for two鈥攐n a route that doesn鈥檛 shy away from challenging mountain two-laners? The set of contenders has reshuffled over the years, but the Mercedes-Benz SL holds strong on the shortlist. For 2017, this roadster original has reached a crossroads in the Mercedes-Benz lineup鈥攐ne that helps refresh and redefine this model. After taking a Southern California road trip of our own (guided by Mercedes-Benz), this past week鈥?50-plus miles in several different SL models鈥攚e can say that the SL stretches its luxury roadster boundaries more than ever. The way we see it, the current generation of the SL feels far more like a grand-touring coupe than an all-out sports car鈥攁nd given that, there are two potential sweet spots in the lineup. But first, a little background is in order. Active Body Control (ABC) is a full active suspension system, controlled by hydraulics and capable of adjusting its parameters in milliseconds.
It helps erase lift during hard acceleration, nosedive during hard braking, and body roll (tilting to the outside of the corner) during hard cornering. But this system, which has been offered as an option for years, has been a mixed blessing, because the sensations it provides tend to feel unnatural in tight switchbacks, as the car stays flat. It鈥檚 a dynamic trick, but an incredibly effective one, and it makes the rather heavy SL not just feel more nimble in switchbacks and quick transitions, but more settled, also reducing head-toss and road-weariness on such roads. SL63 models really make the most of this, too鈥攏ot entirely because of the added horsepower and torque, but because of these models' limited-slip/locking rear differential. The new Curve Tilting ABC is available on every SL model, though, from the base SL450 and its twin-turbo V-6 to the twin-turbo V-8 SL550, as well as the SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG models.
From a powertrain standpoint, it鈥檚 the twin-turbo V-8 in the SL550 that best seems to fit the relaxed yet strong touring character that鈥檚 a natural with this car. It now makes 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and matches up quite well with the nine-speed automatic transmission (although we noticed some uncouth behavior at low speeds and gentle throttle in a few cases during our drive). More than 50 percent of SL buyers have been choosing the V-6 version of the outgoing SL, and it鈥檚 easy to see why. Off in the opposite direction, there are the AMG versions. In a car that鈥檚 been designed with such inherent grace, the AMG SLs can feel a little forced. That said, the SL63 is the meticulously engineered, sharply-tuned brute of the lineup. It鈥檚 not quite the snarling, ebullient AMG GT, but it鈥檚 also a heck of a lot more livable. But there鈥檚 no need to even use the manual mode, as the electronic shift controls feel telepathic, blipping to a lower gear with just a dab of the brakes before a corner or to control speed on a steep downhill.