A Day at the Buddh International Circuit: Experience with the Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo
For someone who had never felt the adrenaline of a race track before, driving the Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo special edition at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) was a dream come true. It wasn’t just about the car; it was an opportunity to explore my own driving skills in an environment where every turn and straightaway tests your nerve and talent. With my heart racing as fast as a high-revving engine, I set out for the day with both excitement and a touch of nervousness.
Before diving into the track experience, a brief history of Skoda is in order. Skoda has been involved in motorsport for 112 years, making its debut in the Rallye-Monte Carlo in 1912. Success came in 1936 with a second-place finish in the under-1,500cc class, leading to the introduction of a special series of 70 popular cars bearing the Monte Carlo badge. The Monte Carlo name reappeared in 2011, and since then, it has been associated with Skoda's sportier models.
Locally, we’ve seen Monte Carlo editions with the Skoda Rapid and more recently, the Skoda Kushaq. Now, the Monte Carlo treatment has been extended to Slavia. Skoda invited auto journalists to reveal the Slavia Monte Carlo and experience it at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida.
Arriving at the BIC from the hotel, I was greeted by the sight of the Slavia Monte Carlo, with its striking red and black color scheme. If you’ve seen the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo, you’ll recognize the familiar design cues: blacked-out grille, ORVMs, and an all-black interior with red accents on the dashboard, seats, and door upholstery.
After the media briefing and refreshments, we were paired with instructors for a convoy lap around the track. My instructor, Ojas, walked me through the lap process. We were given the chance to complete five laps, and as a novice, I paid close attention to Ojas’s explanations and the demo lap.
The concepts of apex and trail braking were new to me, but Ojas’s guidance quickly helped me grasp them. After the demo lap, I took the wheel. Initially, I was asked to maintain a speed of 60 kmph, but once on the track, it was all under my control. Ojas encouraged me to push the car, and on the back straight of the BIC, I felt the car reaching speeds over 180 kmph—my fastest drive ever. Experiencing controlled skids in the corners was also an eye-opener.
Skoda’s Monte Carlo edition strikes a balance between fun and comfort. The test cars featured the 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic transmission). A 1-liter turbo-petrol engine is also available with the Monte Carlo treatment. While the larger engine excels on regular roads, it leaves you craving more on the track.
1-liter Turbo-petrol:
Power: 115 PS
Torque: 178 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT
1.5-liter Turbo-petrol:
Power: 150 PS
Torque: 250 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed DCT
We also tackled three additional tests: slalom, autocross, and moose. Each test aimed to evaluate the car’s handling and driver response.
1.Slalom Test: A zigzag course with cones to test handling and reaction times.
Autocross Test: A cone-defined course on a large paved area, requiring precise navigation.
After the thrilling track experience and tests, I felt exhilarated and ready for more. The precise handling and smooth steering of the Slavia Monte Carlo made the tests enjoyable and successful. I completed all three tests without hitting a single cone, thanks to the car’s agility.
The day concluded with the launch of the Slavia Monte Carlo, available in three variants priced between Rs 15.79 lakh and Rs 18.49 lakh (introductory ex-showroom pan-India). The experience at the Buddh International Circuit was unforgettable, leaving me with a deep appreciation for both the Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo and the thrill of race track driving.
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