Coming up with visually-enhancing packages based on a carmaker’s moment of glory that occurred throughout its history is far from uncommon these days. Let’s take a look at Skoda, for example, which as of 2011, has been using the so-called Monte Carlo branding to spice up the looks and comfort for some of its cars.

The latest model to be awarded with the Monte Carlo trim level is Skoda’s Scala. The imbued version was introduced at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show and we are here to tell you what’s so special about it and how Skoda concocted the Monte Carlo trim level in the first place, as well as its motorsport roots. Because, believe it or not, Skoda’s way more tied to rallying than you might think. Read on…

What Makes the 2019 Skoda Scala Monte Carlo Special?

Before getting to the history bit, let’s focus for a second on the Skoda Scala Monte Carlo unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. Besides Skoda’s compulsory PR talk that mentions notions such as “dynamic” and “lifestyle-oriented,” the Monte Carlo treatment on the Scala compact car touches both the exterior and the cabin.

Skoda says you can order the Scala Monte Carlo with any engine that’s already available for the model. But it’s the details that make the difference when it comes to standing out. Viewed from the front, the Skoda Scala Monte Carlo greets the eye with a black grille surrounded by a high-gloss black frame (think of the Piano Black that’s so popular among VWs), gloss black side mirror cases, side sills, and front bumper inserts. Full LED headlights are a standard feature as well, but the flashy 18-inch alloy wheels are optional - however, you can only have them on the Scala Monte Carlo and not for any of the other trims.

Seen from the rear, the Skoda Scala Monte Carlo sports full LED taillights (these are also standard), black SCALA lettering on the hatch, as well as a gloss black diffuser, roof spoiler, tinted windows and extended rear window (the extended rear window is normally an option, but it comes standard for the Monte Carlo trim). A panoramic glass roof (also standard) adds the icing on an otherwise very appealing cake.

The Monte Carlo trim brings height-adjustable sports seats with integrated headrests and a multi-function sports steering wheel covered in perforated leather with red stitching. Down below, there’s an aluminum-covered pedal set, and it’s also safe to say that the sporty flair is limited to just the driver’s area. The gearbox and handbrake levers are also wrapped up in leather bits joined together by red stitching, while the only notable change in the passenger’s side has to do with the red-trimmed air vents and dashboard cover. Ambient LED lighting rounds up the cockpit treatment together with a couple of more SCALA badges on the door sills.

Since we mentioned engine options earlier, know that the Skoda Scala can be fitted with petrol, diesel, and CNG engines. The petrol lineup consists of two powerplants (1.0-liter and 1.5-liter units) derived into three outputs: 95 horsepower/175 Newton-meters, 115 horsepower/200 Newton-meters, and 150 horsepower/250 Newton-meters. Gearbox choices involve a five-speed manual, a more refined, economy-oriented six-speed manual, and a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

On the diesel front, Skoda is offering a 1.6-liter TDI mill with 115 horsepower/250 Newton-meters on tap that can be twinned to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG. The CNG-powered engine is a 1.0-liter unit that will be unlocked later this year. Its power output is 90 horsepower with a max torque of 160 Newton-meters, and you can only have it attached to a six-speed manual transmission.

The Monte Carlo trim is deeply-rooted in Skoda’s motorsport activity back in the day

Skoda introduced the Monte Carlo trim in 2011.

However, few know that Skoda’s affair with the reputed Monte Carlo Rally goes back to 1936, when Zdenek Pohl and Jaroslav Hausman finished second in the 1,500-cc category onboard the Skoda Popular. Looking to speculate on this feat, Skoda immediately launched the Skoda Popular Monte Carlo. Just 70 units were ever assembled under two body styles: coupe or roadster.

Skoda’s affair with the world of motorsport kept going without notable results - although the company’s Octavia TS racers were raced by various private customers throughout the 60s. Few could predict, however, that in 1977, two Skoda 130 RS race cars would go as far as secure a 1-2 finish at the Monte Carlo Rally. But they did, winning the under 1,300-cc category. The 130 RS then went on to race for almost a decade, with perhaps the most significant accomplishment representing the 1981 European Touring Car Championship title. Skoda then entered the WRC with the Felicia, then with the Octavia, and most recently, with the Fabia WRC.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Skoda Scala.