The mid-size sedan segment has been witnessing a resurgence. Things have spruced up with facelifts introduced for the Hyundai Verna and Honda City, and Skoda has also joined the bandwagon by giving the Slavia a facelift of its own. This is the first major mid-life update for the sedan since it was launched in 2022 and brings comprehensive updates throughout. If you’re looking to buy the Skoda Slavia facelift, our list of reasons helps you decide if it's worth the wait or if it’s better to look elsewhere.
Powerful and zippy engines
The Slavia facelift continues to offer the same 115hp/178Nm 1.0-litre 3-cylinder and 150hp/250Nm 1.5-litre 4-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engines as its pre-facelift version. And it’s not a bad thing because both engines have enough pep. The talking point is the introduction of a new 8-speed torque converter automatic for the 1.0-litre engine, which replaces the older 6-speed unit. Shifts are smooth across gears, and manual mode lets you rev to the limit before upshifting, leading to an engaging driving experience. On the other hand, the more powerful 1.5-litre unit has plenty of grunt, has brisk acceleration, and shifts via the 7-speed DSG are snappy.
Precise handling and high-speed stability
Like the pre-facelift version, the Slavia continues to impress with its precise handling characteristics. Body roll is well maintained despite the high 179mm ground clearance, and it feels composed around corners. Moreover, the steering feels well-weighted as you increase speed. At higher speeds, overall stability is great as the suspension absorbs rough road surfaces really well.
Which features do you want in Slavia facelift?
Spacious, comfortable and feature-rich cabin
What community is saying on the Slavia facelift?
Updated trim materials and new feature additions make the interior of the Slavia facelift a great place to be in. The front seats are well contoured and supportive, and the same is the case for the rear seats, with plenty of knee room and foot room, especially for two adults. Additionally, there are plenty of storage spaces and also Skoda’s signature ‘Simply Clever features. The large 521-litre boot with its squarish opening is easy to load stuff into, while the 60:40 split-folding rear seats bring added convenience. Overall build quality, too, is solid, and everything is well put together.
Skoda has dialed up the equipment list by borrowing the Kushaq’s rear seat massaging function, a slightly larger infotainment screen, and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, with updated graphics. To top it all off, you get powered and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, a single-pane sunroof, and wireless phone charging. On another note, the introduction of a variable geometry compressor has improved overall AC performance.
Reasons not to buy the Skoda Slavia facelift
Firm low-speed ride
Though the Slavia facelift’s high-speed ride is supple, the same isn’t the case at low speeds. There’s an underlying firmness that's typically associated with European cars at low speeds, which takes away from the overall ride quality experience.
No manual option for the 1.5 TSI
Like with the pre-facelift version, the 1.5-litre TSI remains the more powerful, effortless, and stronger performer than the smaller 1.0-litre TSI. However, it is paired exclusively with a 7-speed DCT. Enthusiastic drivers will miss the option of a 6-speed manual gearbox, which was available on the pre-facelift version for a short while.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
