2025 Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo long term review, 10,000km report

Back in the Skoda Slavia after a bit. While this blood red Monte Carlo with the 1.5 TSI is mechanically identical, getting behind the wheel again is just such a pleasure. What draws my attention is just how much better the cabin feels compared to other popular midsize SUVs I’ve been driving recently.

Door shut, build quality, the solid manner in which things function just make you feel good about being in this car.

Take the feel of the leather on the steering wheel, the chrome pedals, the build of the part-leather part-chrome automatic gear selector, the light and slick manner in which it engages, the solid build of the door pads, the very comfortable but supportive seats; all this blends together to deliver a great experience.

Sure, the Slavia may not be built like an Octavia – especially some of the plastic bits on the dash; this one even has a few creaks from the door beadings – but that apart, I quickly appreciate the extra care that has been taken when it comes to the selection of materials in the interior. Then there’s the solid tree trunk-like door shut.

Engine feels strained when revved hard, takes away some pleasure associated with driving it hard.

What’s also an absolute pleasure is opening up the 1.5 TSI engine on elevated sections of Mumbai’s new intra-city highway network. The engine seems noisier than I remember, especially at higher revs, and there’s a fair amount of stretch and strain. Still, once the additional power comes flooding in, the Slavia really begins motoring; with the sea on one side and downtown metropolitan Mumbai on the other, I can’t help but grin as I guide it along.

While the touchscreen is wide, nice and sharp, the reverse camera’s feed on the display is smaller.

Another reason why I like this car so much is the high-quality audio system and hands-free phone connection. The subwoofer-equipped audio system has a fair amount of punch and clarity, which means the Slavia entertains even when standing still.

I also really like the way this Monte Carlo version looks, especially in this scarlet and black theme with that hint of a rear spoiler and the faux diffuser in black. Created to celebrate Skoda’s 11 class wins at the Monte Carlo Rally, it sure gets more than its fair share of attention.

E20 petrol may have contributed to an increase in the Slavia's fuel consumption.

What I did notice during the time I had the car was that the Slavia was consuming quite a bit more fuel than earlier. Sure, I did use a lot more of the performance bit, but just how much was down to my driving style and how much was down to the E20 petrol? Will investigate further and get back.