The highly anticipated Skoda Slavia sedan has finally been launched in India. However, the Czech carmaker has only revealed prices of the 1.0 TSI powered versions today, which start at Rs 10.69 lakh and go up to Rs 15.39 lakh (ex-showroom, India) for the top-spec version. Prices for the more powerful 1.5 TSI version will be announced on March 3. Skoda has also announced that test drives and deliveries for the Slavia 1.0 TSI have begun from today.
- Slavia 1.0 TSI is available in three trims – Active, Ambition and Style
- It packs in plenty of tech and safety features
- It is powered by a 115hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
Skoda Slavia: design and features
Skoda had already revealed the new sedan’s interior and exterior styling during the sedan's global debut late last year. The Slavia’s design has a very strong link to the other Skoda sedans (Octavia and Superb), as it looks sleek, well proportioned and chic, with enough chrome accents to please Indian buyers.
Dimensionally, the Slavia uses the Volkswagen Group’s localised MQB-A0-IN platform (same as the Kushaq) and is noticeably larger than the Rapid it replaces. In fact, at 4,541mm long, 1,752mm wide, 1,507mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,651mm, the Slavia is one of the largest models in the segment. Ground clearance of the Slavia stands at 179mm.
Slavia's cabin has a very neat and upmarket look to it, with the layered dashboard, free-standing 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster and the dual tone beige and black interior theme, all of which come standard fit on the top-spec trim.
Other features available on the fully kitted Style trim include connected car tech, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a sunroof, a wireless charger, rear AC vents and a rear centre armrest. It also packs in plenty of safety features such as six airbags, ESC, an electronic differential system (EDS) and a tyre pressure monitor.
Skoda Slavia: powertrain
As mentioned above, Skoda will offer the Slavia with two turbo-petrol engines, however, it has only announced prices of the lower capacity engine – the 115hp, 175Nm, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI engine, which is paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox.
The 1.0 TSI manual powertrain delivers an ARAI mileage of 19.47kpl, while the automatic version is rated at 18.07kpl.
In comparison, the 121hp, 145Nm, 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine in the latest gen Honda City delivers a claimed fuel efficiency of 17.8kpl with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and 18.4kpl with the CVT automatic option.
The other, more powerful engine set to join the Skoda Slavia range in the coming days is the 150hp, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI engine that will come with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission.
Skoda Slavia: rivals
The all-new Skoda Slavia takes on the likes of the VW Vento – until it is replaced by the Virtus later this year – Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
Would you choose the Slavia over its rivals? Let us know in the comments below.
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