A Skoda Slavia facelift test mule, partly wrapped in camouflage, was recently spied in Pune, pointing to possible updates to the midsize sedan’s exterior. As per our earlier report, the Slavia facelift launch was slated for this year, but Skoda India has yet to confirm an official timeline. And as things stand, the Volkswagen Virtus, Hyundai Verna and Honda City rival is expected to arrive only by late 2026 or early 2027.
- Updates to the bumpers, lights and grille are expected
- Details about the Slavia facelift interior are not clear right now
- 1.0 TSI, 1.5 TSI engine options likely to be carried over
Notably, the popular Hyundai and Volkswagen models are also due for updates, while the Honda sedan is set to move to an all-new generation over the next two years, which should add some excitement to this segment.
Skoda Slavia facelift spy shots explained
Up front, the slatted grille, headlamp units and fog lamp housings, and bumper may receive slight revisions, which is typical of a facelift. The air dam, seen here sans camouflage, could switch to a 3D web-like design in place of the current model’s honeycomb pattern. In profile, save for the alloy wheels, changes are not expected. Just like the front section, minor tweaks to the tail-lights and rear bumper could also be on the cards.
Level 2 ADAS confirmed
An Advanced Driver’s Assistance System (ADAS) suite is something the Slavia and its badge-engineered sibling, the Virtus, miss out on, while the Verna and City already offer it. However, as we reported earlier, the upcoming Slavia will get a Level 2 ADAS setup, and the Virtus is expected to add it as well.
Skoda Slavia facelift engine and gearbox options
Being a facelift, Skoda is unlikely to make any changes to the Slavia’s direct injection turbo-petrol engine line-up. This means that the 115hp 1-litre 3-cylinder motor mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and the 150hp 1.5-litre 4-cylinder unit paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are likely to be carried over. It remains to be seen if Skoda India will bring back the manual gearbox option for the larger engine.
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
