Skoda has teased the much-awaited Slavia facelift ahead of its launch on August 18. Being a mid-lifecycle update, it is expected to bring design changes, new features and an automatic gearbox upgrade for the 1.0 TSI engine.
Skoda Slavia facelift: What to expect
New headlights and tail-lights, redesigned front grille
Going by the spy shots from before, the sedan is expected to feature updated headlamp units, fog lamp housings and bumpers, along with a new grille with integrated lighting elements, similar to those on the Kushaq. A design refresh for the alloy wheels is likely as well.
Inside, Skoda is expected to keep the dashboard layout largely the same, but the facelift could bring a larger 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and new seat upholstery. It remains to be seen if the carmaker will also add a rear-seat massage function, which was introduced with the Kushaq facelift earlier this year.
Features such as a sunroof, wireless phone charger, automatic climate control with rear AC vents, six airbags and tyre-pressure monitoring system are expected to be carried over.
1.0 TSI can get a new 8-speed automatic
The carmaker is most likely to continue offering 115hp 1.0-litre and 150hp 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine options with the Slavia. While the 6-speed manual could continue to be on offer with the 1.0 TSI, Skoda could upgrade the current 6-speed automatic gearbox unit (AQ250) with an 8-speed unit (AQ300). This gearbox made its debut with the facelifted Kushaq. The 1.5 TSI, meanwhile, is expected to continue with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
At the time of writing, the Skoda Slavia has a price bracket between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 18.19 lakh, ex-showroom, and a slight increase is expected with the upcoming update next week. The Skoda Slavia will continue to rival the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and the Volkswagen Virtus.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Hormazd Sorabjee
