Just a week after Skoda previewed the exterior of the Slavia through design sketches, the Czech carmaker has now dropped interior design sketches of the upcoming sedan. Slated for its world premiere on November 18, the Skoda Slavia is a replacement for the ageing Rapid sedan. It is based on the heavily localised MQB-A0-IN platform, same as the Skoda Kushaq. The Slavia is expected to hit the showrooms by February or March next year.
- Skoda Slavia's interior resembles the larger Octavia
- Several features and interior trim could be shared with the Kushaq
- Cabin will be much roomier than the outgoing Rapid
Skoda Slavia: what does the interior sketch reveal?
At first glance, the interior of the Skoda Slavia, design-wise, seems to resemble the larger Octavia sedan, although several interior trims and switchgear could be shared with the Kushaq. Similar to most new Skodas, the Slavia will get a stylish two-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls and knurled buttons. The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system seems well integrated in the dashboard, underlined by sleek AC vents right below. There’s also a horizontal decorative trim strip on the dashboard in a contrasting colour, giving it a nice layered effect.
The climate control panel seems to be a touch-based unit, similar to the Kushaq. However, unlike the Kushaq which gets hexagonal AC vents at either ends, the Slavia gets round air-con vents on the sides. The centre console has a clean, uncluttered look with a wireless charging pad just ahead of the gear lever. Notably, the design sketch reveals that the Slavia will get a digital instrument cluster, as was confirmed by the carmaker previously. The word 'Skoda' embossed on the instrument binnacle is another nice detail.
In terms of features, the Slavia will be one of the better equipped sedans in the segment. While Skoda hasn’t revealed the full features list, key features will include six airbags, a rear parking camera, cruise control, connected car technology and multi-collision brake. The Slavia is also considerably larger than the outgoing Rapid, which means interior space should be much improved as well.
Skoda Slavia: powertrain options
Under the hood, the new Slavia will be offered with a choice of two TSI turbo-petrol engines, just like the Kushaq. The first is a 115hp, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI unit that will come paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The other, more powerful option, is a 150hp, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI motor that will come with either the 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG gearbox. You can read our review of the Skoda Slavia prototype to get an idea of how it performs out on our roads.
Skoda Slavia: expected price and rivals
Just like the Kushaq, the Slavia will also be heavily localised and prices are expected to range between Rs 10 lakh-16 lakh (ex-showroom) when it's launched early next year. And while the mid-size sedan segment hasn’t seen much activity of late, the Slavia, along with its upcoming Volkswagen counterpart, are expected to revive the segment. It will rival the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the upcoming Volkswagen Virtus.
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