The Skoda Slavia is all set for its world premiere on November 18. The Slavia finally comes as a replacement for the ageing Skoda Rapid and will be underpinned by the same platform as the Skoda Kushaq. The midsize sedan segment may have lost some ground to SUVs of late, but Skoda is confident that the Slavia can revive the segment. Price is expected to be announced by mid-2022.

• Skoda Slavia will be considerably larger than outgoing Rapid
• Will be powered by 115hp, 1.0-litre TSI and 150hp, 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engines
• Price announcement expected in first quarter of 2022

Skoda Slavia: what do we know so far?

We recently test drove prototype versions of the Slavia and you can read our first driving impressions here. However, details on the Slavia’s styling, interior and features are still under wraps, all of which will be fully unveiled on November 18.

Skoda, however, did give out a key few details. What’s notable is that the Slavia will be a big car, considerably bigger than the outgoing Rapid. Skoda has revealed the dimensions of the Slavia to be 4,541mm in length, 1,752mm wide and 1,487mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,651mm. It will be the widest car in the segment that also has the longest wheelbase.

Skoda has confirmed that the Slavia will be powered by two TSI turbo-petrol engines. The mainstay will be a 115hp, 175Nm, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI petrol engine which will come mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. There will also be the larger 150hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI motor that comes with either the 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Skoda has also revealed a few key features that will be offered on the Slavia, although most are still under wraps. These include six airbags, a digital instrument cluster, multi-collision brake, cruise control and a rear parking camera. The Slavia has also been tested by Global NCAP, although we are awaiting results of the same.

Skoda Slavia: expected price and rivals

The Skoda Slavia is expected to reach showrooms in early 2022 and we expect it to be priced between Rs 10 lakh-16 lakh (ex-showroom). In terms of rivals, the new Slavia will contend against the upcoming Volkswagen Virtus, Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.