Skoda is all set to reveal the Honda City-rivalling Slavia sedan on 18th November 2021, followed by its launch in early 2022. It will be Skoda's second model under its India 2.0 strategy that will replace the decade-old Rapid as a more premium offering. While there is still a couple of weeks left in its official unveiling, we recently had a chance to drive its camouflaged pre-production prototype version. So, here are six major things you’d like to know about the upcoming Skoda Slavia: –
1. Platform and Dimensions
After the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun, the Slavia will be the third offering to be based on the highly-localized MQB-A0 IN platform. And so, it will also boast a segment's largest wheelbase of 2651mm. Interestingly, it is larger than the first-gen Octavia. However, it won't be as long as the 5th-generation Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. For a clearer picture, here's a look at the upcoming sedan’s dimensions in comparison to its potential rivals: –
Dimensions | Skoda Slavia | Honda City | Maruti Suzuki Ciaz |
Length | 4541mm | 4549mm | 4490mm |
Width | 1752mm | 1748mm | 1730mm |
Height | 1487mm | 1489mm | 1485mm |
Wheelbase | 2651mm | 2600mm | 2650mm |
- As evident from the above table, the Skoda Slavia is bigger than the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in every aspect. It's just 8mm shorter than the Honda City. However, it has greater width and wheelbase, which should result in better cabin space than its competitors.
- Compared to the Skoda Rapid, the new Slavia will be 128mm longer, 53mm wider, and 21mm taller.
2. Outer Design
Since the prototype model was heavily camouflaged, we are unaware of its finer design details. But we can assert you that its overall silhouette will remind you of the new-gen Octavia. Also, it will be a proper three-box sedan, not a notchback.
3. Interior & Features
Though we have spent hours inside Slavia's cabin, we still can't reveal much about its interior design as that too was extensively covered. However, the earlier spy shots suggest that it will borrow a few design elements from the Kushaq. Expect its features list to also remain largely similar to its SUV sibling. That said, it will come with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car technology, a single-pane sunroof, auto climate control with rear AC vents, ventilated front seats, a 6-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, ambient lighting, and much more. Unlike the Kushaq, it will also get a digital driver’s display that features multiple modes.
4. Safety
For Safety, the Skoda Slavia will get up to six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and more. The brand has also announced that Slavia has met not only the Indian homologation norms but also the global NCAP standards during its internal crash tests.
5. Powertrain
The Skoda Slavia will also be powered by the same 115PS 1.0-liter and 150PS 1.5-liter TSI turbocharged petrol engines as the Kushaq, making it the most powerful car in its segment. However, their torque figures could be slightly tweaked to suit the character of the car. The bigger capacity mill also features active cylinder-deactivation that shuts off two of four cylinders in low load conditions to ensure optimum fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual (standard), a 6-speed torque converter automatic (for 1.0L TSI), and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic unit (for 1.5L TSI).
6. Expected Pricing
Expect Skoda to price the Slavia between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
