We all know that Skoda is working on a new mid-size sedan called 'SLAVIA' that will be globally unveiled on November 18. It will come as a more premium alternative (belongs to a higher segment) to the existing Rapid sedan, which is said to be discontinued once its limited matte edition is sold out. So, if you are planning to buy one, we advise you to hurry up with your purchase.
Launched in 2011, Rapid is quite popular in a specific customer section thanks to its fun-to-drive quotient and solid build. While it hasn't received any generational updates in its decade-long journey, the brand has constantly updated the sedan to keep things fresh. In 2020, it received its last major update in the form of a 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine, ditching the older 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.5-liter diesel engines. The ongoing 1.0-liter TSI mill can make a healthy 110PS and 175Nm and comes with 6-speed manual and torque converter automatic transmission options.
Currently, the Rapid is priced between Rs 7.79 lakh and Rs 13.29 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Talking about the upcoming Skoda Slavia, it will be 128mm longer, 53mm wider, and 21mm taller than the Rapid. It will share its underpinnings and powertrain with the Kushaq SUV. That said, the Slavia will be the second offering from Skoda that will be based on the highly-localized MQB A0 IN platform. Expect it to be priced at around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will go up against the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Maruti Ciaz, and Volkswagen Vento's successor model that be essentially a rebadged version of the Skoda Slavia, albeit in a different avatar.
Skoda Slavia First Drive Impressions: –
