The Skoda Slavia, the successor model to the Skoda Rapid, has been spied several times during testing. Now, the Czech automaker has officially listed the new sedan on its website. It is likely to be unveiled in the coming months, with its launch expected in early 2022. Potential buyers can now register their interest on the website for the latest updates on the car.
Skoda recently showcased the Slavia in a unique camouflage that was selected through a design competition. While it doesn't reveal much about the upcoming sedan, it looks bigger and more premium than the Rapid. This will be the second Skoda model under the India 2.0 strategy after the Kushak SUV, which will be based on the highly localized MQB A0 IN platform.
Going by the earlier spy images, the Skoda Rapid's successor model will feature a wide butterfly grille up front, flanked by triple barrel LED headlamps. The other notable highlights include a sporty air dam, round fog lamps, blacked-out alloy wheels, slanted roofline, LED taillamps, and prominent ground clearance that indicates that the brand has tuned its suspension setup specifically for Indian road conditions.
Inside, the Slavia is expected to share some similarities with the Kushaq in the form of a dual-tone black-and-beige interior with dark trims on the dashboard, touch-based AC control panel and a larger floating touchscreen infotainment system (probably of 10 inches).
Under the hood, it is likely to be offered with a 1.0-litre litre TSI and 1.5-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engines. Transmission options might include a 6-speed manual (standard), a 6-speed torque converter automatic (for 1.0L TSI) and a 7-speed DSG automatic (for 1.5L TSI).
Once launched, the Skoda Slavia C-segment sedan will go up against the Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, and the upcoming Toyota Belta and the next-generation Volkswagen Vento.
