Skoda Auto has finally revealed its upcoming Slavia sedan yesterday that will replace the aging Rapid as a more premium offering. Interested customers can make their bookings for a token amount of Rs 11,000. While the brand is yet to share a specific launch date, it is expected to hit showrooms in the first quarter of 2022. However, its test drivers will begin from February-March next year. Once launched, it will go up against the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Ciaz, and the upcoming Toyota Belta and Volkswagen Vento's successor model.
The Skoda Slavia will be available in three trims: Active, Ambition, and Style. It will share its underpinnings and powertrain options with the Kushaq SUV. That said, it will receive 1.0-liter TSI (115PS/178Nm) and 1.5-litre TSI (150PS/250Nm) turbocharged petrol engine options with a standard 6-speed manual, an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic (with 1.0-litre mill), and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (with 1.5-litre engine) transmission choices. The bigger displacement motor will also get an Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) which shuts two of four cylinders in low load conditions to ensure the maximum fuel saving.
Here’s a look at the variant-wise engine & gearbox options of the upcoming Skoda Slavia: –
| Variants | 1.0-litre TSI with MT | 1.0-litre TSI with AT | 1.5-litre TSI with MT | 1.5-litre TSI with DSG |
| Active | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ambition | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Style | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
As the above table indicates, only the top-spec Style variant of the Slavia receives all four powertrain options, whereas the base-spec Active trim can only be had with the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 6-speed manual transmission. On the other hand, the mid-spec Ambition trim gets both manual and automatic gearbox options but only with the 1.0-litre TSI unit.
As for features, the Czech automaker has equipped the mid-size sedan with a plethora of premium features like an all-LED illumination system, 16-inch alloy wheels, single-pane electric sunroof, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, connected car tech, an 8-inch digital driver's display, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, ventilated front seats, wireless smartphone charging pad, two-spoke steering, cruise control, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, front & rear armrests, and much more.
Occupant's safety will be ensured by up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill hold control, rear parking sensors with camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.
Skoda will offer the Slavia in five colours: Brilliant Silver, Tornado Red, Crystal Blue, Candy White, and Carbon Steel.
Skoda Slavia First Drive Impressions: –
