Skoda has announced the commencement of local production of the Slavia sedan at its plant in Chakan, Maharashtra. The Slavia is Skoda-VW’s third model that is based on the MQB A0 IN platform and is expected to go on sale in the country in March this year.
The Slavia will be the first all-new midsize sedan to hit the market in a year and a half since the fifth generation Honda City was introduced in June 2020.
Coming to the sedans, the Slavia generally looks like a Skoda with a design in line with the larger Octavia and Superb. It has a broad, muscular stance and gets a healthy dose of chrome on its grille and bumpers. Smart looking LED headlamps and tail lamps with Skoda’s signature crystalline detailing, clean and sharp character lines and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels are some of the design highlights of the Slavia.
On the inside, the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes center stage on the dashboard with faux wood trim, piano black panels and dual-tone black and beige themes to a nice layered effect. It also gets a touch-based climate control panel, just like the Kushak. The two-spoke steering wheel and the fully digital instrument cluster with ‘Skoda’ embossed on the binnacle are notable highlights of the interior.
In terms of features, the top-spec variants of the Slavia will come equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car tech, leather upholstery, ventilated seats, a sunroof, automatic climate control, keyless entry and an auto-dimming internal rear. Look at the mirror. Safety features include six airbags, an electronic differential system, tire pressure monitor, hill-hold control (optional) and rear parking camera.
Coming to the engines, the Slavia will be powered by the familiar 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (1.0 TSI) and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (1.5 TSI) engines that are also used by the Kushak. The 1.0 TSI puts out 115hp and 175N with the bigger 1.5TSI putting out 150hp and a meatier 250Nm. A 6-speed manual gearbox will be standard for both the engines. The 1.0 TSI will additionally be available with the option of a 6-speed automatic, while the larger 1.5 TSI will get the option of a 7-speed DSG unit.
As mentioned, the Slavia falls in the relatively passive midsize sedan segment where its rivals will be Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
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