India’s Skoda Slavia Has A Unique Platform And Two Engine Options

Skoda has released more details of the Slavia that it is readying for the Indian market, while also letting Autocar India take it for a spin in prototype guise.

Underpinning the Slavia is the India-specific MQB-AO-IN platform with the car measuring 4,541 mm (178 inches) long, 1,752 mm (68.9 inches) wide, and standing 1,487 mm (58.5 inches) tall. It also has a 2,651 mm (104.3 inch) wheelbase, which is shorter than the 2,686 mm (105.7 inch) wheelbase of the Octavia sold in markets around the world.

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Local shoppers will have two engines to choose from. Sitting at the base of the range is a 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder with 113 hp while those after more power can opt for a 1.5-liter TSI four-cylinder with 148 hp which uses active cylinder technology (ACT) that automatically shuts down two of the cylinders during low engine loads. Both engines are coupled to a six-speed manual transmission that powers the front wheels as standard. Buyers not willing to row their own gears can order the 1.0-liter TSI model with a six-speed automatic transmission while the 1.5-liter TSI can be paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box.

In addition to releasing new details about the Slavia, the Czech automaker has confirmed that it plans to invest €1 billion ($1.16 billion) into the Indian market with €275 million ($319 million) allocated towards the research and development of new models in the country’s high-volume segments. It has also established a production line for the MQB-AO-IN platform in Pune.

“Following the successful launch of our compact SUV, the KUSHAQ, we are now upping the ante with this latest model, the SLAVIA,” Skoda chief executive Thomas Schäfer said in a statement. “I feel confident this saloon will appeal to new customers in India. We are taking the next step towards achieving our ambitious goal of developing ŠKODA AUTO into the leading European car manufacturer in India.”