Following a lengthy teaser campaign, Skoda has officially unveiled the Slavia, a new B-Segment sedan designed for the Indian market, following the offensive that started Skoda Kushaq.
Just like the Kushaq, the Slavia is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform that was developed by the Czech automaker for India. The model is measuring 4,541 mm (178 inches) long, 1,752 mm (68.9 inches) wide, 1,487 mm (58.5 inches) tall, and has a 2,651 mm (104.3 inch) wheelbase, making it larger than the first-generation Octavia.
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Following Skoda’s latest design language, the Slavia adopts a three-box sedan silhouette with a coupe-style roofline. While it has hints from the larger Octavia and Superb, it is nowhere near as large.
At the front, we find Fabia-inspired full-LED headlights, a large hexagonal grille, and a complex set of air intakes on the bumper. The rear end is characterized by the inclined roofline and the high-mounted L-shaped “crystalline split” LED taillights. The model is available in three trims (Active, Ambition, and Style) with five exterior colors and wheels with a diameter of up to 16-inches.
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Inside, the Slavia’s dashboard is mostly derived from the Fabia supermini with less premium materials for the trim, while other parts originate from the VW Polo/Virtus. Quality, tech, and design are vastly improved compared to past offerings in the segment while practicality is still the main focus. The cabin is quite roomy with plenty of space for the rear passengers and a 521 lt (18.4 cubic feet) cargo space.
The 10-inch infotainment touchscreen is combined with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster behind Skoda’s signature two-spoke steering wheel. Equipment includes ventilated front seats, keyless entry, optional sunroof, and a variety of Simply Clever features like utility recess on the dashboard, wireless charging pad, USB-C ports for the rear passengers, rear cupholders, smartphone pockets, coat hooks, elastic bands, and plenty of storage compartments. In terms of safety, the Slavia gets six airbags and basic ADAS systems like multi-collision braking and hill hold control.
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Under the bonnet, Indian customers have a choice between a 1.0 TSI three-cylinder producing 113 hp (85 kW / 115 PS), or the more powerful 1.5 TSI four-cylinder producing 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS). The smaller engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic, while the flagship is available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG. All variants are front-wheel-drive.
The Slavia is already available to order in India, with deliveries scheduled for the first quarter of 2022. Besides Skoda’s Kushaq and Slavia, VW Group’s strategy includes two more closely-related future models for India wearing the Volkswagen logo.