Skoda’s Facelifted Slavia Embraces AI And Modern Features

Skoda unveiled the Slavia in India nearly five years ago, and now the company has taken the wraps off the facelifted model. It sports a modernized design as well as several new features.

A key member of the company’s “Made in India, for India’ portfolio, the updated Slavia adopts a revised grille that is flanked by new headlights. They’re joined by a sportier bumper with an interesting intake pattern. We can also see new fog lights and a wider chrome strip.

More: Skoda Slavia Breaks Cover As A Budget Sedan For India

The rest of the design largely carries over, but the model rides on restyled wheels. The taillights are also new and feature sequential indicators as well as a dividing strip with “SKODA” lettering.

Interior changes are more modest, but the company mentioned fresh color schemes as well as a new rear seat massage function. They’re accompanied by a new 10.1-inch infotainment system, which has an AI Companion powered by Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent. It has been designed to “recognize Indian English accents” and provides hands-free control of music, calls, and climate control settings. Buyers will also find a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Slavia rides on the locally developed MQB-A0-IN platform and features familiar 1.0- and 1.5-liter TSI engines. The former can be paired to either a six-speed manual or a new eight-speed automatic, which replaces the previous six-speed unit.

The 1.5-liter TSI is connected to a familiar seven-speed DSG gearbox, but Skoda noted models equipped with the engine now have rear disc brakes instead of drums.

Since the engines carryover, they have outputs of 113 hp (85 kW / 115 PS) and 131 lb-ft (178 Nm) as well as 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm).

While the Slavia is primarily aimed at India, the company has exported the car to other markets in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. We can expect that to continue with the facelifted model.