Skoda Slavia Sedan Walkaround First-Look Review
Just when you thought that the mid sized sedan segment was just at its all time low and all the sales happening was from the SUV segment Skoda has decided to strike a blow with their all new sedan the Slavia. The Rapid would be replaced by the Slavia once its launched early in 2022. We were invited by Skoda India for an walk around of the Slavia just after its Global unveil that happened in Mumbai. Read on to dive deep with us as we get you all that you need to know on the latest sedan in town the Skoda Slavia.
First things first, the Slavia is the third model to have been built using the India specific MQB-A0-IN modular platform from the Volkswagen Group. Other models built on this platform are the Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun. So rightly so lot of underpinnings from the Kushaq would trickle down to the Slavia naturally.
How does the Slavia look from the outside?
In terms of looks the Slavia comes like a very handsome looking sedan with loads of road presence. The car is large in dimension and infact is bigger in size if compared to the 1st generation Skoda Octavia. It measures 4,541 mm in length, 1,752 mm in width, and 1,487 mm in height. Compared to the Skoda Rapid that it replaces, the Slavia is 128 mm longer, 53 mm wider, and 21 mm taller. Skoda Slavia also has a 99 mm longer wheelbase than the Rapid.
Speaking about the design and exterior styling, the Slavia follows typical styling cues from brand Skoda. It gets trademark Skoda butterfly grille with chrome embellished vertical slats, sculpted bonnet, sleek L shaped LED projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights and razor-sharp crystalline character lines across body is what we loved the most on its side profile. It runs on dark tone 16 inch alloy wheels. The window glass area is vast and runs a premium looking beltline defining it while there also is a chrome kink that glorifies the C-pillar. Smart looking SKODA badging on the fenders like seen on the Kushaq make the sides look more rich while the roof comes with a electric sun roof and a shar fin radio antenna finished in glossy black.
The rear profile is highlighted with sharp styled LED tail lamps that extend into the bootlid along with SKODA badging on the lid. Rear bumper gets a chrome garnish with stop reflectors that run across the width defining it and making it look wider. Overall the styling on the Slavias exterior looks classy, premium and very catchy. The sedan appears to have taken inspiration from coupes, visible in its silhouette. It is claimed to have taken inspiration from Bohemian crystals and Skoda’s DNA.
How are the interiors on the Slavia?
Inside the cabin, Skoda Slavia sedan gets a layered dash board that looks and feels premium finished in black, faux gold anodized and beige color. The key highlight is the 10-inch touch-screen infotainment system with all the connectivity features on it, this is the same AVN unit also seen on the Kushaq but is placed in floating style on the dash. The steering is a dual-spoke wheel, identical to the one Skoda Kushaq gets with glossy black inserts, MFD buttons and height/reach adjust. The automatic variant of the Slavia also gets paddle shifters on the steering. The Slavia comes with an 8 inch all digital instrument cluster that looks premium and up market. The housing for the digital cockpit gets Skoda badging on both sides. The climate control again is a single zone unit as seen on the Kushaq which retains the touch and slide control. You also get ambient lighting on the interior package of the Slavia
The cabin gets a dual-tone premium looking theme. The features include rear AC vents, wireless charging, digital cockpit etc. In terms of seating the Slavia gets ventilated front seats. Driver’s seat gets height adjust while the seats get dual tone faux leather upholstery on he top end trim that we experienced at the unveil.
Seat comfort feels very good and the spacious cabin reminds you a lot of the elder bother the Octavia in terms of comfort, premium quality, space and styling. You get two USB C ports in the front and two at the rear along with wireless mobile charging upfront on the Slavia.
At the rear you get three adjustable head rests, folding arm rear and rear AC vents along with two USB C type charge ports. Due to its large dimension the Slavia’s rear seat comfort is extra ordinary where the passenger can stretch his feet with ease. Seats offer excellent support and comfort with good under thigh and back padding.
How large is the boot on the Skoda Slavia?
The Skoda Slavia comes with a best in class largest boot capacity that of 521 litres which can take in 4 suit cases with ease.
What powers the Skoda Slavia?
The Skoda Slavia comes powered with the same two petrol engine options that also power the Kushaq. You have the 1.0-litre TSI petrol and a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine. The smaller three-cylinder petrol engine is capable of churning out 113 bhp of power and 175 Nm of torque. It comes available with a six speed manual and a six-speed automatic gearbox options. The larger 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine generates 150 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque. It comes available with a six-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox options.
What are the safety features on the Slavia?
Safety-wise, the Skoda Slavia comes with six airbags, ESC, an electronic differential system (EDS), a tyre pressure monitor, hill-hold control (optional), a rear parking camera, multi-collision brake and ISOFIX child seat mounts, self cleaning disc brake.
Trims, expected price & Launch details
The Skoda Slavia will be offered in three trims – Active, Ambition and Style. Color options include – Tornado Red, Crystal Blue, Candy White, Reflex Silver and Carbon Steel. Skoda has opened bookings for the Slavia while the price announcement will happen early 2022.
Competition Check
The Skoda Slavia competes against the likes of the Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna and the Volkswagen Vento. Noteworthy here is that Volkswagen will launch their Vento replacement the Virtus soon too that will also share a lot of underpinnings of the Slavia.
We would be getting you our details road test review of the Skoda Slavia soon till then stay safe and stay tuned.
Words – Ritesh Madhok
Photography & Video – Tanmay MaratheÂ
Video Edit – Yash Thamke
