Skoda Slavia, Kushaq 1.5 TSI cars get new Ambition trim that’s a lot cheaper: Hyundai Verna effect?

Skoda has expanded the 1.5 TSI lineup of both its India 2.0 cars, the Slavia and the Kushaq, alongside launching the limited-run Kushaq Onyx Edition. Skoda will now offer the 1.5-liter TSI petrol engine with both 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT gearbox options in the mid-spec Ambition variant. Previously, this engine was only available with both transmission choices in the top-spec Style variant. Interestingly, Hyundai recently launched the most powerful sedan in the mid-size segment. The all-new Verna, which gets powered by 1.5-litre turbocharged engine produces a maximum power of 160 PS making it more powerful than the Slavia.

The prices of the new 1.5 TSI Ambition variant for both the Slavia and the Kushaq are as follows:

Also read: All-new Hyundai Verna spotted testing; Will launch in India as well

2023 Skoda Slavia Ambition 1.5 price list:

• 1.5 TSI Ambition MT – Rs 14.94 lakh
• 1.5 TSI Ambition DCT – Rs 16.24 lakh
• 1.5 TSI Ambition DCT dual-tone – Rs 16.29 lakh

2023 Skoda Kushaq Ambition 1.5 price list:

• 1.5 TSI Ambition MT – Rs 14.99 lakh
• 1.5 TSI Ambition DCT – Rs 16.79 lakh
• 1.5 TSI Ambition DCT dual-tone – Rs 16.84 lakh

Compared to the Ambition variant with the 1.0-liter TSI engine options in both cars, the new 1.5 TSI Ambition is Rs 1.84 lakh pricier in Kushaq and Rs 1.95 lakh pricier in Slavia. This massive price difference is because, unlike the 1.0-liter TSI, which is locally assembled in India, the 1.5-liter TSI engine is brought to India through the CBU route.

In both the Slavia and the Kushaq, this 1.5-liter TSI four-cylinder petrol engine develops 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque and features cylinder deactivation for enhanced fuel efficiency. This engine is almost 40 PS more powerful and produces almost 72 Nm higher torque output than the 1.0-liter TSI petrol engine. By offering the 1.5-liter TSI petrol engine in the mid-spec Ambition variant of both the Slavia and the Kushaq, Skoda intends to offer the high-tech engine to a broader customer base.

Skoda will also offer dual-tone paint options for the DCT-equipped Ambition 1.5-liter TSI variants in both the Slavia and the Kushaq. The Slavia sedan can be had with Crystal Blue with a black roof and Carbon steel with a silver roof, whereas the Kushaq SUV is offered with Honey Orange with a black roof and Carbon Steel with a silver roof. The dual-tone option is offered only for an additional Rs 5,000.

Recently, Skoda introduced a new limited-run Onyx Edition for the Kushaq, which is slotted just above the Active 1.0-liter TSI variant of the SUV. Featuring a few visual and feature add-ons, the Kushaq Onyx Edition is offered only with the combination of a 1.0-liter TSI petrol engine and a 6-speed manual transmission.

Also read: Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo: New details surface