It’s official: Slavia Is The Name Of Skoda’s New mid-size Sedan For India

Earlier, Skoda launched the Kushaq in the market as their first vehicle under INDIA 2.0 strategy. The new mid-size SUV has been doing well and the Czech manufacturer has announced the name of their second vehicle under the INDIA 2.0 strategy. It is called the Slavia and it will be their new mid-size sedan.

Skoda will be launching the Slavia by the end of this year and the deliveries will start early next year. Zac Hollis, Skoda’s director of Sales, Service & Marketing has revealed that Slavia will be positioned higher than the current Rapid. It will also be larger than the Rapid.

Mr. Zac Hollis, Brand Director, ŠKODA AUTO India, says, “ŠKODA has a rich global legacy spanning more than 125 years. The SLAVIA name represents the beginning of a success story that has seen ŠKODA become one of the most renowned car makers. Rich in tradition, the SLAVIA name will now once again mark the start of a new era for the ŠKODA brand, in the Indian market. The SLAVIA will bring forth impeccable build quality, reliability and driving experience. We look forward to substantially growing our volumes in India and the SLAVIA will play a key role in delivering this objective.”

Also read: Skoda Rapid CNG under testing for the Indian market

Platform

Skoda will be using the MQB-A0-IN platform for Slavia. It is the same platform that we first saw on the Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun. This also means that the Slavia will have a wheelbase of 2,651 mm. So, the new mid-size SUV will have the longest wheelbase in the segment. Slavia is expected to measure 4,480 mm in length. When compared to the current generation of Rapid measures 4,413 mm.

Engines and gearbox

Slavia will come with the same engines and gearbox as the Kushaq and Taigun. So, there will be two petrol engines and no diesel engine. There will be a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI engine and a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI engine. The 1.5 TSI will also come with active cylinder deactivation. So, when the vehicle is cruising or coasting at a constant speed, the engine only works on two cylinders. This helps in saving some fuel.

The 1.0 TSI will produce 115 PS of max power and 178 Nm of peak torque. It will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. This is the same engine that we have seen on the Volkswagen Polo GT, Skoda Rapid and Volkswagen Vento. However, it has been retuned to produce more power and torque.

Then there is the 1.5 TSI that will be preferred by the enthusiasts. It puts out 150 PS of max power and 250 Nm of peak torque. It will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DQ200 DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This engine is also doing duty on the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen T-Roc. The 1.5 TSI engine will make the Slavia, the most powerful sedan in the segment.

Features

A lot of the equipment will be borrowed from Skoda Kushaq. So, expect it to come with a new touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a two-spoke steering wheel, premium sound system, automatic LED headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lamps, leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, connected car technology, wireless charging, ventilated seats and much more.

Rivals

Skoda Slavia will compete against Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, Honda City and the upcoming Volkswagen Virtus. Having said that the Slavia will cost more than the competitors because of its features and performance.

Also read: Skoda Kushaq SUV”s official launch & price announcement timeline revealed officially