Skoda Slavia

Expert Review by Maxabout

Introduction

Launched in November 2021 in the Indian car market, the Skoda Slavia is a premium midsize sedan that replaced the aged Rapid. This sedan is developed on the MQB A0 IN platform adapted for India, and with the change of platform, the Slavia has grown in size. It's worth noting here that when hatchback-looking SUVs are becoming popular in the country, this sedan has created a special place for itself. Since its entry into India in 2002, the Czech automaker's sedans have ruled the Indian streets. Now, let’s discuss in detail all the specs and features of the all-new Skoda Slavia.

Skoda Slavia Design and Style

2023 Skoda Slavia has all of the characteristics of a modern Skoda. The distinctive Skoda butterfly grille with a chrome surround can be found upfront. The grille is accompanied by elegant LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. The Skoda Slavia's characteristic style is created by the headlights and grille. The front bumper receives various creases and slashes, as well as a honeycomb motif.

Turning to the side profile, there are more character lines to be found. The bottom window line is completed in chrome, and this chrome strip terminates in a boomerang form towards the C-pillar. The door handles also have a chrome strip, which is a distinctive design feature. Skoda badges can also be found on the front fenders. The Skoda Slavia has a sloping roofline that gives it a couple-like sporty look.

Looking at the rear profile, the new Skoda Slavia appears to be the most elegant, with many design lines flowing towards the rear end. At the back, the roofline and shoulder lines converge. The LED taillights are the first thing that catches your attention. The split tail lights incorporate an inverted L motif. On the boot lid, there is 'SKODA' writing, and the boot lid itself has some distinctive design lines. In terms of body dimensions, the Slavia is 4541 mm in length, 1752 mm in width, 1507 mm in height, and 2651 mm in wheelbase.

Skoda Slavia Engine and Gearbox

Skoda has offered the new Slavia sedan with two engine options. The first one is a 1.0 TSI, 999cc, 3-cylinder, in-line, 4-stroke, positive ignition, direct-injection petrol engine that generates 115 HP and 178 Nm when coupled to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission while the other one is a 1.5 TSI, 1498cc, 4-cylinder, in-line, 4-stroke, positive ignition direct-injection petrol engine with Active Cylinder Technology which is capable of churning out 150 HP and 250 Nm and is combined to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG transmission.

Skoda Slavia Interior, Instrument Cluster & Boot Space

Stepping inside, you will find a premium-looking, spacious and dual-tone interior. The first thing that catches your eye is the two-spoke steering wheel that is taken from the Skoda Kushaq. The dashboard is composed of hard-touch plastic, which is the only flaw in the interior. However, it appears to be high-quality soft-touch plastic. The upper half of the dashboard is finished in black to match the dual-tone beige and black interior. A beige piece connects the two circular AC vents on both sides of the dashboard.

The quality vibe continues in the centre console, and the gear lever even receives a leather boot. The piano black panel that surrounds the gear lever also has a few buttons that regulate other car functions like traction control, hill-hold control, and so on. A slot ahead of the gear lever serves as a wireless charger as well as a place to store your smartphone. Adding to the richness is the neatly-integrated ambient lighting on the passenger side of the dashboard.

Seating in the new Skoda Slavia is also comfortable and practical. The front seats are ventilated and provide enhanced comfort for a more comfortable ride. The rear seats are comfortable, but headroom and thigh support are only adequate, and there isn't enough room for a third person. Hence, only a child can sit freely there as a third occupant. However, the armrest and headrest for the middle occupant are a good addition.

The instrument cluster gets an 8-inch virtual cockpit that sports a fully-coloured display that is customisable according to the driver’s preferences. The driver can also choose which information is presented at any particular time. When it comes to information, it displays a lot of stuff, such as distance-to-empty, current fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency, fuel levels, odometer, speedometer, and so on. For sure, it appears to be high-end and opulent. The car gets an ample 521-litre boot space, which is further expandable by folding the rear seats.

Skoda Slavia Brakes, Suspension & Tyres

Speaking of the suspension and braking duties in the new Slavia, the suspension is done by McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and a stabiliser bar at the front and a Twist Beam Axle at the rear, while the braking duties are assigned to the Hydraulic Diagonal Split Vaccum Assisted Braking System and get disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Slavia’s Active variant rides on 15-inch steel wheels which are clothed with 195/65-size tyres. On the other hand, the Ambition, Style, and Style NSR variants ride on 16-inch alloy wheels which are outfitted with 205/55-size tyres.

Skoda Slavia Key Features

Skoda has offered the 2023 Slavia sedan with a plethora of sophisticated features including Crystalline LED headlamps with L-shaped DRLs, Crystalline split LED tail lights, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, chrome bezel air-vents, a 25.4cm infotainment system with Skoda Play apps, Cruise control, keyless entry start/stop system, adjustable rear AC vents, 12V power socket, a 20.32cm Skoda virtual cockpit, 8 speakers, electric-sunroof with anti-pinch technology, wireless charging, rearview camera, cooled glove box, two USB Type-C sockets at the rear and coat hooks to name a few. In consideration to passenger safety, there are six airbags, hill hold control, ABS, multi-collision brake, ESC, tyre pressure monitoring, traction control system, anti-theft alarm, motor slip regulation and many more are on offer.

Skoda Slavia Top Speed, Acceleration & Mileage

2023 Skoda Slavia offers a top speed of 190 kmph and accelerates from 0-100 kmph within 9.42 seconds. As for the mileage, this sedan offers mileage ranging between 18-19 km/l. However, the mileage may vary depending on the terrain or driving skills as well as maintenance.

Skoda Slavia Variants & Colour Options

There are four variants are on offer called: Active, Ambition, Style and Style NSR. While the offered colour scheme includes five lively colours named Crystal Blue, Tornado Red, Carbon Steel, Brilliant Silver and Candy White.

Ex-showroom Price & On-Road Price

2023 Skoda Slavia’s ex-showroom price starts at Rs 10.99 lakh for the Active MT variant and goes up to Rs 18.39 lakh for the Style AT variant. Now, to understand the difference between ex-showroom and on-road prices, the ex-showroom price of a car is the sticker price that does not include the cost of road tax, insurance, and registration. The on-road price, on the other hand, includes the previously mentioned costs as well as the cost of insurance, RC, one-time road tax, extended warranty, and all accessories purchased for the vehicle. It is worth noting that on-road prices in our country vary greatly from state to state.

Skoda Slavia Competitors

In the Indian car market, 2023 Skoda Slavia directly competes with Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Nexa Ciaz and the Volkswagen Vento.

Verdict - Should You Buy Skoda Slavia or not?

There is no denying the fact that the new Skoda Slavia is truly a premium-looking, sophisticated, and feature-loaded car with a good powertrain. This sedan has still managed to survive in this modern era of SUVs with its dynamic performance. However, its priceyness is its major downgrade, but it is capable of proving its worth. Hence, if you want to spend your hard-earned money on a car with comfort and style, you should go for it.