Skoda Slavia

Skoda Slavia Expert Verdict

Skoda Slavia Detailed Review

• Slavia Performance

  The Slavia is offered with two engine options - both petrol, not diesel as of now. The smaller 1000cc turbo petrol is a practical unit with generous torque lower down in the rev range. It is a 3 cylinder set up  generating 114 bhp/178 Nm and yet feels smooth, without unwanted vibrations. Do not let the smaller capacity fool you as the motor feels good even when driven with a load of four people. However, if you are looking for thrills, the bigger 1.5 unit with 148  of power with 250 Nm is the pick here. It is exciting, thrilling and sounds great too. Being a 4 cylinder unit, it is smoother as well. 

  While a 6-speed manual gearbox is standard on both the engines, with the 1.0, you can pick an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and the 1.5L TSI gets equipped with a 7-speed DSG. Paddle shifters on both are common. 

  

  Summary

  Two good options. 1000cc is practical, efficient and has ample poke for all kind of runs. 1500cc is a driver’s delight .

• Slavia Exterior

  The exterior design of the Skoda Slavia will remind you of Skoda’s other posh offerings – the Octavia and Superb. The new wide grille design with chrome surround, adorned with crystalline LED headlamps on both sides, gives the Slavia quite the appealing stance. The headlamps also house L-shaped DRLs, similarly, the rear fascia also boasts of crystalline split LED tail lamps. On the side, there’s a small badge, on the front fenders, and the overall silhouette gives out this unique notchback styling – which is the massive 521-liter boot space behind. 

  The Slavia is high up the ground and this is unlike other sedans. Dimensionally, it's larger than its rivals and this gives it good road presence. We also like bold shades (blue and red for instance) on offer, something that will go down well with owners. Skoda Slavia is a great pick for those who want a sharper looking sedan. Overall, the design of the Skoda Slavia is modern, it offered with modern equipment and is bringing back the sedan culture in the Indian market.

  

  Summary

  New design that is bold and appealing. Large dimensions and great colour options.

• Slavia Interior

  This is an all-new car and the interiors are generations ahead in terms of the Rapid. Apart from a few hard materials around (the inner door handles for example), the overall build quality of the Skoda Slavia is high. This sedan looks premium, with an upmarket feel and the design is different from what we have been used to. The two spoke steering for instance, or the circular side vents, or the shade of gold used for the horizontal slim panel running across the internal width of the car - all these elements do make you (as an owner) feel pampered.

  Ergonomics are top notch, seat comfort is above average and the large windows (plus the sunroof) add to the airy part. The front seats have ample room and inspite of the sunroof in there, for a 6 feet tall driver, there is still had about 2 inches of headroom left. Likewise, with the driver's seat adjust for a tall person, at the back, with an equally tall passenger, you still get 3-4 inches of knee room. Yes, not in the league of the Honda City and the Maruti Ciaz, but comfortable nonetheless.

  Helpful features include dedicated cabin lights for the 2nd row, useful phone pockets in the back rest of the front seats, dual charging outlets and an arm-rest with cup holders. What's missing? May be more effective air vents and manual sun blinds for the Indian summer. Skoda Slavia is based on the MQB AO IN platform and the Czech carmaker has really worked on this sedan! Overall, the interior does not feel as solid as the discontinued Rapid but excels in terms of space, features and modern equipment. 

  

  Summary

  Fresh new design, ample features and good build quality. However, rear space isn’t the best around.

• Slavia Ride & Handling

  Most Skoda offerings are known for high comfort levels and the Slavia is no different. The 1.5 uses the same steering/suspension hardware as the 1.0 but due to the heavier engine weight, Skoda engineers have fine-tuned the set-up accordingly. Driven alone, for both the models, the ride feels nice and firm, just about. Sharp undulations or potholes do get felt but with a load of three more on board, this irons out to a large extent. It does offer a good balance and comfort levels are high. We had our share of bad roads and suspension did not bottom out even once. Likewise, South Goa's notorious speed breakers also didn't see the underbelly touching down even once.

  Yes, high ground clearance is a boon and this erases one of the main pain points of a sedan owner in India. In fact, we even managed to take our Slavia to an off-the-road shoot location without damaging the underside. Super! From a driver's perspective, the dynamics of the Skoda Slavia also need special mention. It might not be a perfect driver's car, but yet rewards you with a smile and an occasional grinning moment. The light steering (good for urban runs) still has enough feedback when you attack a corner. There is a bit of body roll but that was expected due to the Slavia being high off the ground. Skoda offers the fun-to-drive factor with the Slavia.

  

   

  Summary

  Feels like a typical European car. Firm but comfortable ride. High clearance a big boon .

• Slavia Verdict

  The new Skoda Slavia is definitely an improvement over the now-discontinued Rapid, which it replaces. Whether it's the relaxed, yet chirpy engine, or the neat, indulging interior – the Slavia definitely feels worth the hype. The slightly expensive price tag for the 1.5 model might come across as a bit odd, but given the standard of features and luxury on board – the Slavia seems like an upgrade over its, comparatively cheaper, competition. The 1.0 is priced well and is a great alternative to the mid-size SUVs. However, if you want a diesel or are looking primarily for a chauffeur-driven car, the City and Ciaz will be better. 

  

  Summary

  Genuinely a very good alternative to the current crop of mid-size SUVs. Petrol-heads will love this one.

• Slavia Rivals and Segment

  The Skoda Slavia competes against the likes of Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and VW Virtus. The Slavia is also a great alternative to the mid-size SUVs, being priced in the Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 18.39 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi bracket.

  Summary

  The Slavia will lock horns with mid-size sedans as well as mid-size SUVs .