Bizz Buzz explainer: Skoda Slavia sedan in India

Hyderabad: Czech carmaker Skoda has unveiled its all-new sedan 'The Skoda Slavia' in India. The launch marks the company's second part of India 2.0 programme which started with the mid-size SUV 'Kushaq'. The new Slavia is built on MQB-A0-IN platform which is specially adapted for Indian market and possess about 95 per cent of local parts.

How it looks?

By looks its definitely a Skoda, be it elegant lines, the design language we can see the similarities from the company's former offering like new-gen Octavia, Superb, Laura and Rapid. This car buys something from all.

The sedan stands confident and wide at 1,752 mm, making it the widest offering in the segment and in-turn enables generous amounts of space for up to five people. The front headlights and taillights are available with advanced LED technology and their looks characterise the brands identity. The chrome plated design features, two-tone alloy wheels and an exclusive Skoda badge all add to the Slavia's high-quality feel. The design spares up room for huge boot capacity of 521 litres.

The car is available in total 5 colours with Crystal Blue and the Tornado Red making their debut in the brand.

The Heart

The sedan is offered in two engine variants ranging into three classes: the active, ambition and style, all having their own specialised feedback.

The 1.0 litre TSI 85KW engine is clubbed in variants: one with 6-speed manual and other with 6-speed automatic. The 1.5 litre TSI 110KW engine is paired with 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic DSG. The engines put out a torque of 175nm and 250nm respectively

Interior

The interior of Slavia bears resemblance to its elder brother Octavia sedan in terms of design. Several interior trims and switchgear are shared with the Kushaq, like the two-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls and integrated buttons. There's a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system taking centre stage on the dashboard, which is underlined by sleek AC vents right below. There's also a horizontal decorative trim on the dashboard in a contrasting colour, which lends it a nice layered effect.

The sedan has a list of modern touches to it ranging from ventilated seats, wide infotainment system, holders, wireless charging, Skoda play apps and Skoda connect which can be used to download a navigation function for the top-end infotainment system.

Safety features

The Slavia comes with excellent active and passive safety features. Occupants are protected by up to six airbags, along with ESC, multi-collision braking, Hill hold control brings high levels of driving safety. The rain and light sensors, cruise control, TPMS, XDS are few extra additions under the hood.

Pricing

Looking at the marketing of the company, one can say that it is planning to hit hard at the competition. The Skoda Slavia is expected to be clocked between Rs 10-15 lakh in India.

The sedan is entering into the already hot premium sedan segment. It would be facing stiff competition from the likes of Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Ciaz, Volkswagen Vento etc.