Skoda releases first sketches of new Slavia for India

Skoda Auto has released two official design sketches that tease the new Slavia sedan for the Indian market. The second new model from the India 2.0 project follows the Kushaq SUV introduced in early 2021 and is a classic notchback saloon for the A0 segment. The global reveal of the Slavia is to be held on November 18.

The new Skoda Slavia is marked by a low front section with a wide, hexagonal Skoda grille extending all the way to the slender, sharply defined headlights. The sketch also shows the vehicle’s coupé-style silhouette and long wheelbase.

The notchback saloon’s roofline slopes gently towards the rear, where it merges elegantly and smoothly into the boot lid. Adding further touches to the model’s distinctive looks are the Skoda word mark in block letters and a rear apron with a chrome strip. In addition, reflectors on either side emphasise the vehicle’s width.

The Slavia finally comes as a replacement for the ageing Skoda Rapid and will be underpinned by the same platform as the Skoda Kushaq. The midsize sedan segment may have lost some ground to SUVs of late, but Skoda is confident that the Slavia can revive the segment. Price is expected to be announced by mid-2022.

Slavia bigger than sibling Rapid
Autocar India recently test drove prototype versions of the Slavia. Details on the Slavia’s styling, interior and features are still under wraps, all of which will be fully unveiled on November 18. Skoda, however, did give out a key few details. What’s notable is that the Slavia will be a big car, considerably bigger than the outgoing Rapid. Skoda has revealed the dimensions of the Slavia to be 4,541mm in length, 1,752mm wide and 1,487mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,651mm. It will be the widest car in the segment that also has the longest wheelbase.

Skoda has confirmed that the Slavia will be powered by two TSI turbo-petrol engines. The mainstay will be a 115hp, 175Nm, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI petrol engine which will come mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. There will also be the larger 150hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI motor that comes with either the 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Skoda has also revealed a few key features that will be offered on the Slavia, although most are still under wraps. These include six airbags, a digital instrument cluster, multi-collision brake, cruise control and a rear parking camera. The Slavia has also been tested by Global NCAP, although the results of the same are awaited.

The Skoda Slavia is expected to reach showrooms in early 2022. Expect it to be priced between Rs 10 lakh-16 lakh (ex-showroom). In terms of rivals, the new Slavia will contend against the upcoming Volkswagen Virtus, Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.