The Slavia Starts Rolling Out From Skoda’s Facility In Chakan

• Second Skoda car to be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform.
• Will be offered in three trims: Active, Ambition, and Style.
• 115PS 1-litre and 150PS 1.5-litre TSI petrol engines to be on offer.
• Likely to be priced from Rs 10.5 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.

Skoda has commenced production of the Slavia and it is expected to launch in early March. Bookings are already underway for a token amount of Rs 11,000, and test drives will commence soon. The upcoming sedan, which replaces the Rapid, aims to spice things up in a diminishing segment that’s currently ruled by the Honda City. 

The Slavia is the second Skoda to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0-IN platform, with up to 95 percent localisation. Like the Kushaq, the Slavia will get the VW Group’s ever-so-familiar 115PS 1-litre TSI and 150PS 1.5-litre TSI petrol (with cylinder deactivation tech) engines, paired with manual and automatic transmissions. 

If the Kushaq is anything to go by, the Slavia should keep enthusiasts happy with its fun-to-drive demeanour.

You’ll have the choice to choose from three trims: Active, Ambition, and Style. Then there’s the five colours: Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel, Tornado Red and Crystal Blue. This author’s favourite is the red, which lends the Slavia a sportier look. 

Feature highlights include a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 8-inch digital driver’s display (a la Taigun), a single-pane sunroof, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 8-speaker sound system with subwoofer. 

Passengers will be secured by up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors with camera, electronic stability control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and tyre pressure monitoring. 

You’ll be able to bring the Slavia home from March 2022. Prices are likely to start from Rs 10.5 lakh onwards, putting it in contention with the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and the upcoming successor to the VW Vento.