Skoda Slavia
The Skoda Slavia is the newest contender in the fiercely competitive C-segment sedan space in India. Launched in early 2022, it is positioned as a more premium offering compared to mainstream sedans from Honda, Hyundai and Maruti.
With European styling, engaging driving dynamics and an upmarket cabin, the Slavia puts up a strong case for itself for buyers wanting to upgrade from their City or Verna. However, it does command a price premium and faces challenges from the likes of VW Virtus.
This in-depth review aims to analyze if the Skoda Slavia is worth buying in 2023 based on critical parameters potential customers consider. Read on for a detailed evaluation.
Overview: Pricing, Variants and Positioning
As part of Skoda’s India 2.0 project, the Slavia sedan sits on the MQB-A0-IN platform also underpinning its SUV sibling, the Kushaq. Localization levels stand at a high 96% giving it a competitive price advantage over fully-imported rivals.
It is offered in three trim levels:
- Active
- Ambition
- Style
Ex-showroom prices range from Rs. 10.69 lakhs for the base Active variant, going up to Rs. 17.79 lakhs for the top-spec Style model. Introductory offers can bring down prices further by around Rs. 1 lakh, depending on variant.
The Slavia competes with heavyweights like the:
- Maruti Ciaz
- Hyundai Verna
- Honda City
- VW Virtus
It is positioned as a more stylish, engaging-to-drive and well-equipped alternative promising premium European appeal. However, the higher pricing may limit its accessibility to a wider audience.
Key specifications:
- Length x Width x Height: 4,541 mm x 1,752 mm x 1,487 mm
- Wheelbase – 2,651 mm
- Ground clearance – 188 mm
- Fuel tank capacity – 50 liters
- Tyre size – 195/55 R16
Standout Exterior Design and Styling
(include design image comparison with rivals)
The Slavia looks sophisticated and upmarket compared to rivals. With its sharp creases, sporty bumpers and butterfly grille, the exterior styling reflects the Czech automaker’s latest design language.
Exterior highlights:
- Coupe-like sloping roofline with flush door handles
- Two-part LED headlights with L-shaped DRLs
- Crystalline fog lamps
- 16-inch precision-cut alloy wheels
- Rear LED tail-lamps spanning the width
- Chrome surrounds for windows
- Shark-fin antenna
- Electric sunroof (Style variant)
The Slavia appears more premium than even elder sibling Octavia with its dynamic sheet metal. Impressively, ground clearance stands at 188 mm, enabling reasonable rough-road ability expected in India.
Cabin and Interior Experience
The interior follows Skoda’s minimalist and functional approach to design. High quality materials like leatherette and soft-touch plastics add to the premium edge.
Ingress and egress for passengers is easily aided by the doors, which open wide. The seats offer excellent comfort with 8-way electrical adjustment and ventilation functions for the driver (Style model).
Interior features and seating:
- Leatherette seat upholstery
- Height adjustable driver’s seat
- 60:40 split folding rear seat
- Adjustable front center arm-rest
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Ambient cabin lighting
The cabin offers adequate room for four adults and their luggage:
| Parameter | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 2651 mm |
| Knee Room – Front Row | 1050 mm |
| Knee Room – Rear Row | 1000 mm |
| Headroom – Front Row | 985 mm |
| Headroom – Rear Row | 950 mm |
| Shoulder Room – Front Row | 1430 mm |
| Shoulder Room – Rear Row | 1400 mm |
Infotainment, Connectivity and Audio
The top-end Style variant comes equipped with a 25.4 cm floating touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It offers crisply rendered graphics and intuitive/responsive touch inputs. Volume levels are quite impressive as well with its 8-speaker audio setup.
Lower variants get an 18.7 cm unit, missing out on wireless smartphone connectivity.
Media and connectivity features:
- Wireless phone charging dock
- USB ports
- 12V power outlets
- Built-in navigation
- Gesture control for infotainment
- Weblink feature
Safety Features and Equipment
Safety kit across variants include:
- Up to 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear parking camera
- ESC (electronic stability control)
- Hill-hold control
- Tyre pressure monitoring
Top-spec trims additionally add:
- Cruise control
- Auto headlamps and wipers
- ISOFIX child-seat mounts
However, ADAS functionalities like lane departure warning are NOT offered. Skoda should look to add these considering the pricing.
Engine and Transmission Options
The sedan comes with a choice of two TSI petrol engines:
- 1.0 L TSI
- 3-cylinder turbo-petrol
- 115 PS power; 175 Nm torque
- Idle start/stop and brake energy recuperation
- 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter auto
- Claimed efficiency: 19.47 kmpl
- 1.5L TSI
- 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol
- 150 PS power; 250 Nm torque
- Cylinder deactivation tech
- 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG
- Claimed mileage: 18.47 kmpl
Performance is peppy across the range with smooth acceleration and overtakes. The 1.0L focuses more on driveability and efficiency, while the 1.5L strikes a sportier note with its greater grunt and enthusiastic rev range. The DSG auto wrings out the most from the engine with its lightning-quick gear changes.
Ride Quality and Handling Dynamics
Underpinning the sedan is a stiff MQB platform tuned for Indian conditions. Ride quality is reasonably pliant, soaking up most bumps and ruts with ease. High speed stability is also confidence-inspiring, aided by the 55-litre fuel tank placed below the front seats.
Body roll is controlled around corners despite the raised ground clearance. The Slavia proves quite agile switching directions, though the steering could offer more feel and feedback. Brakes bite sharply, while ABS intervention is smooth.
All things considered, dynamics balance ride and handling nicely without being overtly sporty. It feels at home tackling daily commutes while offering decent engagement when pushing hard.
Real-World Fuel Efficiency Figures
As per user submitted data on DriveSpark, real-world mileage figures range between:
- 1.0L TSI MT: 13-15 kmpl (city), 16-19 kmpl (highway)
- 1.0L TSI AT: 10-13 kmpl (city), 14-16 kmpl (highway)
- 1.5L TSI MT: 11-14 kmpl (city), 15-18 kmpl (highway)
- 1.5L TSI DSG: 9-12 kmpl (city), 13-16 kmpl (highway)
So while the claimed efficiency is slightly higher, the above numbers are quite realistic for everyday usage.
Ownership Experience
Skoda has greatly expanded its sales and after-sales service network under the India 2.0 plan. There are now over 250 sales and service touchpoints located across 100+ cities. Customer experiences have improved as a result.
Service costs are very competitive as well thanks to high levels of localization – spare parts pricing is on par with mainstream rivals, if not lower in some cases. Scheduled maintenance visits are due every 15,000 km or 1 year.
Being manufactured in India, resale and retention values also hold up well, projected at over 50% for a 3-year-old model as per industry data. This adds to the Slavia’s appeal for buyers focused on long-term running costs.
Alternatives to Consider
Hyundai Verna: Loaded to the gills with features, spacious cabin and reliable after-sales experience work in the Verna’s favor. Lacks the driving engagement of Slavia, however.
Honda City: Standing for premium appeal, reliability and low cost of ownership. Design is starting to show its age, while cabin space could be better.
VW Virtus: Closest rival, sharing the MQB platform and engines with the Slavia. Smart styling, dynamic abilities and GT variants make it worthy of consideration.
Verdict: Is the Skoda Slavia Worth Buying?
The Skoda Slavia strikes an appealing balance as a premium midsize sedan. With its sophisticated design, European charm, capable dynamics and well-equipped cabin, it makes a compelling case in the C-segment space.
For buyers wanting to upgrade from mainstream sedans, the Slavia delivers a notch above with its exterior styling, ride and handling as well as brand positioning. Especially the top-spec 1.5L DSG variant makes a tempting proposition.
However, at a starting price nearing Rs. 17 lakhs on-road, it is a significant outlay and stretches budget limits for many. Expectations also run high at this price point – build quality inconsistencies and missing ADAS features count as negatives.
Provided you resonate with its design, the mid and top-trim Slavia models deliver a satisfying ownership experience. Though we wish Skoda offered more standard safety kit considering the segment and pricing.
Test drive all contenders back-to-back before deciding. But if you have always admired European cars, the Slavia merits a top spot on your shopping list. Its sophistication shines through despite some rough edges.
FAQs Answered
What is the boot space capacity of Skoda Slavia?
It offers 521 liters of storage capacity expandable to 1050 liters with rear seats folded. Segment-leading luggage room.
Which variant of Slavia is best to buy?
The mid-Ambition trim strikes a balance between price and features. However, if budget permits, recommend upgrading to the range-topping Style model for the best experience.
What is the waiting period on Skoda Slavia?
Depending on location, waiting times range from 2 weeks up to a maximum 9 months for select variants. Priority is given to models booked earlier, so order at the earliest.
