Skoda Salavia: The Skoda Slavia is a welcome proof-of-concept to show that the midsize sedan segment in India can be reimagined with a mix of European flair and Indian practicality. The Slavia is meant to be the replacement to the dated Rapid and quite simply put, is a car that is more in line with the newer generation of car buyers. The car is going to be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which the company has made for Indian road conditions and demands. The car blends typical Skoda design elements with a golden ratio design that offers elegance and modern styling. First impressions for the Slavia are good, the crystalline LED headlamps, large butterfly grille, sculpted bonnet and flowing shoulder lines give the bike a premium look from all the angles. The long wheelbase not only contributes to stance and interior room, but by increasing the space between the front and rear wheels; you also get a sportier, low-slung look that’s further emphasized by a set of alloy wheels, the use of chrome detailing, and a coupe-like roofline makes it a cut above the competition.

Gorgeous Interior Wrapped in Space and Style

Step inside, and the Slavia does not let up on its luxury story telling with a cabin that’s stylish, clever and roomy. The dashboard design follows Skoda’s clean approach, the highlight being a free-standing 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (mounted in a frame borrowed from the Octavia) surrounded by neatly arranged switches, dials and buttons. Soft-touch finishes, leatherette upholstery and piano black inserts provide a sense of luxury that will appeal to the urbanite buyer. Meanwhile, the two-spoke steering wheel introduces a typical Skoda touch, which also houses multi-function buttons for easy control. In other areas, the front seats are ventilated and offer good support underneath while the rear seats offer a good legroom and reclined angle due to the longer wheelbase. Headroom is fine, too, so despite its low proportions, it’s a comfortable place even for lanky passengers to sit in the rear bench. It has enough storage spaces, rear AC vents, Type -C charging ports and big boot making Slavia an attractive option for daily commuting as well as long highway rides.

Versatile Engine Choices to Suit Every Need

The Skoda Slavia can be had with two turbocharged petrol engines, with each meant for a driver type. Performance from the entry-level 1.0-litre TSI engine is more than adequate for inner-city driving and motorway cruising, with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter auto. For those who like a bit more sporty driving, the 1.5-litre TSI engine is the one to go for. It makes heaps more power and torque, and available with six-speed manual and 7-speed DSG automatic is much quicker at picking the next gear. The engines are designed to be lively, yet fuel-efficient, with the most notable standard engine being smooth and powerful for most driving situations. The refinements are stellar and the engine note barely makes its presence felt at all when driven normally and is just manageable when you go hammer and tongs. And it’s this choice of powertrains that ensures that the Slavia caters to a broader base of customers, from cruisers to enthusiasts.

Ride Comfort Tailor-Made for Indian Roads

Comfort for passengers too is top notch on the Skoda Slavia as it takes all kinds of roads in its stride without feeling ruffled. The suspension action is also well-orchestrated, designed to absorb all the bumps and ruts our roads can throw at it. Even on rough roads and over potholes, the Slavia is a composed cruiser and provides good isolation from the outside world. High-speed stability can still be short of always being flat-on-its-belly, but here the sedan does feel well planted on expressways helped somewhat by a wider track and a stiffer chassis. The steering is light when moving slowly, which allows easy maneuverability through city traffic, and it gradually gains weight as speeds rise, instilling the driver with further confidence. It steers with precision, and there’s little body roll, particularly around turns, contributing to the car’s sporty driving character. With this harmony of comfort and handling, the Slavia is as capable in the city as it is over long distances.

Technology That Enhances Everyday Driving

Also, as for the features, Skoda Slavia gets almost a complete set of contemporary techs to increase practicality as well as the safety, while enhancing overall driving experience. The infotainment screen integrated in the center of the dashboard provides wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, meaning you won’t have to plug in your phone to make it work. It also comes with a high end audio system with excellent sound quality. There’s also a fully digital instrument cluster that can display driving data in a customizable and easy-to-read layout. Other features include wireless charging pad, auto climate control, cruise control, rear-view camera with sensors, keyless entry with push button start, and connected car features such as remote access and vehicle tracking. These are more than just talking points, they make tangible contributions to the value equation – and, for the tech-oriented party animal, a more stimulating driving experience, thanks to simple digital interfaces in their cars, among other things.

Hyundai Verna – A Preium features sedan come with full luxury look

Safety as a Core Priority

Slavia has been designed by Skoda with a strong focus on safety and structure of the car. The car is fitted with up to six airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), multi-collision brake, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The stiff MQB-A0-IN platform employs the use of high-strength steel to offer improved crash safety as well as better energy absorption. Stopping power is confidence-inspiring—there’s a firm initial pedal with little fade and shorter than class-norm distances from 60 to 0 mph in panic-braking scenarios. The car is also equipped with hill-hold control, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps, for the convenience of the driver even in more difficult conditions. The safety-first approach taken by Skoda is clear not only from the equipment list, but also in the way the car is engineered, with state-of-the-art materials and real-world testing. For customers who look for the safety of their family and passengers, the Slavia is a peace-of-mind purchase.

Skoda Salavia: A Sedan That Brings Back the Segment

The Skoda Slavia comes when the midsize sedan segment in India is under pressure from SUVs. But somehow, it rejuvenates this category with an interesting formula of design, space, performance and features. It restores the appeal of a nicely-proportioned four-door, without having to skimp on ground clearance or day-to-day utility. Having priced itself at a premium in its segment, the Slavia takes on competition not just in its category but also dips into the lower fringes of the entry-level luxury space. Its aggressive styling, classy interiors, powerful engine choices also, but it has a far more engineered chassis than the rest of the competition. The Slavia has been positioned by Skoda to be both a driver’s car that doesn’t ignore rear- seat comfort, and it’s a package that has been honed and honed to be just as appealing to individuals as it is to families. As buyers in India look beyond SUVs, the Slavia is a welcome alternative that combines the past with the present in a decidedly world-class offering.