› The all-new premium midsize sedan offers plenty of space, a host of safety features and an emotive design
› Efficient TSI engines, high levels of comfort and advanced infotainment systems
› Model name ‘SLAVIA’ pays homage to the brand’s heritage and ushers in a new era
› Reflects great global collaboration; Manufactured in Pune, India
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, NOV 18
Czech automaker, Škoda, has virtually launched the new Škoda Slavia midsize sedan in India on Thursday. This new midsize sedan will compete with the likes of Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and Volkswagen Vento in India. This new sedan introduced by Skoda will replace the Rapid in India. The Skoda Slavia sedan is expected to launch in the first half of 2022 and the bookings for the vehicle have already opened. In appearance, the Skoda Slavia appears like a Skoda Octavia within a budget.
The Škoda Slavia is based on the made-for- India MQB A0 IN platform which is also used in SUVs like the Kushaq and Tiguan. In terms of dimensions, the Škoda Slavia is 4541mm in length, 1752mm in width and 1487 mm and height. The wheelbase of the sedan is 2651mm. Roughly saying, the Skoda Slavia is way bigger in every dimension than the outgoing Rapid.
Škoda Slavia is launched in five colour options and in three trims, Active, Ambition and Style. This was the global launch of Slavia.
The company is yet to reveal Škoda Slavia price despite commencing pre-bookings.
The premium midsize 5 door sedan comes with distinctive, round air vents, a horizontal decorative trim strip in a contrasting colour, and embossed wordmarks on the binnacle. Long wheel base, 16 inch alloy wheels, vertical chrome front grille, L-shaped headlights and bumper with wider air inlets.
“The SLAVIA will usher in a new era into the Indian market. We want to significantly increase our sales with SLAVIA and KUSHAQ. Our overarching goal is to develop ŠKODA into the leading European brand in India,” Thomas Schaefer, CEO, Škoda Auto said.
Škoda Slavia comes in two engine formats 1.0 TSI and 1.5TSI with six air bags. The one litre three-cylinder petrol engine generates 113 bhp of power and 175 Nm of torque. It comes available with a six speed manual and a six-speed automatic gearbox options. The larger 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine gets 150 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque. It comes available with a six-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox options.
The interior features a new 10 inch digital infotainment system plus a digital instrument cluster in the cockpit.
The car’s low front section highlights a hexagonal Škoda grille, extending all the way to slender, sharply defined headlights that feature an L-shaped daytime running light strip. Also visible are the coupé-style silhouette and long wheelbase, as well as a distinctive badge with the Škoda word mark on the front wings.
The sedan’s roofline slopes towards the rear, where it merges into the boot lid. Adding further touches to the model’s distinctive looks are the Škoda word mark in block letters and a rear apron with a chrome strip. In addition, reflectors on either side emphasise the vehicle’s width. Featuring the signature C-shaped Škoda lights design, the taillights are divided into two parts and extend into the boot lid.
Škoda SLAVIA is based on the locally developed and produced MQB‑A0-IN platform, designed to meet new, stricter safety and emissions specifications, the company said.
“When we started, one of the objectives for the group was to capture 5% market share by 2025 with ŠKODA KUSHAQ, and now the SLAVIA, we are getting ever closer to achieving it,” said Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, Škoda Auto.
Škoda Auto’s vehicle production in India has a localisation level up to 95%. The carmaker set up a new MQB production line at its Pune plant so this could be achieved. In the medium term, the models manufactured in India will also be exported to other countries.
For booking in Ahmedabad, contact Stellar Autohaus Private Limited, near Divya Bhaskar, SG Highway.
