Skoda Slavia: Unprepared for the Mid-Size Sedan The Skoda Slavia is a breath of fresh air in the mid-size sedan space, boasting of European design, sound build, finish and a competent driving experience.
The Slavia will roll into Indian showrooms to succeed the now-defunct Rapid, and will try to woo sedan buyers at a time when SUVs appear to have taken over the Indian market.
With its mix of style, space and performance, the Slavia becomes an interesting option for individuals who still appreciate the allure of a low-lurking, fun to drive car.
Design and Styling
Skoda Slavia looks bold yet elegant at first glance.
The broad signature grille, sharp LED headlamps and clean lines make it a bold presence, even for the staid segment.
With a long hood and balanced body, it has a classic sedan profile that’s hard to find today.
Those 16-inch alloys, delicate chrome bits and sharp character lines continue to add a certain premium feel to it.
Climb in and the Slavia’s cabin greets you with a well-judged layout.
The overall layout of the dashboard is contemporary, with a free-standing touchscreen, a two-spoke steering wheel and a set of well-positions buttons.
Soft-touch materials on important touch points along with leatherette upholstery on higher trims make it feel more premium than it looks.
An all-digital gauges screen, wireless connectivity and front seat ventilation are other features that make the ride more comfortable and convenient.
Power Trains and Performance
The Slavia is available with two turbocharged petrol engines from Skoda—a 1.0-litre TSI and a more powerful 1.5-litre TSI.
The smaller engine which makes about 115 PS is quite peppy for city use and on the open highway when you occasionally stretch it.
But it’s the 1.5-litre, 150 PS motor, however, that really busts its driver’s car character.
Both engines are smooth and polished, offering strong power, and are available with manual or automatic gearboxes, which is sure to please buyers.
The Slavia’s ride and handling balance are highlights.
The suspension is specificallt desgined to absorb holes and ruts without sacrificing stability.
It provides a sense of directness to the steering mass and a confident acceleration of highway cruising and cornering.
Ground clearance on the Slavia feels good even though it is a sedan and plays a big role in enabling it to glide over rough surfaces easily.
Space and Practicality
The large cabin is one of the highlights of the Slavia.
Rear seat space is generous with plenty of leg and headroom to keep you comfortable on long rides.
Its capacity of 521 litres in the boot is also excellent and able to swallow all manner of suitcases or weekend bags.
Pros:
Stylish Appearance: The styling of the Slavia will draw attention from a broad variety of customers thanks to its mix of classic and modern design.
Solidly crafted True to the Skoda tradition, the car feels well-put together.
Fun to Drive: Particularly with the 1.5 TSI, the Slavia is a great car to be behind which with thrilling driving dynamics.
Feature-Filled Cabin: Ventilated seats, wireless charging, and a sharp touchscreen make the experience better.
Cons:
More expensive: The 1.5 TSI and other high spec versions are expensive.
Firm Ride at Low Speeds The suspension can be harsh over sharp bumps at low speeds.
Restricted Diesel Offering: Some may be turned off by a lack of diesel.
Skoda Slavia : Final Word
Skoda Slavia manages to strike a perfect balance between the classic sedan charm and today’s car buyer needs.
For buyers seeking style, space and simply a pleasant driving experience too,
it’s a real compelling package in a sector that is now so very obviously dominated by SUVs.