Skoda Auto is all set to replace the old Rapid sedan with the new Slavia in India. The new mid-size sedan, that recently made its debut, will see a release in early 2022. It will be positioned against the Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Hyundai Verna. The Czech automaker aims to lead the segment with the all-new Skoda Slavia and achieve 2,500 – 3,000 unit sales in the “long term”. Official bookings of the sedan have already been commenced across the country.
The new Slavia sedan will be designed on the heavily localized MQB A0 IN platform that also underpins the Kushaq SUV. Its engine setup will include a 1.0L, 3-cylinder TSI petrol and 1.5L, 4-cylinder TSI petrol units delivering a claimed power of 115bhp with 178Nm and 148bhp with 250Nm respectively.
Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual (standard), a 6-speed torque convertor automatic (for 1.0L petrol variants only) and a 7-speed DSG automatic (for 1.5L petrol variants only).
The Skoda Slavia will be made available in three trims – Active, Ambition and Style. Features such as a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with latest smartphone connectivity, wireless charging pad, leather upholstery, ventilated seats, automatic climate control, connected car features, 6 speakers audio system and a subwoofer and a digital instrument cluster will be reserved for the higher trims.
The sedan will provide 6 airbags protection along with the ABS, cruise control, a rear parking camera, multi collision brake and more.
The Czech automaker has managed to resolve its high maintenance costs issues up to a great extent with the Made-in-India architecture. Zac Hollis, Director, Sales and Marketing, Skoda India, has revealed that the company will take more measures to reduce service costs of its vehicles. In fact, customers’ complaints are said to be declined by 60 percent in the last two years. The automaker is working to expand its sales and service network and bring in more investors in the metro cities.
