Skoda has officially announced that its all-new mid-sized sedan will be called the Skoda Slavia. The sedan is expected to be unveiled in the next 1-2 months. It will be the brand’s second model to be based on the MQB AO IN platform, which also underpins the Kushaq. The Slavia will also be the third model to be introduced under VW Group’s India 2.0 project.
Skoda said that the SLAVI name goes back to the very early days of ŠKODA AUTO. It was in 1896 that founding fathers Václav Laurin and Václav Klement first started designing their own bikes, and marketed them under the SLAVIA brand name. The company said that the new premium mid-sized sedan will pay homage to the company’s beginnings while establishing a link to a Slavic heritage.
The Skoda Slavia will sit above the Rapid sedan, which will be discontinued in the next few months. Not just platform, the new Slavia will share the specifications and features with the Kushaq SUV. It is likely to measure around 4.5 meters and will ride on segment-largest wheelbase of 2,651mm. The larger body and long wheelbase should help Skoda to carve out more space inside the cabin.
The new Skoda Slavia has been spotted testing numerous times, which reveals that the sedan will carry a notchback-like styling. The sedan will get the signature butterfly grille with chrome surrounds, sharp headlamps with LED DRLs, distinct character lines, a sloping roofline, LED tail-lights and diamond-cut alloys.
The sedan’s cabin will have similarities with the Skoda Kushaq. It will get a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Kushaq-like analogue dials for instrument console, connected car tech, six airbags, an electric sunroof, climate control, a leatherette upholstery, ventilated seats, a premium sound system and many more.
The Skoda Slavia mid-sized sedan will be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that powers the Kushaq. This engine is capable of producing 115bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The higher variant could also get a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 147bhp and 250Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG. The new Skoda Slavia is expected to be unveiled in October or November 2021, during festival season Diwali. Expected to be priced in the range of Rs 9 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. the new Slavia will rival the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
