The introduction of the Slavia marks the start of Skoda Auto’s next stage in the INDIA 2.0 project. Following the successful launch of the Kushaq midsize SUV, the brand-new sedan is the Czech carmaker’s second India-specific model.
The Slavia is manufactured with a localisation level up to 95%. As the sedan is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform – an MQB variant specially adapted by Skoda Auto for India – it offers a comprehensive range of safety features and advanced infotainment systems.
The power output of the TSI engines available for the Slavia is 85 kW (115 PS) and 110 kW
(150 PS) respectively, and just like other Skodas, this model is characterised by an emotive design. Its name is both a tribute to the carmaker’s beginnings and a symbol of a new era in the Indian market.
Commemorating the founding fathers
2021 Skoda Slavia Images:
Václav Laurin and Václav Klement In 1895, the founding fathers Václav Laurin and Václav Klement started their business by repairing bicycles in Mladá Boleslav. Soon after, they designed their own, successfully marketing them under the brand name Slavia from 1896. The bicycles stood for reliability, affordability and inventiveness – qualities that still form Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ corporate philosophy today. ‘SLAVIA’ quickly became synonymous with quality and innovation, and the name was also adopted for the motorcycles introduced by Laurin and Klement in 1899.
Local development and local production
The MQB-A0-IN – a variant of Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix – provides the technical basis for the new models. Skoda Auto has adapted this platform specifically for the Indian market and to meet the country’s new, stricter safety and emission requirements. The majority of the development work is carried out in India – in close collaboration with colleagues based in the Czech Republic – at the technology centre in Pune, which opened in early 2019.
The on-site team’s wealth of expertise and understanding of local preferences mean that Skoda can respond to changing needs quickly and in a flexible manner. Skoda 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.
Following the Kushaq, the Slavia is the second Skoda in the INDIA 2.0 campaign
The Slavia premium midsize sedan is the second new Skoda for the INDIA 2.0 project, following the Kushaq SUV, which was launched in the first quarter of 2021. Headed by Skoda Auto, who oversees all activities of Volkswagen Group in India, the campaign is backed by investments of one billion euros to strengthen the long-term presence of Skoda and Volkswagen on the Indian subcontinent. The aim is to reach a combined market share of 5% by 2025. The Skoda Kushaq and Slavia models will be followed by a Volkswagen sedan; a Volkswagen SUV has already been launched
Exterior: emotive and elegant, featuring crystalline details
Exhibiting elegant lines and Skoda’s well-established emotive design language, the Slavia creates a new highlight for sedans . With the widest body in the segment, it offers generous amounts of space for up to five people and has a boot capacity of 521 litre.
Its front and tail lights are available with advanced LED technology and characterise the Skoda-typical crystalline details. Chrome-plated design features, two-tone alloy wheels and an exclusive Skoda badge all add to the Slavia’s high-quality feel. The new metallic Crystal Blue and the Tornado Red paintwork are both Skoda exclusives for the Indian market.
The Skoda Slavia is a classic sedan in the popular C (A0) segment in India. At a length of 4,541 mm, it is ideal for the city driving. With its wheelbase of 2,651 mm and a width of 1,752 mm – which is the widest in its segment – also contribute to the feeling of spaciousness, while the vehicle height is 1,487 mm. Its long wheelbase, balanced proportions and coupé-like silhouette add to the Slavia’s elegant appearance. There is a choice of three trim levels – Active, Ambition and Style – for the new sedan
Clean-cut lines, clear surfaces and chrome applications
The Slavia’s emotive design language with sharp lines, clear surfaces and crystalline structures builds on that of the OCTAVIA and SUPERB – two Skoda sedans which are well established in India. The wide, hexagonal Skoda grille with a chrome surround and vertical black slats is upright and extends to the sides of the slim headlights. The lower air inlet runs across nearly the vehicle’s entire width and merges with black, C-shaped applications on both sides.
The roofline slopes gently and seamlessly towards the rear. The tailgate bears ‘Skoda’ in block lettering in the centre. The wide tailgate and low loading sill mean that the large boot is easy to use. The rear bumper accentuates the Slavia’s width and features a thin black insert that runs from one reflector to the other in the Active and Ambition trim levels.
In the higher specifications, chrome applications create visual highlights, for example on the door handles and on the front apron (Slavia Ambition), or below the side windows and on the rear apron (Slavia Style). The top-end variant Style also comes with an electric sliding glass roof. From the Ambition trim upwards, a model-specific badge with crystalline and chrome-plated details and Skoda lettering on the front wings makes for an additional visual highlight.
Headlights and tail lights with LED technology
The entry-level headlights come with halogen lamps for low beam and high beam, while the daytime running lights make use of LED technology. In the top-end specification, a hexagonal LED module produces the low beam and high beam, while the daytime running lights are provided by a striking, sharply defined L-shaped LED strip. There is also a choice of two variants for the rear lights which are split in two. Even the entry-level specification features LED tail lights and brake lights, forming the Skoda-typical C-shaped light cluster. The Slavia Ambition and Style also boast an LED tail light module on the tailgate.
Five colours and three different wheel options measuring up to 16 inches
The new sedan’s wheels depend on the trim level. The Slavia Active features 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps. The higher-end trim levels, Ambition and Style, come with alloy wheels as standard: silver-coloured 16-inch alloys for the Slavia Ambition, and painted brushed two-tone 16- inch alloys for the top-specification Slavia Style. There is a choice of five body colours for the brand-new sedan. In addition to Tornado Red, the colour options include metallic Crystal Blue – Skoda is the only Volkswagen Group brand in India to offer this paintwork. Both the Slavia and the Kushaq are also available in Candy White, metallic Reflex Silver and metallic Carbon Steel.
Interior: modern, spacious and simply clever
The Slavia showcases the latest Skoda interior design concept. Just as with other model ranges from the Czech car manufacturer, the free-standing infotainment touchscreen measuring up to 25.4 cm takes centre stage. The line running underneath is inspired by the silhouette of the Skoda grille and provides a hand rest for use when operating the display. A horizontal, colour-contrasting decorative strip accentuates the width of the spacious interior and connects the circular side air vents.
Digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting and a special design feature
The range-topping trim level, Style, offers a digital instrument cluster with an 20.32 cm colour display; the other variants come with analogue gauges. The two-spoke multifunction steering wheel, as seen in other Skoda models, is upholstered in leather from the Ambition specification upwards. Vehicles fitted with automatic transmission or DSG also boast shift paddles on the steering wheel. LED reading lights in the front and rear comes as standard.
From the Ambition trim upwards, the extended White ambient lighting also illuminates the dashboard, the storage compartment in the centre console and the door handles. The Slavia also features a special design detail on the instrument-cluster housing, showcasing the Skoda lettering strikingly embossed on both sides.
Powerful air conditioning, ventilated front seats and a recess on the dashboard
As with the Kushaq, the Skoda interior designers paid particular attention to the preferences and needs of Indian customers for the new Slavia. Even the entry-level variant, Active, features powerful air conditioning, and from the Ambition trim level upwards, the Slavia boasts a touchcontrol Climatronic, with Air Care and air vents in the rear. The standard equipment for Style, the top-end specification, also includes ventilated leather front seats, an electric, sliding glass roof, KESSY keyless vehicle entry and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The utility recess on the dashboard is a market-specific feature.
Connectivity: advanced infotainment systems with smartphone integration
There is a choice of two advanced infotainment systems for the new Slavia. These allow smartphones to be paired via SmartLink technology and provide access to mobile online services. Both are operated entirely via the central, colour touchscreen, which measures 17.78 cm in the Active specification. This infotainment system also allows for hands-free phone calls via a Bluetooth connection and a built-in microphone.
Electronic devices can be charged and data transferred via a USB-A socket. MySkoda Connect offers a Vehicle Health Report on the smartphone and remote vehicle access, allowing owners to retrieve vehicle information and driving data, including parking location. The MySkoda Connect app also provides tips for a more efficient driving style, retrieves over-the-air vehicle software updates, and notifies the owner if the Slavia is speeding or travelling outside a specified area. Skoda Play Apps can be downloaded from the app store.
10-inch display and optional navigation function for the range-topping infotainment system
The top-level infotainment system in Ambition and Style has a 10-inch colour touchscreen with functionality similar to that found in smartphones. Wireless SmartLink technology allows smartphone mirroring.
Skoda Play Apps can be downloaded to extend the range of features in the car, for example, by a navigation function. The coordinates are provided by a GPS tuner that has been pre-installed in the vehicle. This system also features a dual tuner, a Wi-Fi hotspot and an external microphone for hands-free phone calls (Bluetooth standard 4.0).
For connecting and charging mobile devices via cable, there are two USB-C sockets in the centre console and another two in the rear from the Ambition trim level upwards; the Slavia Style comes with a wireless charging Phone Box in the front.
Safety: up to six airbags and a Multi-Collision Brake
With its extensive range of active and passive safety features, the new Skoda Slavia offers excellent protection for the driver and passengers. Fitted with ESC as standard, high levels of driving safety are ensured in all models.
The Slavia is also equipped with XDS and XDS+. This assistance system is part of the Electronic Differential System (EDS), which improves front wheel traction. It reacts when the load on the inner wheels is reduced when cornering, and slows down the wheels under the reduced load, preventing them from spinning. Should an accident occur despite the many safety features, the Multi-Collision Brake will prevent any potential follow-on collisions by automatically and safely bringing the car to a standstill. The brake system comes with an automatic brake disc cleaning function.
The Skoda Slavia will be offered with up to six airbags. These include airbags for the driver and front passenger as standard, as well as the optional front side airbags and curtain airbags. All headrests are height-adjustable, and the centre seat in the rear is also equipped with a three-point seat belt. ISOFIX anchors and Top Tether anchor points on the rear seats, which come as standard, allow child seats to be securely fastened.
Comprehensive assistance systems improve safety and comfort
The new Slavia comes with numerous features, some of which are optional, to support the driver and increase comfort. Cruise control is part of the standard equipment from the Ambition specification upwards, while Hill-Hold Control is included in the Style trim level (for cars with automatic transmission, from Ambition). Optional extras include light and rain sensors to automatically activate the low beam or windscreen wipers as required. Rear parking sensors are fitted as standard; the higher-trim variants come with a rear-view camera. A tyre pressure monitor is a standard feature for all specifications
Powertrains: choice of two efficient yet powerful TSI engines and three transmissions
The Skoda Slavia can be fitted with one of the advanced and efficient direct-injection TSI petrol engines, which offer both great performance and low fuel consumption. Even the entry-level three-cylinder 1.0-litre TSI generates 85 kW (115 PS). Its maximum torque is 175 Nm; power is transferred to the front wheels via a manual six-speed gearbox as standard. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional. The Stop/Start system is another standard feature, and contributes to low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Range-topping engine from the EVO generation with active cylinder technology
The new Skoda Slavia’s top-end engine is a 1.5-litre TSI with a power output of 110 kW (150 PS) and maximum torque of 250 Nm. This unit comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, and can optionally be paired with a seven-speed DSG, which features gear ratios that offer both sportiness and comfort.
Innovative technical measures effectively reduce this fourcylinder, EVO-generation engine’s fuel consumption. The turbocharger features variable vane geometry, for example, which produces more torque at a wider range of engine speeds. Furthermore, the cylinder liners are plasma-coated with a thin layer that measures just 150 μm (0.15 mm). This replaces cast-iron liners in the cylinder crankcase, which reduces internal friction, lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
Through better distribution and dissipation of heat in the combustion chamber, it also lowers the thermal load on the engine. The 1.5 TSI is equipped with active cylinder technology (ACT). When engine load is low, this system automatically – and virtually without the driver noticing – shuts down two cylinders, further reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
