The introduction of the SLAVIA marks the start of ŠKODA AUTO’s next stage in the INDIA 2.0 project. Following the successful launch of the KUSHAQ SUV, the brand-new saloon is the Czech carmaker’s second India-specific model. The SLAVIA is produced in the country, with a localisation level of 95%. As the saloon is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform – an MQB variant specially adapted by ŠKODA 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 ŠKODAs, 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.
Following the KUSHAQ, the SLAVIA is the second ŠKODA in the INDIA 2.0 campaign
The SLAVIA saloon is the second new ŠKODA for the INDIA 2.0 project, following the KUSHAQ SUV, which was launched in the first quarter of 2021. Headed by ŠKODA 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 ŠKODA and Volkswagen on the Indian subcontinent. The aim is to reach a combined market share of 5% by 2025. The ŠKODA KUSHAQ and SLAVIA models will be followed by a Volkswagen saloon; a Volkswagen SUV has already been launched.
Exterior: emotive and elegant, featuring crystalline details
Exhibiting elegant lines and ŠKODA’s well-established emotive design language, the SLAVIA creates a new highlight for A0 saloons, which are very popular in India. It offers generous amounts of space for up to five people and has a boot capacity of 521 l. Its front and tail lights are available with advanced LED technology and characterise the ŠKODA-typical crystalline details. Chrome-plated design features, two-tone alloy wheels and an exclusive ŠKODA badge all add to the SLAVIA’s high-quality feel. The new metallic Crystal Blue and the Tornado Red paintwork are both ŠKODA exclusives for the Indian market.
The ŠKODA SLAVIA is a classic saloon in the popular A0 segment in India. At a length of 4,541 mm, it is ideal for the city driving. Its ŠKODA-typical generous amounts of space and boot capacity of 521 l make it fit for the daily requirements of a family. Its width of 1,752 mm and wheelbase of 2,651 mm also contribute to the feeling of spaciousness, while the vehicle 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 saloon.
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 ŠKODA saloons which are well established in India. The wide, hexagonal ŠKODA 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 ‘ŠKODA’ 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 ŠKODA 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 ŠKODA-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 saloon’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 and brushed two-tone 16-inch alloys for the top-specification SLAVIA Style. There is a choice of five body colours for the brand-new saloon. In addition to Tornado Red, the colour options include metallic Crystal Blue – ŠKODA 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 and in line with the preferences of Indian customers
The new SLAVIA’s interior is based on the latest design concept of ŠKODA’s European models. A free-standing infotainment screen measuring up to 10 inches takes centre stage. The circular air vents are another striking feature. From Ambition upwards, touch-control Climatronic with Air Care function comes as standard, while comfort features such as ventilated front seats upholstered in leather are available for the top-end specification Style.
The SLAVIA showcases the latest ŠKODA interior design concept. Just as with other model ranges from the Czech car manufacturer, the free-standing infotainment touchscreen measuring up to 10 inches takes centre stage. The line running underneath is inspired by the silhouette of the ŠKODA 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 8-inch colour display; the other variants come with analogue gauges. The two-spoke multifunction steering wheel, as seen in other ŠKODA 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 come as standard. From the Ambition trim upwards, the extended ambient lighting 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 ŠKODA lettering strikingly embossed on both sides.
Powerful air conditioning, ventilated front seats and a recess on the dashboard
As with the KUSHAQ SUV, the ŠKODA 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 touch-control Climatronic with Air Care function 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. This is where the driver can keep a lucky charm in clear view.
Connectivity: advanced infotainment systems with smartphone integration
Both infotainment systems available for the new ŠKODA SLAVIA can be operated easily and intuitively, and entirely via the colour touchscreen measuring 7 or 10 inches. They feature SmartLink technology enabling the integration of smartphones. The Ambition and Style trim levels provide access to a plethora of MyŠKODA Connect mobile online services with ŠKODA Play Apps, which can be used to download a navigation function for the top-end infotainment system.
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 7 inches 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. MyŠKODA 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 MyŠKODA 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. ŠKODA 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 and access to the app store without the use of a cable. Downloads from the ŠKODA Play Apps allow for the range of features to be expanded, 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 Phone Box in the front, which allows smartphones to be charged inductively.
Safety: up to six airbags and a Multi-Collision Brake
The ŠKODA SLAVIA comes with excellent active and passive safety features. Occupants are protected by up to six airbags. To ensure children also have a safe journey, the saloon comes with ISOFIX anchors and Top Tether anchor points on the rear seats. ESC is another standard feature ensuring a high level of driving safety, while the Multi-Collision Brake will safely bring the vehicle to a standstill in the event of an accident. The SLAVIA also offers a host of practical comfort features such as Hill-Hold Control, rain and light sensors, and cruise control. A tyre pressure monitor is another convenient feature.
With its extensive range of active and passive safety features, the new ŠKODA 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+. These assistance systems are part of the Electronic Differential System (EDS), which improves 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 ŠKODA SLAVIA can be equipped 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 -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
ŠKODA offers a choice of two efficient and powerful petrol engines for the new SLAVIA. Both meet the country’s stringent BS6 emission standards and transfer their power to the road via a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. For the 1.0 TSI with an output of 85 kW (115 PS), a six-speed automatic transmission is optional, while the top-of-the-range 1.5 TSI delivering 110 kW (150 PS) can also be fitted with a seven-speed DSG.
The ŠKODA 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 ŠKODA 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 four cylinder, 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.
