New Delhi: Skoda has teased the long-awaited Slavia facelift before its launch on August 18. It is a mid-lifecycle update so it is expected to have some
design tweaks, few new features and an automatic gearbox upgrade for the 1.0-litre TSI engine. From the spyshots that have been spotted, the saloon is expected to have updated headlamp units, fog lamp housing and bumpers.
Aside from this, it is also expected to come with a new grille with integrated lighting elements, quite like those on the Kushaq. It is also expected to come with a refreshed design for alloy wheels.
Skoda Slavia: What is expected
On the inside, Skoda is expected to keep the dashboard configuration largely the same, though the facelift could bring a bigger 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and new seat upholstery. It is unknown whether the carmaker will also bring a back-seat massage function, which was unveiled with the Kushaq facelift earlier this year.
Features including the sunroof, wireless charging pad, automatic climate control with back AC vents, six airbags and a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) are likely to remain part of the upgraded Slavia’s equipment list.
The updated Skoda Slavia is expected to retain the existing engine lineup. The engine options include a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol making 115hp and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 150hp. The smaller TSI motor is likely to continue with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while Skoda could replace its existing 6-speed automatic transmission (AQ250) with an 8-speed automatic (AQ300).
The newer 8-speed unit was introduced with the facelifted Kushaq and could now make its way into the Slavia. Meanwhile, the more powerful 1.5 TSI is expected to continue with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The Skoda Slavia is presently priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 18.19 lakh (ex-showroom), and the prices could see a modest surge when the updated sedan arrives next week. The Slavia will continue to rival the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus.
