Škoda Auto has unveiled the updated Slavia in India, bringing refreshed styling, new powertrain options and additional comfort and technology features to its popular saloon. The biggest mechanical update is the introduction of an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission with the 1.0 TSI engine, while the 1.5 TSI continues with a seven-speed DSG. The updated Slavia also gains new LED lighting, a 360° camera, Rear Seat Massage function and an AI-powered infotainment assistant.

UPDATED ŠKODA SLAVIA GETS SHARPER DESIGN

The updated Slavia receives a refreshed exterior design focused on improving its visual appeal. The sedan gets new LED headlamps, redesigned LED taillamps with sequential rear indicators and new alloy wheel designs. Fresh interior colour schemes have also been introduced, while the popular Monte Carlo variant is available from launch with dual-tone exterior colours, black exterior accents, Monte Carlo badging and styling elements inspired by Škoda’s rally heritage.

The Slavia continues to be based on the locally developed MQB-A0-IN platform and is produced in India. Škoda says nearly 80,000 units of the Slavia have been sold in the country since its introduction in 2022, making it one of the best-selling saloons in its segment.

NEW 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC FOR THE 1.0 TSI

The updated Slavia retains its existing TSI engine range but gains an important transmission upgrade. The 1.0 TSI can now be paired with a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, which Škoda describes as a segment-first offering. A six-speed manual transmission continues to be available with the same engine.

The larger 1.5 TSI continues to be offered with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. Models equipped with the 1.5 TSI engine also now receive rear disc brakes, adding to the equipment available on the more powerful version.

MORE COMFORT AND TECHNOLOGY FEATURES

Škoda has added several new features to make the updated Slavia more comfortable and convenient. The sedan gets a segment-first Rear Seat Massage function, along with a 360° Area View camera, Park Pilot with front parking sensors and a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit.

The 10.1-inch infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also features an AI Companion powered by Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent. The system is designed to recognise Indian English accents and can provide information through voice commands while allowing occupants to control functions such as music, calls and climate settings.

ŠKODA SLAVIA SAFETY FEATURES

The updated Slavia continues with a strong focus on safety. The sedan has achieved a five-star rating for adult and child occupant protection in Global NCAP testing. More than 25 active and passive safety features are offered, with six airbags standard across the range.

Additional equipment includes a rear wiper, rear-window demister, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, an auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror and anti-glare exterior rear-view mirrors. These features are intended to improve visibility and driver confidence in different driving conditions.

SLAVIA CONTINUES ŠKODA’S INDIA GROWTH STORY

The Slavia was introduced in India in 2022 as part of Škoda’s localised ‘made in India, for India’ strategy. Alongside the Kushaq and Kylaq, it forms an important part of the company’s Indian portfolio. The Slavia is also exported to markets including Vietnam, the Middle East and Africa, highlighting India’s growing importance to Škoda’s international operations.

The name Slavia itself has historical significance for Škoda. It was used by company founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement when they began designing and selling bicycles in Mladá Boleslav in 1896.

CONCLUSION

The updated Škoda Slavia brings meaningful improvements without changing the core formula of the popular saloon. The new eight-speed automatic for the 1.0 TSI, refreshed styling, enhanced safety equipment and additional comfort features make it a more comprehensive package. The 1.5 TSI with its seven-speed DSG continues to provide an alternative for buyers seeking the larger engine, while the new technology and convenience features further strengthen the Slavia’s position in India’s competitive saloon segment.