The Skoda Slavia facelift has become an even more attractive proposition after the prices were announced. With prices ranging from Rs. 9.99 lakh to Rs. 18.84 lakh, the updated sedan offers more features, fresher styling and better value, especially in the higher variants. But the Slavia is not really about having the longest feature list. It is about driving, and after driving both the 1.5 TSI DSG and the new 1.0 TSI 8AT, it is clear that Skoda has not forgotten what makes this sedan special.
More Car For The Money
Skoda has kept prices unchanged across many variants while adding more equipment. This has been possible thanks to what the company calls variant rationalisation.
And it shows.
The facelift gives you a lot of car for the money. There are rear massage seats, a rear bench with plenty of space to stretch out, improved air-conditioning, a sharp infotainment system, a clear 360-degree camera and the excellent digital cockpit.
The exterior has also been refreshed, while the new eight-speed automatic on the 1.0 TSI adds an important new option for buyers who want an automatic without stepping up to the 1.5 TSI.
The 1.5 TSI Is Still The Fun One
We started with the 1.5 TSI Monte Carlo and its seven-speed DSG.
The 1.5 TSI remains the engine for buyers who genuinely enjoy driving. It sounds almost like a small sports car, partly because Skoda has deliberately not added insulation under the bonnet. Some passengers may find the engine note a little loud. We actually liked it.
Performance is strong. The Slavia gets to triple-digit speeds very quickly, and even at 180 kmph, it feels stable and planted.
The DSG is equally impressive. It shifts quickly and smoothly, with almost no drama. The paddles make the experience even more enjoyable and allow quick manual inputs when required.
The only complaint is that the paddles themselves feel a little cheap. They are plastic, and aluminium units would have suited the car better.
The gearbox is also difficult to catch out. In heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic, we could make it hunt between first and second gear by deliberately trying to confuse it. Outside of that situation, it is quick, seamless and highly refined.
The 1.0 TSI 8AT Is The Sensible Choice
Then came the 1.0 TSI with the eight-speed Aisin AQ300 torque-converter automatic. This combination makes a strong case for itself because it offers most buyers everything they really need.
The engine and gearbox work extremely well together. There is no obvious feeling that the smaller engine is struggling, and the automatic is quick and effortless.
The paddles are responsive, too. The Slavia gets to 140 kmph fairly quickly, and with enough road, 160 kmph appears on the digital cockpit without much effort.
The 1.0 TSI is also quieter than the 1.5 TSI and remains happy to rev towards its roughly 6,000-rpm redline.
For a family that wants an automatic sedan with good performance, this is arguably the more sensible combination.
Steering, Handling And Ride
The steering is light at low speeds and gains weight as the speed increases. There is a slightly dead feeling around the centre position with both engines, but beyond that, the steering feels well judged.
Handling is one of the Slavia’s biggest strengths. The car feels stable and composed when driven hard, while the 179 mm ground clearance makes it much easier to live with on Indian roads.
The ride is equally well balanced. It is not plush or floaty, but that is exactly the point. Skoda has managed to give the Slavia enough comfort without making it feel like a boat around corners.
For a sedan, this setup works extremely well. The car remains comfortable on normal roads but still feels sharp when the road gets interesting.
The Cabin Has Improved Too
The facelift is not only about driving dynamics. There are plenty of improvements inside.
The ventilated seats work well, the sound system has plenty of punch and the overall ergonomics are excellent.
The infotainment system is sharp and easy to use, while the 360-degree camera offers good clarity. It is a noticeable improvement and makes parking and tight manoeuvres easier.
The digital cockpit remains one of the nicest parts of the cabin.
And then there are the rear seats. They offer enough space to properly stretch out, while the massage function adds a touch of luxury that you do not normally expect in this segment.
The air-conditioning also cools better than before, which is something Indian buyers will appreciate.
What About Fuel Efficiency?
The smaller 1.0-litre engine does not automatically mean better fuel efficiency in every situation.
The 1.5 TSI has active cylinder deactivation during highway cruising, allowing it to use less fuel when full engine power is not required.
In city driving, the 1.0 TSI could potentially deliver better mileage with light throttle inputs because of its smaller displacement. We did not measure fuel efficiency during this drive, though. There was simply too much fun to be had with both engines.
Is It Really A Five-Seater?
There is one practical limitation worth mentioning.
The Slavia is officially a five-seater, but the transmission tunnel makes the middle rear position less comfortable than the two outer seats.
So, while five people can technically travel in the car, it is best enjoyed as a four-seater when comfort matters.
That is especially true when the rear passengers want to make full use of the generous legroom.
Verdict
The Slavia facelift has improved the formula without changing what makes the car special. It now offers more equipment, refreshed styling and better value, while the driving experience remains one of its biggest strengths.
The 1.5 TSI DSG is the obvious choice for enthusiasts. It is fast, stable, sounds great and delivers the kind of driving experience that has become increasingly rare among modern family cars.
The 1.0 TSI 8AT is the more sensible option. It is quieter, sufficiently quick and pairs brilliantly with the new automatic gearbox.