Skoda Slavia Production Begins in India; Launch in March 2022
Skoda Auto India has officially commenced the series production of its upcoming compact sedan, the Skoda Slavia. Slated to be launched in March 2022, the new Slavia is the second model to be based on the company's localised MQB A0-IN platform, which also underpins the Skoda Kusahq compact SUV. The Slavia will be manufactured at Skoda Auto Volkswagen India's plant in Chakan, Maharashtra, and the car will come with 95 per cent localisation. Skoda says that the Slavia has been developed with a focus on the Indian market. [1]
Figure 1. Skoda Slavia Production Begins in India; Launch in March 2022
Figure 1 shows Skoda has commenced production of the Slavia and it is expected to launch in early March. Bookings are already underway for a token amount of Rs 11,000, and test drives will commence soon. The upcoming sedan, which replaces the Rapid, aims to spice things up in a diminishing segment that’s currently ruled by the Honda City. [2]
2022 Skoda Slavia engines, specifications, safety
The Skoda Slavia is mechanically very similar to the Kushaq, based on the heavily localized MQB-A0-IN architecture. Consequently, the familiar 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with 115PS and 175 Nm is the base engine option aspiring with a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic. The 1.5-litre TSI with cylinder deactivation will also be available with a six-speed manual and seven-speed DCT.
Adding to the standard ESC, the Slavia will also get tyre-pressure monitoring on all variants. Another new addition is that of a hill-hold function on higher-spec versions. Up to six airbags, electronic differential lock, multi-collision braking, auto headlamps and wipers and rear parking cameras will be other safety highlights. [3]
Skoda Slavia: rivals and price expectation
As mentioned, the Slavia comes into a relatively dormant midsize sedan segment where its rivals will be the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. With localisation of up to 95 percent, we expect the Slavia to be priced competitively, perhaps in the Rs 10 lakh-16 lakh (ex-showroom) range.
Skoda Slavia: engine and gearbox details
Under the hood, the Slavia will be offered with a choice of two turbo-petrol engines, again similar to the Kushaq. The first is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit that produces 115hp and 175Nm of peak torque. There’s also a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 150hp and 250Nm of peak torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox will be offered with both engines. Automatic gearbox options include a 6-speed torque converter for the 1.0-litre engine and a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) for the 1.5-litre engine. [4]
References:
- https://www.carandbike.com/news/skoda-slavia-production-begins-in-india-launch-in-march-2022-2721060
- https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/general-news/skoda-slavia-production-commences-in-india-launch-expected-in-march-2022/44541/
- https://www.overdrive.in/amp/news-cars-auto/2022-skoda-slavia-production-begins-before-march-launch/
- https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/skoda-slavia-india-production-begins-423315
Cite this article:
Thanusri swetha J (2022), Skoda Slavia Production Begins in India; Launch in March 2022, pp. 91