New Skoda Slavia Review – Better Automatic, Familiar Strengths

The Skoda Slavia facelift builds on its familiar strengths with revised styling, additional equipment and a new eight-speed automatic for the 1.0 TSI. The 1.5 TSI continues with its seven-speed DSG and now gains rear disc brakes.

We drove both versions around Udaipur to find out whether these updates improve the experience—and whether Skoda has addressed the areas that needed attention. Prices will be announced on October 6.

Skoda Slavia Facelift Review – Design Changes

Where design is concerned, Skoda Slavia remains vastly the same. It still is sportier and more characterful than Virtus’ understated aesthetics. If you were looking for similar lighting attributes as Kushaq facelift in Slavia facelift, you would be disappointed. Illuminated grille and connected LED tail lights with LED ribs are missing in Slavia facelift. We don’t think they’re required on Slavia either.

Changes are centered around the new fascia. We now get a new grille, rib-style LED DRL pattern, sequential turn indicators, new front bumper with revised LED fog lights. Sequential pattern for indicators look nice and Slavia’s face has gotten more handsome now. At the sides, we now get new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels and 360-degree cameras on ORVMs. We would have liked 17-inch wheels on Slavia with 215-section tyres.

Only the 1.5L TSI variants get rear disc brake, which enhances visual appeal and makes Slavia look more premium than the drum brake setup before. Rear is mostly the same including bumpers and sheet metal. Tail lights are slightly revised with slightly sharper internal LEDs and the only other change is the addition of black plaque connecting these tail lights and bears SKODA lettering.

If you opt for Monte Carlo version, you get a checkered flag and red stripes in front grille, Monte Carlo badging on fenders, red painted brake callipers and black single-tone finish for alloy wheels. Monte Carlo version also gets a subtle spoiler on the tailgate and a subtle diffuser in rear bumper. Also, Monte Carlo badging on tailgate and blacked-out branding.

Interior Updates

On the inside, you would be hard pressed to pin point updates on Slavia facelift. That is because it retains the same cabin, dashboard layout and vastly the same equipment. Seat upholstery has been slightly revised, while overall comfort and support is quite similar to its predecessor. Both front seats are electrically adjustable, even for height adjustment, which is nice. Seat ventilation is also for front seats only, with three fan settings and they were a god send for Rajasthan heat.

Same 2-spoke steering wheel is carried forward with the same tactile buttons and dials. Behind this same steering, we now get a new 10.25-inch TFT Digital Cockpit, replacing the smaller unit. Even the 10.1-inch infotainment screen is updated with new UI and enhanced functionality. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay worked well and the Skoda branded speakers could have been better with punchier bass and soulful mids.

When you slot the gear in R, 360-degree camera view pops up now. Resolution and clarity were good and users can go into 3D view or individual camera view. Same cameras could have been used for blindspot assistance with camera feed in instrument cluster display, but that is not the case. Blindspot alert feature is missing with Slavia facelift too. Auto-dimming IRVM works well and Slavia facelift comes equipped with auto headlights and wipers too.

Massaging Seats

The digital cockpit feels like wasted space as it does not support full-screen Maps. I like seeing Maps in the cluster to anticipate a turn ahead and regulate vehicle speed and steering angle accordingly. Rear occupants get dedicated AC vents, adjustable headrests and centre armrest. Space is generous and comfort quotient is quite high. Instead of rear sunblinds or ventilated seats, Skoda gave Slavia facelift rear massaging seats.

The rear-seat massage operates with a preset pattern, speed and intensity. It feels more relevant in the Slavia than in the Kushaq, given the sedan’s appeal to chauffeur-driven buyers. However, we would have preferred rear-seat ventilation and sunblinds for their everyday usefulness, particularly in hot weather country like India.

Drive & Dynamics

Slavia retains the same 1.5L TSI and 1.0L TSI engines as before with identical performance metrics. Only the 1.0L TSI variant has received a mechanical update in the form of a new 8-speed automatic gearbox. This is a torque converter unit and offer almost seamless gear shifts. It takes around a second to decide which cog to shift into when you put your foot down, but it tends to find the right cog.

We found that this gearbox is well optimized for Slavia and it did not feel like it has too many cogs for no reason. We first experienced this gearbox in Kushaq facelift and the praises continue. This powertrain combination offers brisk acceleration and does not feel underpowered, considering the vehicle length and engine displacement. Despte being a 3-cylinder engine, we felt like vibrations were well controlled.

1.5L TSI Evo engine is carried forward with Slavia facelift as is and it continues to pack 150 horses under the bonnet. However, 1.5L engine variants now get disc brakes for the first time. There hasn’t been significant gains in stopping distance. However, initial bite feels better, especially when you drive 1.5L and 1.0L variants back to back. At least disc brakes fixes aesthetic limitations of drum brakes, which was much needed.

In terms of dynamics, Skoda Slavia facelift is as impressive as it was before. There are no mechanical changes to the platform, which has ensured all of its sportiness is retained. Body movement is well controlled and it does not feel like a boat, despite the ground clearance. Speaking of, Slavia’s high ground clearance is chef’s kiss and the way Skoda has achieved it without messing up design, is commendable.

Should You Buy One?

The Slavia facelift retains its appeal for buyers who prioritise driving enjoyment, while the new eight-speed automatic strengthens the 1.0 TSI’s everyday usability. The camera system and updated displays are welcome, though cabin materials and some comfort features leave room for improvement.

Whether the package represents good value will depend on the prices announced on October 6. If Slavia’s sporty flair is not your cup of tea, Volkswagen Virtus with understated elegance is also receiving a facelift. Just saying.