Skoda Slavia Prototype First Drive Review

At a time when the world is talking about moving to SUVs, the Volkswagen Group has a different strategy and that's backed by numbers. It says that the compact sedan segment, though showing steady growth, will show a big growth of 66 per cent, a decade from now. So what better way to address this steady demand than bring a car in and who better to do it than Skoda, because well, we know it has the DNA to make brilliant sedans! We talk from experience too – the Octavia, Superb, Laura and even the Rapid, they all are very much driver's cars. We know that Skoda Auto India has been looking to replace the ageing Rapid in the country and now that plan is panning out because the prototype or near production model of the car is finally here and we got a chance to drive this heavily camouflaged prototype for a limited amount of time but it was enough to answer some basic questions

What Does Slavia Mean?

Slavia Means ‘Glory' and no amount of search on Google will tell you that.

The Slavia will boast of having the longest wheelbase in the segment

What Are The Dimensions Of The Skoda Slavia?

The Slavia is a bigger car than the one it replaces (Rapid). The Slavia is 138 mm longer than the Rapid, and the wheelbase is about 100 mm more than the Rapid so more legroom at the rear. Compare it to competition and you'll see that it's longer than the Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz by almost 100mm but shorter by 8mm compared to the Honda City . The wheelbase is the same as the Kushaq though at 2651 mm and that gives it an edge because on paper it is the best in segment.

What's The Skoda Slavia's Cabin Like?

We saw the cabin but we can't tell you about it. The only thing we can say is that there was a virtual cockpit in the car and expect a whole bunch of features.

What Are The Engines Offered On The Skoda Slavia?

The Slavia comes with 2 turbocharged petrol powertrains. There's a 1-litre and a 1.5-litre iteration. These are the same engines that you get on the Kushaq. The 1-litre engine makes 114 bhp and comes with a 6 speed manual and 6 speed automatic, while the 1.5-litre version comes with 148 bhp and there's a 6 speed manual and a 7 speed DSG on offer. And we got a chance to drive all the four variants.

The engine options offered on the Slavia are the same as the Kushaq

How Does The Skoda Slavia Drive?

As I told you earlier. I got limited time with all the variants of the car so let's get to them one by one. The manual transmission on both engine options are great. The throws are short and the clutch light so yes, that's pretty good for both city traffic conditions and even long highway runs but we really needed some more time behind the wheel.

Both the automatic transmissions impress. The 6 speed torque convertor is a little slow to respond to your inputs in the Drive mode, but put it in Sport Mode and it's a lot eager to shift and the paddle shifters too are quick to react.

The 7 speed DSG is as reactive as always and it's still a blast to drive because it reacts swiftly to your inputs. Now the 1.5-litre engine comes with cylinder deactivation technology, something that we've seen in the Karoq and even the Kushaq, and now the Slavia too gets this. It just makes it more efficient to drive, though we don't have any fuel economy figures for you.

The steering of the Slavia weighs up as you gather speed

How Does The Skoda Slavia Handle?

The ride on all the 4 cars I drove was different, while the 1.0 litre manual had softer suspension, the 1.5-litre automatic was sprung just right as it took all the rough patches on the road in its stride, without disturbing the occupants. The car we drove came with 16-inch wheels, and I have a sneaky suspicion that 15-inchers will be offered on lower variants. The steering wheel is nice and light and reacts quickly to your inputs on changing directions. It does weigh up when you push the car a little hard on highways and that's very satisfying

What About Safety On The Skoda Slavia?

Skoda says that a lot has been done on the safety front and the Slavia will come equipped with 6 airbags, and it has been crash tested at 64 km per hour with great results. All this has been achieved by keep localization levels at 95 per cent and that's a big achievement.

The Slavia will make its global debut in India in November this year

When Does The Skoda Slavia Launch?

The world premiere of the Slavia will take place in the second half of November and the compact sedan will be launched in the first quarter of 2022.

What's the Verdict?

So while I got our first taste of the car, I am definitely left wanting for more and that's because I loved what I experienced. Yes, the Slavia will cater to a premium customer and will not be as affordable as the Rapid, but then again, there will be a lot more to offer and we can't wait to know more.