Skoda Slavia spied, to slot between Rapid and upcoming Octavia

Rohit Paradkar Updated: June 07, 2021, 07:55 PM IST

After running many tests on the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda has begun testing a similarly sized (and specced) sedan in the Indian market. It is called the all-new Rapid in Russia but there is still some ambiguity on whether Skoda India will call it the Slavia inspired by its concept car, or make an interplay with the popular Rapid name tag, or simply call it the Laura. Either way, the new sedan is likely to co-exist with the Rapid and if it does, it will slot between this ageing sedan and the all-new fourth-generation Octavia. Doing that would allow Skoda to place the Rapid as a roomier and more premium alternative to similarly-priced but smaller sub-four-meter sedans, while the Slavia will rival the likes of the Honda City, Suzuki Ciaz and the Hyundai Verna.

It features automatic LED headlamps and tail lamps, the sharper new Skoda grille and edgier styling than the India-spec Rapid. While the new Russian Rapid has a 50mm longer wheelbase than India-spec Rapid, the Slavia is likely to stretch the wheelbase by a further 49mm to 2,651mm for class-leading cabin room and even a best in class boot capacity of 530l. The cabin features six airbags, digital instrumentation on the top end trim and a 10-inch infotainment system similar to the Kushaq. The car also features a two-spoke steering wheel with Skoda's new roll-and-click switches.

Under the hood are two engine options to choose from - a 1.0-litre TSI making 115PS/175Nm offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, or a new 6-speed AT torque converter; and a 1.5-litre TSI with 150PS/250Nm torque, paired with a 6-speed MT, or the DQ200 7-speed DSG automatic. Both these options are similar to the Kushaq.

We expect the Slavia to be priced between Rs 11 to 16 lakh rupees when it launches in early 2022. It will spawn a Volkswagen sibling too, likely to retain the aforementioned Virtus name tag.

Skoda Slavia 2022 Full Spec

Price (Ex-Delhi)
Starts Rs 10.69 Lakhs

Displacement
1498cc

Transmission
Automatic

Max Power(ps)
115

Max Torque(Nm)
250

Mileage
18.41 Kmpl

Honda City 2021 Full Spec

Price (Ex-Delhi)
Starts Rs 10.9 Lakhs

Displacement
1497cc

Transmission
Manual

Max Power(ps)
100