KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Upmarket design with LED headlamps and premium interiors.
- Powerful 1.0L and 1.5L turbo petrol engine options.
- Smooth transmissions, including manual and DCT.
- Lacks crucial features in base model, overpriced variants.
- Check the detailed pros and cons below.
The Skoda Slavia has established its identity as a premium mid-size sedan in India. The Slavia offers a combination of style, performance and features to the buyers. The sedan is known to provide a fun-to-drive experience, especially in city driving conditions because of its best-in-segment engine refinement. However, like any other vehicle, the Slavia also has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will cover the pros and cons of the Skoda Slavia in a detailed manner. Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
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Excellent Design
The Skoda Slavia gets an upmarket and modern design language which helps it stand out from other sedans in the market. The Slavia features LED headlamps with integrated L-shaped DRLs. In terms of interiors too, the Slavia gets high-quality upholstery and a premium finish throughout the cabin.
Competition check: However, the Slavia has a premium-looking exterior and interior, its competitors like the Hyundai Verna and the Honda City also get an appealing design. So, I would say that there is nothing extra-ordinary on offer with the Slavia.
Powerful Engines
Skoda Auto is known to sell cars with the most refined engines that set benchmarks in performance. The Slavia is no exception as it also gets 1.0-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine options. The 1.0 turbo unit on offer with the sedan generates 114 bhp and 178 Nm of torque and comes paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
- 1.5-litre Turbo Petrol: 148 bhp and 250 Nm of torque
- Transmission: six-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT unit
Competition check: While the powerhouses on offer with the Slavia are potent enough, its straight competitor Hyundai Verna also gets a 1.5-litre turbo petrol (158 bhp and 253 Nm). However, the Verna turbo petrol unit generates almost similar power figures as the Slavia turbo petrol unit. So, here Slavia has a clear edge over its competitors.
Smooth Transmissions
The Skoda Slavia offers more choices when it comes to transmission. As mentioned above the 1.5-litre turbo Petrol unit comes paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT gearbox. On the other hand, the 1.0-litre turbo unit gets a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Apart from this, the transmission options on offer provide a smooth driving experience whether it is manual or automatic.
Competition check: In terms of transmission, the Skoda Slavia emerges as a winner over its competitors such as the Hyundai Verna and the Honda City. I'm saying this because both its rivals get a CVT automatic only and there is no DCT gearbox on offer with them.
Features on Board
However, the Skoda Slavia misses out on features such as ADAS, we can't ignore some of the best in-segment features it brings in. The 2024 Slavia features a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrumental console, a wireless charging pad, cruise control, ventilated seats (front) and touch automatic climate controls.
Competition check: However, the Slavia carries a good set of features, it fails to give a run to its competitors because it misses out on some modern features such as ADAS and heated seats. On the other, the Hyundai Verna gets an ADAS Level 2 and even a bigger infotainment system.
Practicality and Ground Clearance
Despite being a sedan, the Slavia is one of the most practical cars in the segment. It features a long wheelbase of 2651mm which is impressive. Also, there is a large space with 521 litres of capacity and a 179mm ground clearance which puts Slavia ahead of its rivals in terms of practicality.
Competition check: The Hyundai Verna and the Honda City get a ground clearance of 170 mm and 165mm. Apart from this, the Slavia also gets a bigger boot space than the Honda City. So here, Slavia is the clear winner.
Skoda Slavia Cons
Overpriced 1.5-litre Turbo Variants
The Skoda Slavia's most powerful 1.5-litre turbo petrol variant feels overpriced. It needs around Rs. 1.91 lakh extra if you upgrade from the Slavia Prestige 1.0 litre TSI AT to the Slavia Prestige 1.5-litre TSI which is a big cost. This premium can be a deal-breaker for buyers who want a powerful engine with an automatic gearbox.
Competition check: In comparison, the Hyundai offers 1.5-litre turbo petrol with the Verna from the SX variant onwards which is priced at 17.23 lakh (much more affordable than the Slavia). Even the SX 1.5 litre AT variant is priced competitively at Rs. 18.65 lakh. So, Verna is a better option if you want an automatic.
Lacklustre Base Model
The Skoda Slavia's base model lacks some crucial features needed in day-to-day life. These include rear AC vents, LED headlamps and front and rear armrests. Apart from this, the base variant doesn't get cruise control and alloy wheels. Not getting must-have features such as Auto AC and projector headlamps at the respective price point is worth it.
Aftersales Service
Skoda Auto doesn't have a proven track record when it comes to aftersales service. Some customers have reported longer waiting periods for spare parts and high service costs. This is true indeed because Skoda doesn't have a well-established service network in India.
Competition check: In terms of aftersales service, the Hyundai and Honda are much better than the Skoda Auto. Both the rivals have a well-established service network in our country.
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Verdict
The Skoda Slavia offers a premium design, powerful engines, and smooth transmission options, making it a compelling mid-size sedan. However, it faces stiff competition from the Hyundai Verna and Honda City, particularly due to its high pricing for the 1.5-litre variants, lack of key features in the base model and concerns over aftersales service. We hope our detailed pros and cons review of Skoda Slavia helped you to decide whether this car is for you or not.
