The Skoda Slavia is yet to be unveiled, but when launched it will compete directly with the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. So, which one sounds good on paper?
After 10 years and several updates later, Skoda will finally replace their compact-sedan, the Rapid, with the Slavia. The former was quite the reckoner in a segment that also includes the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. And as we near Slavias launch date of Nov. 18th, Skoda has given us a glimpse into the future via a test module. This helped us get a fair idea of how the new sedan is going to be. So, based on those initial impressions, we thought about doing a comparison with the Ciaz. How does the Rapid-replacement fair against this veteran? Lets find that out in our Skoda Slavia vs Maruti Suzuki Ciaz comparison?
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Skoda Slavia vs Maruti Suzuki Ciaz - Design
The Skoda Slavia is based on the heavily localized MQB-A0-IN platform, which makes it the second Skoda after the Kushaq, to use this platform. As far as its design sketches go, the Skoda Slavia will have a coupe-style silhouette. Upfront, the grilles will be hexagonal, flanked by LED headlights with L-shaped DRLs. Similarly, the rear section is also designed to keep it in line with Skodas new design schema. The C-shaped LED taillights extend into the boot lid. And the way the roofline slopes towards the rear and merges into the boot lid makes the Slavia aesthetically appealing, as well.
On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is more conservatively styled in that sense. The front bonnet slopes down to the front grille, which has a new design and gets chrome elements embellished. The headlight looks sharp, and it houses an LED projector headlamp, with LED fog lamps and tail lamps as well. However, these are available with the top-spec Ciaz. The base Ciaz model still gets a halogen projector lamp. On the side, the roofline is smooth, but it does not slope down into the boot lid as the Slavias. The 16-inch wheels also get a new chic design with chrome elements in them. All in all, the Ciaz has remained unmistakable similar, and no one should have any doubt when youre driving one.
| DIMENSIONS (in mm) | SKODA SLAVIA | MARUTI SUZUKI CIAZ |
| LENGTH | 4541 | 4490 |
| WIDTH | 1752 | 1730 |
| HEIGHT | 1487 | 1485 |
| WHEELBASE | 2651 | 2650 |
Summary: From whatever we could decipher from the design sketches, the Slavia will look upscale and expensive. The Ciaz is much more conservative in that approach, and the design has remained the same over the years.
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Skoda Slavia vs Maruti Suzuki Ciaz: Engine and Specs
The Skoda Slavia will share its powertrain with the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun. This means, the mid-size sedan Slavia will house the 1.0-liter TSI turbo-petrol engine as standard. This unit produces 115 Ps of power and 175 Nm of torque and it will come mated to either 6-speed automatic torque converter or 6-speed manual transmission. Theres also a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine option, that produces 150 Ps and 250 Nm of torque. This mill will get the option of either a 7-speed DSG automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission, as its option.
On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz comes with only a petrol engine option. The K15 Smart Hybrid Petrol engine produces 103 bhp and 139 Nm of torque. The hybrid unit in this engine helps achieve class-leading fuel economy figures, and the engine comes mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed torque converter. The Ciazs gentle and pleasant ride quality, with comfortable shifts without much heft, makes it a good car to commute in the city.
| MODEL | TYPE | CAPACITY | MAX POWER | MAX TORQUE |
| MARUTI SUZUKI CIAz | K15 Smart Hybrid Petrol Engine | 1.5 | 103.25bhp | 138Nm |
| SKODA SLAVIA | TSI | 1.0 | 115 PS | NA |
| TSI | 1.5 | 150 PS | NA |
Summary: The Skoda Slavia gets a bigger and more powerful engine, compared to the Ciaz. The 7-speed DSG option makes matters more exciting for the Skoda Slavia. The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz lacks in this area, with just a 4-speed torque converter.
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Skoda Slavia vs Maruti Suzuki Ciaz: Features
The full feature list of the Slavia has not been officially confirmed as of yet. However, from whatever glimpse we have had of the mid-size sedan. We can say that it will come equipped with many driver assistance features, along with six airbags. Watch out for this space, because Skoda is going to make some exciting announcements here.
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz on the other hand has quite a fair amount of gimmicks on board. To start, it gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Besides, theres climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, and cruise control. The seats on the top-model Ciaz are wrapped in leather upholstery, whereas in base it still gets cloth upholstery. Aside from that, the Ciaz comes loaded with safety features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Rear Parking Sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Summary: The Slavia is going to come loaded with features, and the Ciaz is not far behind in this respect.
Skoda Slavia vs Maruti Suzuki Ciaz: Price
Skoda has not revealed the official ex-showroom price of the Skoda Slavia as of yet. Given that it will replace the Rapid, and from whatever glimpse we had of the Slavia, we can ascertain that it will have a steeper price tag. The Skoda Slavia is expected to be priced between Rs. 9.50 lakh to Rs. 16 lakh.
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz on the other hand, is available in four variants: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha. Aside from the Sigma variant, all three come with an automatic transmission option. Prices for the base Sigma variant Ciaz start from Rs. 8.72 lakh, and goes all the way up to Rs. 11.71 lakh (ex-showroom price, Delhi) with the Alpha AT variant.
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Skoda Slavia vs Maruti Suzuki Ciaz: Verdict
To arrive at a conclusion from this comparison would be unfair since the Slavia is yet to be released. Skoda has scheduled November 18th for the launch date. We can make an informed comparison then. As far as on paper specs are concerned, the Slavia seems that it will be exciting to drive than the Ciaz. Even safety-wise, the Slavia will get six airbags, whereas the Ciaz has 2 airbags for the front passenger. Aside from these observations, the Slavia promises to be better looking and posher, on paper at least.
So, what do you think of our Skoda Slavia vs Maruti Suzuki Ciaz comparison in terms of dimensions and specifications? Do let us know through the comments section below. Join our 91Wheels Telegram and 91Wheels Whatsapp group to know more about vehicles, conduct discussions on your favourite ride and much more! Also, you can subscribe to our Youtube channel for video content on the latest from the world of cars and motorcycles. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more about vehicles!
