Key highlights
- Skoda Slavia facelift teased ahead of its August 18 debut
- Expected to get revised styling and more features
- 1.0 TSI could get a new 8-speed automatic gearbox
Skoda has started teasing the Slavia facelift, giving us the first official glimpse of its updated midsize sedan. The full car will be revealed on August 18, with the facelift expected to bring a sharper look, a few cabin upgrades and an important change to the automatic gearbox.
A sharper design
The teaser doesn’t reveal too much, but earlier test mules have already given us a good idea of what is coming. The facelift is expected to get revised LED headlamps, a new grille and redesigned front and rear bumpers. The grille could also feature integrated lighting elements inspired by newer Skoda models such as the Kushaq and Kodiaq. New alloy wheel designs are also expected.
The overall silhouette, however, should remain familiar. Skoda doesn’t appear to be trying to reinvent the Slavia. Instead, this looks like a typical mid-cycle refresh aimed at keeping the sedan fresh for the next few years.
More technology inside
The dashboard layout is expected to remain largely unchanged, but Skoda could add a larger 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. Other possible additions include revised seat upholstery and front parking sensors. There is also speculation about a rear-seat massage function, although this has not been confirmed.
Existing features such as the 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charger, single-pane sunroof, automatic climate control with rear vents, eight-speaker sound system, six airbags and TPMS are expected to continue.
The gearbox could be the big change
The Slavia is expected to retain its existing 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engines. The 1.0 TSI produces 115 hp, while the larger 1.5 TSI makes 150 hp. The bigger change is expected to involve the smaller engine’s automatic gearbox.
Skoda could replace the current six-speed torque-converter automatic on the 1.0 TSI with a new eight-speed automatic. The gearbox has already made its debut on the facelifted Kushaq, so bringing it to the Slavia would make sense. The 1.5 TSI is expected to continue with its seven-speed DSG.
Price likely to move up
The current Slavia is priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 18.19 lakh (ex-showroom). With the facelift bringing additional equipment and a new automatic transmission, a small price increase is expected. The updated sedan will continue to take on the Volkswagen Virtus, Hyundai Verna and Honda City.
Also read: MG Hector Hawk teased new 7-seater electric SUV launching on August 26
