Skoda Slavia facelift: Check features, price

Skoda Auto India on Wednesday unveiled the new Slavia, adding an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, a 360-degree camera and a segment-first rear-seat massage function as the automaker seeks to strengthen its sedan portfolio in India.The new Slavia will be offered with the 1.0 TSI engine paired with either a six-speed manual or the new eight-speed automatic. The 1.5 TSI engine continues with a seven-speed DSG automatic. The 1.5 TSI variants of the new launch also get rear disc brakes.The company has opened pre-bookings for the new Slavia at Rs 15,000. It will be available in Classic, Classic+, Signature, Sportline and Prestige variants, with the Monte Carlo trim also making its debut at launch.Also read: Skoda Auto re-enters diesel segment after 5-year gap with new SuperbKlaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, said India remains one of the company's important global growth markets and that the new Slavia builds on a model that has established itself in the Indian market.“With a clear strategy and a strong local presence, I am confident that we are writing the next chapter of our growth story in India,” Zellmer said.The Slavia has sold nearly 80,000 units to date, according to the company. Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto's board member for sales and marketing, said the latest update focuses on the powertrain, comfort and connectivity while retaining the model's existing strengths.“Our focus remains on bringing globally benchmarked products that are engineered and manufactured to meet the evolving needs of Indian customers,” Piyush Arora, managing director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, said.Skoda Slavia featuresThe new sedan offers new LED headlamps and taillamps with sequential rear turn indicators, revised front and rear sections and new alloy wheel designs. It also gets a chrome strip across the grille and two new exterior colours — Arctic Silver and Cappuccino Beige.Inside, the car has a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system includes an AI-powered voice assistant using Google's Automotive AI Agent, with support for functions such as music, calls and climate control.Also read: Govt proposes age limit extension for EVs, hydrogen and CNG-powered vehiclesA key addition is the rear-seat massage function, which Skoda describes as a first in the segment. The car also gets a 360-degree Area View camera and Park Pilot with front parking sensors.The Slavia continues to carry its 5-star Global NCAP safety rating for adult and child occupant protection. More than 25 active and passive safety features, including six airbags, are standard across the range, while higher variants offer more than 40 safety features.Octavia RS, Superb TDI also unveiledSkoda has showcased the Octavia RS and the all-new Superb TDI as part of its renewed focus on sedans in India.The Octavia RS gets a 2.0 TSI engine producing 265 PS, paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission. It also features sports seats with heating and massage functions, a heads-up display, ADAS and progressive dynamic steering.Pre-bookings for the Octavia RS have opened at Rs 2.5 lakh and will initially be limited to 50 units. The company said customers who had reserved the model during its previous launch but did not receive a vehicle will get priority access.The Superb TDI, meanwhile, marks the return of a diesel powertrain to the nameplate in India. It features LED Matrix headlamps, Cognac leather interiors, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, a Rear Sleep Package, Dynamic Chassis Control and ADAS.Skoda said deliveries of the Superb TDI are expected to begin by the end of the second quarter of next year.The new Slavia, Octavia RS and Superb will be covered under Skoda's Super Care package, which includes a standard four-year or 100,000-km warranty, four years of roadside assistance and four labour-free services. The warranty can be extended to six years.