Pune, 27^th October, 2021.

Following the launch of the KUSHAQ, SKODA is set to unveil the second stage in its product campaign for the Indian market later this year. The Czech car manufacturer’s latest model, the SLAVIA, completes their range of sedans and offers generous amounts of space, as is typical of the brand. The mid-size premium sedan will be offered with a choice of two powerful and efficient TSI engines, as well as a host of comprehensive safety features which include up to six airbags and numerous assistance systems. Volkswagen Group is investing one billion euros in the INDIA 2.0 project headed by SKODA AUTO.

Thomas Schafer, SKODA AUTO CEO, said: “Following the successful launch of our compact SUV, the KUSHAQ, we are now upping the ante with this latest model, the SKODA SLAVIA. I feel confident this mid-size premium sedan will appeal to new customers in India. We are taking the next step towards achieving our ambitious goal of developing SKODA AUTO into the leading European car manufacturer in India.”

Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of SKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited, explained: “With the new SKODA SLAVIA, we are continuing our model campaign under the INDIA 2.0 project. Following hard on the heels of the KUSHAQ – which is highly appreciated by Indian customers for its robust build, safety, high quality and excellent value for money – the SLAVIA will deliver on all these aspects and set new benchmarks for design and performance in its segment. Built in India for India and the world, our latest model illustrates the skills and expertise of our local engineers who contributed significantly to its development, in collaboration with the global team.”

Zac Hollis, Brand Director SKODA AUTO India, said: “With our new SLAVIA, we are launching a feature-rich vehicle that offers outstanding design, build quality, reliability and driving dynamics. The SLAVIA combines the benefits of a mid-size premium sedan  with SKODA’s emotive design language, modern technology and state-of-the-art assistance systems.”

The brand-new SLAVIA: a homage to SKODA AUTO’s heritage

The model name of this latest mid-size premium sedan  commemorates the beginnings of Laurin & Klement in Mladá Boleslav. Just one year after the company was founded, in 1896, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement successfully marketed their first bicycles under the brand name SLAVIA. The SKODA SLAVIA is now set to mark a new era, this time on the Indian market – with its model name paying homage to the company’s beginnings.

Compact, spacious and with an emotive design

The SLAVIA is 4,541 mm* long, 1,752 mm* wide and has a height of 1,487 mm*; the wheelbase measures 2,651 mm*. While its exterior dimensions make it a perfect fit for cities, this brand-new car is also ideally suited for everyday family use thanks to its brand-typical generous interior.

Numerous assistance systems for increased comfort and high levels of safety

The brand-new mid-size premium sedan comes with excellent active and passive safety features. Occupants are protected by up to six airbags – for the driver and front passenger, as well as optional front side airbags and head curtain airbags.

Powerful yet efficient, globally proven TSI engines

There is a choice of two powerful and efficient TSI engines for the new SKODA SLAVIA. They offer both superior driving performance and high levels of efficiency. The entry-level 1.0-litre TSI develops 85 kW (115 PS)* from its three cylinders, while the four-cylinder 1.5-litre TSI has an output of 110 kW (150 PS)*. Both engines transfer their power to the front wheels. The 1.5-litre engine is offered with active cylinder technology (ACT). The ACT automatically shuts down two cylinders when the engine load is low, enhancing the fuel efficiency. The SLAVIA comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional for the 1.0-litre TSI while the 1.5-litre TSI can also be paired with a seven-speed DSG.

Winner of “CAMOUFLAGE WITH SKODA” design competition created the special Covered Drive camouflage

The camouflage for the ‘covered’ SLAVIA is the work of an Indian designer. More than 200 motifs were submitted to SKODA AUTO India as part of a competition, and five creations were selected for the final round. The jury – Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of SKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited, Zac Hollis, Brand Director of SKODA AUTO India, and Oliver Stefani, Head of SKODA Design – chose the wraps created by Shreyas Karambelkar , who won a trip to Prague and a meeting with Oliver Stefani.