Skoda Auto India has launched the facelifted Slavia sedan in India with a starting ex-showroom price of Rs. 10 lakh. The updated sedan is available in six trims and three powertrain combinations, with changes to its exterior styling, cabin equipment and transmission options.
The entry-level price remains unchanged, while the top-end version is now Rs. 55,000 more expensive. One of the most significant updates is the introduction of an eight-speed automatic transmission with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine.
The facelift also brings additional technology and comfort features, including a 360-degree camera, connected-car functions and a rear-seat massage function.
Price
The facelifted Slavia continues to start at Rs. 10 lakh ex-showroom, keeping the entry-level price unchanged from the outgoing model.
At the other end of the range, the top-end version receives a Rs. 55,000 price increase. Skoda is offering the updated sedan across six trims, giving buyers several combinations of equipment, engines and transmissions.
The revised pricing places the Slavia in a competitive position in India’s midsize sedan segment, where it continues to compete with models such as the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus.
Skoda has also retained the basic structure of the Slavia’s petrol powertrain lineup, while introducing a new automatic transmission for the smaller engine.
Engines
The Slavia facelift continues with two turbocharged petrol engines.
The smaller 1.0-litre TSI produces 118bhp and 178Nm of torque. It can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or the newly introduced eight-speed automatic.
The larger 1.5-litre TSI develops 148bhp and 250Nm. Unlike the 1.0-litre unit, this engine is available exclusively with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.
The 1.0-litre TSI is offered across multiple variants, with the automatic gearbox becoming available from the Classic+ trim onwards.
The 1.5-litre TSI is reserved for the higher-spec Prestige and Monte Carlo variants.
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0-litre TSI | 118bhp | 178Nm | 6-speed MT / 8-speed AT |
| 1.5-litre TSI | 148bhp | 250Nm | 7-speed DSG |
This gives buyers a choice between a smaller engine aimed at everyday usability and a more powerful option for those looking for stronger performance.
Automatic
The new eight-speed automatic transmission is one of the most important mechanical changes introduced with the facelift.
The 1.0-litre TSI previously used a six-speed automatic. Skoda has now replaced that gearbox with an eight-speed automatic, while the six-speed manual continues to be offered.
The new transmission is intended to improve the 1.0-litre model’s driving experience by providing more ratios and allowing the engine to operate across a broader range of speeds.
The eight-speed automatic also gives buyers another option in a segment where automatic transmissions have become increasingly important.
For customers who spend significant time driving in urban traffic, an automatic transmission can make daily driving more convenient. At the same time, the availability of the manual gearbox means the Slavia continues to cater to buyers who prefer greater control over gear selection.
Design
The facelift brings several visual changes, although the overall identity of the Slavia remains familiar.
At the front, the sedan receives redesigned headlamps, giving the car a refreshed appearance. New alloy wheels add another visual update, while the rear gets redesigned tail lamps.
Skoda has also introduced new colour options as part of the facelift.
The changes are evolutionary rather than a complete redesign. The Slavia retains its existing sedan proportions while receiving enough exterior updates to distinguish the facelifted model from its predecessor.
This approach allows Skoda to update the model without moving away from the styling language that has been associated with the current-generation Slavia.
Interior
The cabin has also received several updates.
Skoda has revised the touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. The updated technology is intended to make the cabin more contemporary while improving the amount of information available to the driver.
One of the more notable additions is a 360-degree camera. This can be particularly useful when parking in tight urban spaces because it provides a wider view around the vehicle.
The facelift also adds integrated connected-car technology, allowing the car to offer additional digital functions through its connected systems.
Another unusual feature for the segment is the addition of a rear-seat massage function. This is aimed at improving comfort for passengers, particularly during longer journeys.
Together, these updates make the Slavia’s cabin more feature-focused without changing its fundamental layout.
Safety
Safety equipment remains an important part of the Slavia package.
All variants of the facelifted sedan come with six airbags, ABS with EBD and an electronic stability programme as standard.
Making these features standard across the range means buyers choosing an entry-level version do not have to move to a more expensive trim to receive the core safety equipment.
The standard safety package complements the Slavia’s existing focus on structural engineering and active safety technology.
For buyers comparing different variants, the standard equipment list is therefore an important consideration alongside the engine and transmission choices.
Variants
The Slavia facelift is available in six trims, with the powertrain combinations varying according to the variant.
The 1.0-litre TSI provides the broadest choice. Buyers can select the six-speed manual or the new eight-speed automatic, with the automatic available from the Classic+ trim.
The more powerful 1.5-litre TSI is positioned higher in the range. It is offered only with the seven-speed DSG and is limited to the Prestige and Monte Carlo variants.
This means the choice of engine is also closely linked to the level of equipment a buyer wants.
Someone looking for the most affordable version can choose the 1.0-litre TSI, while customers wanting the stronger engine and higher equipment levels will need to move to the upper variants.
Rivals
The updated Slavia continues to compete in a segment that has seen several recent product updates.
Its key rivals include the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus.
The Hyundai Verna has received its own update, while the Honda City has also been refreshed. The Volkswagen Virtus is also set for a facelift, making the midsize sedan segment particularly competitive.
Against these models, the Slavia’s combination of turbocharged petrol engines, automatic transmission choices and standard safety equipment remains central to its appeal.
The new eight-speed automatic could also give the 1.0-litre version an additional point of differentiation in the segment.
Statement
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said the new Slavia builds on the model’s existing strengths while adding comfort and technology.
He said the facelift brings a “more striking presence, greater comfort, smarter technology and an all-new eight-speed automatic,” while maintaining the combination of performance, practicality and safety associated with the sedan.
The company is positioning the updated model as an option for buyers who want a conventional sedan without giving up modern features and convenience.
Verdict
The Skoda Slavia facelift retains the basic strengths of the existing model while adding several updates that should make it more competitive.
The biggest mechanical change is the eight-speed automatic paired with the 1.0-litre TSI, while the 1.5-litre TSI continues to offer 148bhp and 250Nm with a seven-speed DSG.
The exterior receives redesigned lighting elements, new wheels and additional colours, while the cabin gains updated infotainment, a digital instrument cluster, connected-car technology, a 360-degree camera and rear-seat massage functionality.
With prices starting at Rs. 10 lakh ex-showroom, the facelift keeps the Slavia’s entry point unchanged. The increased top-end price reflects the additional equipment and updates offered on the higher variants.
For buyers considering a midsize sedan, the revised Slavia now combines familiar turbo-petrol engines with a new automatic option and a broader technology package. Its position against the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus will make the coming months important for the model as competition in the segment increases.
