Skoda’s next product in the Nepalese market will be the brand’s new mid-size sedan – Skoda Slavia. The Slavia which is the Czech carmaker’s second India-specific model after the Kushaq is based on the same made-for-India MQB A0 IN platform, that also underpins the Kushaq and the Taigun. The Slavia saloon offers plenty of space, a host of safety features and an emotive design, says Skoda. There is a choice of three trim levels – Active, Ambition and Style – for the new saloon.

Skoda Slavia: Design

The Slavia’s emotive design language with sharp lines, clear surfaces and crystalline structures resemble the Octavia and Superb. The wide, hexagonal Skoda grille with a chrome surround and vertical black slats is upright and extends to the sides of the slim headlights. The lower air inlet runs across nearly the vehicle’s entire width and merges with black, C-shaped applications on both sides. The roofline slopes gently and seamlessly towards the rear. The tailgate bears ‘Skoda’ in block lettering in the centre.

The Slavia has a length of 4,541 mm, and it offers generous amounts of space and a massive boot capacity of 521 litres. Its width of 1,752 mm and wheelbase of 2,651 mm also contribute to the feeling of spaciousness, while the vehicle height is 1,487 mm. Its long wheelbase, balanced proportions and coupe-like silhouette add to the midsize sedan’s striking appearance.

Skoda Slavia: Interior and Features

The Slavia’s interior is based on the latest design concept of Skoda’s European models. A free-standing infotainment screen measuring 7 or 10 inches takes centre stage. The circular air vents are another striking feature. From Ambition upwards, touch-control Climatronic with Air Care function comes as standard, while comfort features such as ventilated front seats upholstered in leather are available for the top-end specification Style.

For connecting and charging mobile devices via cable, there are two USB-C sockets in the centre console and another two in the rear from the Ambition trim level upwards; the Slavia Style comes with a Phone Box in the front, which allows smartphones to be charged inductively.The range-topping trim level, Style, offers a digital instrument cluster with an 8-inch colour display; the other variants come with analogue gauges. Vehicles fitted with an automatic transmission or DSG also boast shift paddles on the steering wheel. LED reading lights in the front and rear come as standard. From the Ambition trim upwards, the extended ambient lighting illuminates the dashboard, the storage compartment in the centre console and the door handles.

As with the Kushaq SUV, the Skoda Slavia features air conditioning, and from the Ambition trim level upwards, the Slavia boasts a touch-control Climatronic with Air Care function and air vents in the rear. The standard equipment for Style, the top-end specification, also includes ventilated leather front seats, an electric, sliding glass roof, KESSY keyless vehicle entry and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Skoda Slavia: Engine

The Slavia offers a choice of two petrol engines – a 1.0 TSI with an output of 115PS and 175 Nm of torque, and a 1.5 TSI delivering 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. The 1.0 TSI is available with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. Similarly, the 1.5 TSI can also be available with a seven-speed DSG.

Skoda Slavia: Safety

The Slavia offers an extensive range of active and passive safety features. Fitted with ESC as standard, high levels of driving safety are ensured in all models. The Slavia is also equipped with XDS and XDS+. These assistance systems are part of the Electronic Differential System (EDS), which improves wheel traction. The saloon can be equipped with up to six airbags. These include airbags for the driver and front passenger as standard, as well as the optional front side airbags and curtain airbags. All headrests are height-adjustable, and the centre seat in the rear is also equipped with a three-point seat belt. ISOFIX anchors and Top Tether anchor points on the rear seats, which come as standard.

The car comes with numerous features, some of which are optional, to support the driver and increase comfort, like Cruise Control, Hill-Hold Control, Rear parking sensors are fitted as standard; the higher-trim variants come with a rear-view camera. A tyre pressure monitor is a standard feature for all specifications.

Skoda Slavia: Rivals

The Slavia rivals the likes of Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and Suzuki Ciaz in the Nepalese market.

Skoda Slavia: Expected Price and Launch

The Slavia is expected to start onwards Rs 45 Lakh in the Nepalese market. And the mid-size sedan is expected to be launched in Nepal by March 2022.