The Skoda Slavia is a stylish vehicle. It has the size, proportions, and detailing to not only catch the eye but also hold it. It also resembles its elder sibling, the Octavia, with its jacked-up stance indicating that it is the Slavia. So, one of the most important criteria for new automobile buyers has been crossed off the list. What remains to be seen is whether the rest of the package – the interior, spaciousness, comfort, drivetrain, and driving characteristics – helps the Slavia cement its position as the best C-segment sedan to buy, or not.
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There’s also the value for money issue to consider, which we’ll attempt to comprehend. But first, let’s speak about what we couldn’t say about the prototype while we were driving it…
The Slavia is a capacious automobile in every way, including the front, back, and especially the boot. The latter is the largest sedan in the segment, with split and folding seats, which are uncommon in sedans. The back seats are really comfortable. These may use a little extra thigh support, but the backrest is perfect in terms of support and reclining angle.
The back passengers have adequate, if not more, knee and headroom. So, if you wish to be chauffeured in a sedan, the Slavia is a good choice. And yes, you may seat three abreast in the back, but you’ll have to tuck your elbows in. The driving posture is excellent in the front. Both the front seats and the steering may be adjusted for tilt and reach in this top-of-the-line Style grade. As a result, the driving position should be suitable for a wide range of driver sizes. Visibility is also beneficial.
Cooled front seats, a sunroof, a single-zone temperature control system, wireless phone charging, a cooled glovebox, and a reasonable array of storage places are among the features. A full-color TFT driver information system and a robust multimedia system are also included. There’s also cruise control, ABS, EBD, traction control, and a well-tuned ESP, which assists rather than hinders you when you miss a turn.
The petrol engine of the Slavia we have here is a 1-liter three-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged unit. In the top-spec Style trim, there’s also a four-cylinder 1.5TSI engine to choose from, but we’ll cover that in another review. The 1-litre TSI, on the other hand, produces 115bhp and 178Nm of torque. For such a small engine, the latter is quite remarkable. And there’s no shortage of grunt while you’re on the road.
The throttle response is quick, and the engine climbs through the rev range without complaint, despite the fact that it isn’t a free-revving engine. Although it isn’t the quietest or most polished engine, its gruff sound can be tolerated. Especially when it’s heard from the outside or when the engine is turned up. Ours is the instruction handbook. The six-speed transmission has short throws, and while it isn’t exactly snappy or easy in its changes to be considered sporty, it isn’t very taxing to use. The clutch pedal has long throws, but the bite point is easy to judge, and it doesn’t wear out your left leg after a long period of use.
The Skoda Slavia and the Kushaq are both built on the same platform. Apart from the engines, the suspension and braking systems are also comparable. The Slavia, like the Kushaq, is a pleasant automobile to drive. A series of corners may be much more appealing. However, only a back-to-back drive to the two in the near future will be able to prove that. The steering, the ride, and how customizable it is around curves are all things we appreciated from the start. The steering is responsive. Its feedback, returnability, and heft aren’t artificial. The Slavia’s front end also responds to steering inputs in a linear and predictable manner. Predictability, as we all know, creates confidence.
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As a result, driving around a bend is simple. Of course, the taut suspension aids. It prevents the nose of the Slavia from sinking excessively during turn entering and braking. Also impressive is the braking. There’s a wonderful bite to it, a nice feel to it, and there’s no drama. Mid-corner, the body roll is also well-controlled, ensuring that fast direction changes are addressed with poise and stability rather than sway. The rear squat isn’t as evident when you step on the gas as you approach the corner’s exit. As a result, there will be no need to cope with unnecessary front wheel spins. In fact, if you enjoy driving, even a 1-liter engine will make you happy.
Meanwhile, the ride is supple. As previously said, the suspension setting is on the stiff side. It isn’t stiff or hard, but it isn’t completely absorbent. As a result, the passengers are not totally isolated from the road. The goings-on beneath the surface is audible and palpable. Nothing, on the other hand, is unsettling or disturbing “as read and reported by www.carwale.com”.