Škoda introduces new “Slavia“ sedan for Indian market

In a global on-line premiere, carmaker Škoda Auto introduced its new “Slavia” sedan, intended exclusively for the Indian market, this Wednesday. The car itself was developed in Škoda’s Indian plant in Pune, where it will also be manufactured. The name of the new model is the same as the one given to the company’s first ever product – a 19th century bicycle designed by Laurin and Klement – and serves as a tribute to Škoda’s beginnings as well as a symbol of a new era on the Indian market, according to the manufacturer. It is expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2022.

The new car is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which Škoda is internationally responsible for within the Volkswagen group. “IN” refers specifically to India and Skoda Auto CEO Thomas Schäfer says that it marks the next stage in the company’s INDIA 2.0 project.

“Following the successful launch of the [SUV] KUSHAQ, we are now entering another popular segment with our brand-new saloon. The SLAVIA is perfectly tailored to the needs of our customers in India and is built with a localisation level of up to 95%. We are confident that both the KUSHAQ and the SLAVIA will allow us to leverage the full potential in this promising, growing market.”

The A0 segment, upon which the Slavia is built, is used in small city-going cars which are popular in India.

The Slavia will be available in two engine types - the 85kW 1,0 TSI and the 110kW 1,5 TSI. Both engines fulfil India’s BS6 emissions rule. The vehicle’s boot will offer 521 litters of storage space.

The car will be available for purchase in three different interior setups – Active, Ambition and Style – all of which are based on the latest design concept of Škoda’s European models.

A free-standing infotainment touchscreen measuring up to 10 inches will be a central component of the Slaiva’s interior design.

“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,” Škoda Auto states on its website.

Škoda has invested nearly a billion euros into developing its INDIA 2.0 project with which it hopes to increase its size on the local market. The Kushaq SUV, another Škoda car intended specifically for the Indian market, was introduced earlier this year. Škoda’s parent company Volkswagen hopes to reach a total market size of 5 percent by 2025 in India.