Mumbai-The launch of SLAVIA marks the beginning of the next phase of Skoda Auto's 2.0 project in India. Following the successful launch of the mid-size SUV KUSHAQ, this brand new sedan is the second Indian-specific model of the Czech automaker. The localization level of SLAVIA's manufacturing process is as high as 95%. Since the car is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform-Skoda Auto's MQB variant specially modified for India-it provides comprehensive safety features and advanced infotainment systems. The power output of the TSI engine available for SLAVIA is 85 kW (115 PS)* and 110 kW (150 PS)*. Like other Skoda models, this model is characterized by an emotional design. Its name is not only a tribute to the start of automakers, but also a symbol of a new era in the Indian market.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Skoda Automotive, said: "With the new SLAVIA, we are opening the next phase of our India 2.0 product activities. With the successful launch of KUSHAQ, we are now entering another popular high-end mid-size sedan with a new Market segmentation. SLAVIA perfectly meets the needs of our Indian customers and achieves up to 95% localization. We believe that KUSHAQ and SLAVIA will enable us to take full advantage of the potential of this promising and growing market."
Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of Skoda Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd. said: "The successful launch of the India 2.0 project and KUSHAQ truly highlights the goals that can be achieved in India’s global cooperation. In addition to the increasingly popular SUVs, high-end sedans Sub-markets also provide great potential. This is a field that we have created by ourselves. The exquisite SLAVIA represents prestige and style. This also represents a new growth area for Skoda. With its sophisticated, powerful engine and many simple and intelligent Features, SLAVIA will attract discerning customers in India and will also be appreciated in markets around the world. We believe that Skoda SLAVIA will continue the benchmark set by OCTAVIA and SUPERB and will help us further strengthen our dominance in this market segment status."
Zac Hollis, Brand Director of Skoda Automotive India, said:
“With the launch of KUSHAQ, we have witnessed the unprecedented growth of Skoda Automotive India. KUSHAQ has witnessed the conquering of new areas with a mid-size SUV that represents the aspirations of modern India, and SLAVIA has allowed us to return to our roots as the original high-quality Cars are brought to India’s brands. Despite facing industry headwinds, we continue to carry out product activities, expand the network coverage to more than 100 cities, enhance brand awareness, fulfill our customer-centric promise, and professionalize the dealer network. Value-added services and setting a new benchmark for after-sales business. SLAVIA is very beautiful from the inside out. As we continue to increase sales in India significantly, it will become our second largest sales promoter along with KUSHAQ."
Skoda SLAVIA: Gorgeous from the inside out
SLAVIA shows elegant lines and Skoda's prestigious emotional design language, creating new highlights for the car. Its width of 1,752 mm makes SLAVIA the widest product in this segment and provides ample space for up to 5 people. This matches the huge luggage capacity of 521 liters. The headlights and taillights use advanced LED technology, reflecting the typical crystal details of Skoda. The chrome design, two-color alloy wheels and the unique Skoda badge all add a high-quality feel to SLAVIA. The new metallic crystal blue and tornado red paint are Skoda's exclusive products in the Indian market.
The interior of the new Skoda is based on the latest design concepts of Skoda European models. A free-standing infotainment screen with a length of 25.4 cm occupies the center position. The circular vent is another distinguishing feature. From the Ambition trim upwards, the touch-sensitive Climatronic with air care function is standard, while the high-end Style variant provides comfort features, such as ventilated front seats with leather trim. The lines below the infotainment screen are inspired by the outline of the Skoda grille, and an armrest is provided when operating the display. A horizontal decorative strip with contrasting colors accentuates the spacious interior space and connects with circular side vents.
The infotainment system of all models of the new ŠKODA SLAVIA can be easily and intuitively operated via the color touch screen. They use SmartLink technology to realize the integration of smart phones. Through the Ambition and Style decoration levels, you can use the ŠKODA Play application to access a large number of MyŠKODA Connect mobile online services, which can be used to download the navigation functions of the high-end infotainment system.
Skoda SLAVIA has excellent active and passive safety features. The occupants are protected by up to six airbags. In order to ensure that the children also have a safe journey, the car is equipped with ISOFIX anchor points and top tether anchor points on the rear seats. ESC is another standard function that ensures a high level of driving safety, and the multi-collision brake will safely stop the vehicle in the event of an accident. SLAVIA also provides many practical comfort functions, such as hill keeping control, rain and light sensors, and cruise control. Tire pressure monitor is another convenient feature.
The India 2.0 event is led by Skoda Motors, which is responsible for overseeing all activities of the Volkswagen Group in India. The event is supported by an investment of 1 billion euros to strengthen the long-term presence of Skoda and Volkswagen in the Indian subcontinent. The goal is to reach a combined market share of 5% by 2025.
MQB-A0-IN-a variant of the Volkswagen Group's modular horizontal matrix-provides the technical basis for the new Skoda model. Skoda Auto adjusted the platform specifically for the Indian market to meet the country’s new and stricter safety and emission requirements. Most of the development work is carried out in India-in close collaboration with colleagues in the Czech Republic-in the technical center in Pune, which opened in early 2019. The on-site team's extensive expertise and understanding of local preferences mean that Skoda can respond quickly and flexibly to changing needs. The localization level of Skoda's vehicle production in India is as high as 95%. The automaker established a new MQB production line at its Pune plant in order to achieve this goal. In the medium term, models made in India will also be exported to other countries.