Skoda Slavia Facelift

Skoda might have been launching new special editions for the Slavia sedan recently, but it is the upcoming facelift that will truly be worth the wait. It won’t be a holistic overhaul, but with fresh styling elements, new features and some changes to the powertrain, the facelift is expected to infuse some modern styling elements in that sophistication. 

It’ll be the first proper update for the nameplate since launch, and will help the Slavia put up a tougher fight against the likes of the VW Virtus and Honda City. Here’s what we know about it so far:

With this facelift, we expect Skoda to add connected lighting elements to the exterior, just like they did with the Kushaq. 

If true, we can’t wait to see what the look of the individual LEDs cutting across the grille of the Slavia’s low slung nose will look like. The shape of the headlights is expected to remain the same, but with revised internals and new styling for the LED DRLs. Additionally, Skoda is also likely to revise the bumper for a fresher look. 

This being a mid-life facelift, there aren’t going to be any changes to the silhouette. Even the test mule that was spotted earlier had the same shape as before. What will be new is the style for the 16-inch alloy wheels. While unlikely, we wouldn’t mind a bigger set of 17-inch alloy wheels too, which should help it give a better stance. 

The changes at the rear could feature a connected bar sporting an illuminated Skoda logo in the centre. We expect slight revisions to the tail lights and the bumper too. 

Overall, the changes with this facelift won’t make the Slavia unrecognisable. But it will definitely make it more contemporary.

As per the treatment on the Kushaq facelift, the interior design will most likely be carried forward as it is for the most part. Skoda may play around with a few contrasting inserts that will make the dual-tone theme look more lively. 

While this wasn’t the case in the new Kushaq, we do hope Skoda works and improves on the quality of the plastics in the cabin, which felt a bit out of place for a car carrying the prestigious Skoda badge.

The outgoing Skoda Slavia is a car that doesn’t really make any headlines for its features list, but neither does it miss out on anything. But the small gaps that were existing in its package before are expected to be plugged out with this facelift. 

Daily basics like keyless entry, push button start/stop, auto headlights, electronically adjustable ORVMs with auto-fold, rear AC vents, and cruise control are expected to be carried over.

The 10.1-inch infotainment system too is expected to be carried over with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but the driver’s display could be upgraded to a bigger 10.25-inch digital cluster, as seen on the Kushaq. The current 8-inch instrument cluster will likely be available in lower variants.

While the size of the main touchscreen might remain unchanged, Skoda could add the new Companion app which is powered by Google AI and can be used to watch videos on YouTube when stationary, just like the Kushaq.

Feel-good features like powered windows, ventilated front seats and a single-pane electric sunroof are also expected to be offered. It’ll be interesting to see whether Skoda offers the rear seat massagers in the Slavia as well.

Given that there aren’t any changes expected to the chassis of the Slavia, its 5-star crash test rating should also be applicable to this new facelift model. As for features, standard equipment should include 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear wiper and defogger, ABS with EBD, and tyre pressure warning system. 

Features like auto-dimming IRVM and front parking sensors could be added in the higher variants. We don’t expect any autonomous driving assistance systems (ADAS) to be part of the kit.

One of the perks of being a sedan of course is the boot and we don't expect the space of the Slavia to change with this facelift. Even if it does, for better or for worse, the difference will be negligible and you still won’t have any issues for your vacations. A full suitcase set with a couple of duffle bags and laptop bags should be light work. For reference, the current Slavia has a space of about 512-litres. It also gets 60:40 split in the rear seats, so you can fold them down and store additional or longer items if needed.

A mid-life facelift doesn’t usually bring a change to the powertrain department, and while the two turbo-petrol engine options of the Slavia will continue to do duty, the automatic transmission pairing for the smaller, three-cylinder engine is expected to be done with an 8-speed automatic, instead of the 6-speed AT. The bigger engine is expected to continue with a single 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) transmission.

MT - Manual Transmission / AT - Torque Converter (automatic)

DCT - Dual-Clutch Transmission (automatic)

The updates to the Skoda Slavia won't be revolutionary, and all things considered, they don’t need to be either. Its primary appeal will remain exactly the same: an elegant sedan that is engaging to drive, boasts well-sorted chassis dynamics, and provides the comfort, features, and practicality your family needs. This facelift will just help it keep up with the times with its modern touches and new features.