Skoda Slavia facelift: 3 reasons to buy and 2 to skip

Skoda Slavia is one of the few mass-market midsize sedans available in India. It competes with models like the Hyundai Verna and Honda City, both of which received updates earlier this year. To stay competitive, Skoda has also launched the Slavia facelift. It's the first major mid-life update since the car was launched in 2022. If you are eyeing the Slavia facelift, here are the top 3 reasons to buy it and 2 to skip it.

Reasons to buy
1. Engines 
The Slavia facelift keeps the same two engine options as before. You get a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder that makes 115hp and 178Nm. You also get a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol that makes 150hp and 250Nm. That is fine, because both have plenty of pep.

The big news is a new 8-speed torque-converter automatic for the 1.0-litre. It replaces the older 6-speed unit. Shifts feel smooth across all gears. In manual mode, you can rev the engine to the limit before you upshift. That makes the drive more fun.

The 1.5-litre has loads of grunt and accelerates briskly. Its 7-speed DSG shifts snappily.

2. Handling and stability
The Slavia still impresses with its precise handling. Body roll stays under control even with a high 179mm ground clearance. The car feels composed in corners. The steering is well-weighted and gets heavier as your speed increases. At high speeds, the car stays stable and the suspension soaks up rough roads very well.

3. Overall cabin
Updated trim materials and new features make the cabin a nice place to be. The front seats are well-contoured and supportive. The rear seats are too. Two adults get plenty of legroom at the back. You also get lots of storage and Skoda’s Simply Clever features.

The boot is big at 521 litres, and its squarish opening makes loading easy. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats add more convenience. Build quality feels solid, and everything fits together well. Skoda has also upped the equipment list. It borrows the rear-seat massage function from the Kushaq.

The infotainment screen is slightly bigger. The 10.25-inch digital driver’s display gets updated graphics. You also get powered and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, a single-pane sunroof and wireless phone charging. A new variable geometry compressor has improved AC performance too.

Reasons not to buy
1. Low-speed ride quality
The ride is supple at high speeds. At low speeds, it is a different story. The car has a firmness that you often find in European cars. It takes away from the ride comfort.

2. No manual for 1.5 TSI
The 1.5-litre TSI is still the stronger and more effortless engine. But it only comes with the 7-speed DSG. Enthusiastic drivers will miss the 6-speed manual. The pre-facelift version offered it for a short time.