Overhaul or just a nip and tuck job?
(Image used for reference purposes only)
The Skoda Slavia has been around long enough to establish itself as one of the more convincing arguments for keeping the traditional sedan alive. Now, after a handful of smaller updates, the Slavia is finally set to receive its first proper facelift. And if the early signs are anything to go by, Skoda is not looking to reinvent the formula. Instead, the idea seems to be to sharpen what already works.
The facelift is expected to bring a combination of exterior and interior changes, a longer features list and, potentially, one important mechanical update. That should give the Slavia a stronger shot at rivals such as the Volkswagen Virtus, Honda City and Hyundai Verna. So, if you are currently looking for a sedan, there may be some merit in holding off for the updated Slavia. Here is what we expect.
Exterior gets sharper
The Slavia’s basic shape and silhouette are expected to remain unchanged, but Skoda is likely to give the sedan a more modern face, taking inspiration from the treatment seen on the Kushaq.
The biggest change could be up front, where the familiar Skoda grille is expected to be joined by connected lighting elements. Rather than one continuous light bar, however, the individual elements are expected to cut through the grille. The LED headlamp shape itself is likely to remain familiar, but the lighting signature could be revised and may even feature sequential indicators. The front bumper should also receive a mild redesign, with LED fog lights expected to be incorporated into the revised unit.
From the side, things should remain largely familiar. Recent sightings of test mules suggest that the Slavia’s proportions and silhouette will not change. The ORVMs will continue to house the turn indicators, while chrome inserts are expected on the door handles.
The current 16-inch alloy wheels could receive new designs, with different patterns likely across the range. There is also a possibility of Skoda offering larger wheels on certain variants.
At the rear, expect a similar treatment to the front. A connected lighting element is likely to feature alongside revised LED tail lights and illuminated Skoda lettering in the centre. Skoda could also introduce fresh exterior colours, adding to the seven monotone shades currently available.
Interior: familiar, but hopefully better
The Slavia’s cabin already looks premium, but some of the materials and finishes do not quite match that impression. The facelift is not expected to bring a dramatic redesign, although Skoda could improve the quality and finish of some of the plastics.
A dual-tone black and beige theme is expected to continue, while the basic dashboard layout should remain familiar. The infotainment screen is expected to retain its current positioning above the central air-conditioning vents, which feature chrome surrounds.
Leatherette seats, a front centre armrest, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment and powered driver’s seat adjustment are all expected to continue. Rear-seat space should also remain unchanged. The Slavia already offers enough room for two adults, including sufficient space for a tall passenger sitting behind their own driving position. One possible upgrade could be comfort, with massaging seats potentially making their way into the Slavia following their introduction on the new Kushaq.
More technology, but not a complete overhaul
The Slavia is already fairly well equipped, so the facelift is unlikely to require a massive expansion of the equipment list. Keyless entry, auto-folding ORVMs, push-button start/stop, automatic climate control, Type-C charging ports, rear AC vents and a rear centre armrest are all expected to remain.
The main infotainment screen could retain its existing size, but its functionality may improve with the addition of AI assistant features similar to those seen on the Kushaq. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are expected to continue. One confirmed-looking change from the test mule is the instrument cluster. The current 8-inch digital display could make way for a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, giving the driver a more modern interface.
Powered front seats, a single-pane electric sunroof, ventilated seats and connected-car technology are also expected to remain part of the package.
Safety should remain a strong point
The Slavia already has a comprehensive safety package, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Programme, traction control, ISOFIX mounts and a rear defogger as standard.
Higher variants are expected to continue with features such as hill-hold control, rain-sensing wipers and fog lamps. While ADAS is not expected to be introduced, a higher-resolution 360-degree camera would be a welcome addition.
Since no changes are expected to the chassis or platform, the existing five-star Global NCAP ratings for adult and child occupant protection are expected to carry over to the facelifted car.
Engines are expected to stay, but the automatic could change
The biggest mechanical talking point could be the transmission paired with the smaller engine. The Slavia is expected to retain its 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines. The 1.0-litre unit produces 114 bhp and 178 Nm, while the larger 1.5-litre engine develops 148 bhp and 250 Nm.
The smaller engine is expected to continue with a six-speed manual, but its automatic gearbox could be upgraded from the existing six-speed unit to an eight-speed automatic. If its behaviour is anything like the unit experienced in the Kushaq, the extra ratios could make the Slavia smoother around town while allowing it to settle into a more relaxed rhythm on the highway.
The 1.5-litre engine, meanwhile, should remain the enthusiast’s choice. It is expected to continue exclusively with the seven-speed DCT, with no manual option. So, while the Slavia facelift may not bring a radical change to the sedan’s underlying formula, that may actually be the point. Sharper styling, a more modern cabin, additional technology and a potentially smoother automatic could make an already convincing package that little bit more complete.
