Mumbai: Škoda Auto India has unveiled the new Slavia with significant updates to its powertrain, technology, comfort and equipment, while simultaneously confirming fresh India plans for two of its best-known sedan nameplates — the Octavia RS and the all-new Superb TDI.
Pre-bookings for the new Slavia and Octavia RS opened on August 18, while Škoda has begun accepting expressions of interest for the Superb. The announcement underlines the Czech carmaker’s continued bet on sedans in an Indian passenger-vehicle market increasingly dominated by SUVs.
Among the most important changes to the Slavia is an all-new eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission paired with the 1.0-litre TSI engine. Škoda says this makes it the first sedan in its segment to offer the combination.
The 1.0 TSI will also continue to be available with a six-speed manual gearbox. The more powerful 1.5 TSI retains its seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, while 1.5 TSI variants now receive rear disc brakes.
New Slavia gets revised styling
The updated Slavia receives new LED headlamps and taillamps, with sequential rear turn indicators adding a more distinctive lighting signature. A chrome strip now stretches across the grille, while revised front and rear structures and new alloy-wheel designs give the sedan a fresher appearance.
It retains the familiar Slavia silhouette and proportions rather than attempting to reinvent itself simply for the sake of appearing new — usually a sensible approach when the basic shape has already found buyers.
At launch, the sedan will be available in Classic, Classic+, Signature, Sportline, Prestige and, for the first time from the beginning of sales, Monte Carlo variants.
Colour choices include Candy White, Carbon Steel, Brilliant Silver, Lava Blue, Deep Black, Cherry Red, Shimla Green and Steel Grey. Škoda is also introducing Arctic Silver and Cappuccino Beige with the new model.
Pre-bookings for the Slavia have opened at ₹15,000.
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, said: “India remains one of our most important global growth markets and a great example of what Škoda Auto can achieve when we listen closely to our customers. The new Slavia builds on this approach. It strengthens a model that has become a real success story, earning the trust of customers and establishing itself as one of the best-selling sedans in its segment. This success belongs to our teams, our dealer partners and, above all, our customers. Together, we have built strong momentum. With a clear strategy and a strong local presence, I am confident that we are writing the next chapter of our growth story in India.”
Rear-seat massage function joins equipment list
Comfort is another major focus of the update. The new Slavia introduces what Škoda describes as a segment-first Rear Seat Massage function, bringing an amenity more commonly associated with considerably more expensive cars into the sedan.
It also gains a 360-degree Area View camera, which Škoda says is a first for a vehicle developed under the India 2.0 programme. Park Pilot with front parking sensors is offered for additional assistance in tight urban spaces.
A larger 10.25-inch digital cockpit provides driving information, while variants from Classic+ upwards offer equipment including rain-sensing wipers, rear defogger, all-LED lighting, an auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror, an electric sunroof and alloy wheels.
Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, said, “This update of the Slavia is the next step for our well-established and successful sedan for India. With nearly 80,000 cars sold to date, the Slavia has established a strong position in this dynamic segment. Building on its proven qualities, we are introducing targeted improvements in powertrain, comfort and connectivity that further enhance its appeal. We are convinced that the combination of everyday practicality, state-of-the-art technology and outstanding comfort will attract new customers looking for a modern, compelling sedan.”
Google Cloud-powered AI enters the cabin
The Slavia’s technology package includes a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
More notably, the next-generation infotainment system incorporates an AI-based voice assistant powered by Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent.
Škoda says the technology brings Gemini into the vehicle, allowing occupants to access information such as news and trends through context-aware voice interactions. The assistant can also be used for hands-free operation of functions including music, phone calls and climate control.
The system has been developed to recognise Indian English accents, an important detail in a country where asking a digital assistant the same thing three times is not exactly anybody’s idea of luxury.
Five-star Global NCAP credentials continue
The new Slavia carries forward the model’s five-star Global NCAP rating for adult and child occupant protection.
More than 25 active and passive safety features, including six airbags, are standard across the range, according to Škoda. Higher variants offer more than 40 safety features.
Equipment such as automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, rear defogger, an auto-dimming IRVM and anti-glare ORVMs is also offered to improve visibility and driving convenience.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “Our focus remains on bringing globally benchmarked products that are engineered and manufactured to meet the evolving needs of Indian customers. The new Slavia is a strong reflection of this approach. With a combination of proven engineering excellence and meaningful enhancements, we continue to strengthen our commitment to delivering world-class mobility solutions that are designed, built and made relevant for India.”
The Slavia continues to be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, developed specifically for India under the Volkswagen Group’s localisation programme.
Nearly 80,000 Slavias sold
Škoda said nearly 80,000 units of the Slavia have been sold to date.
The nameplate forms part of a much longer sedan history for the manufacturer. Škoda traces the Superb name back to 1934, giving the company a sedan lineage spanning more than 90 years, while the Octavia and Superb have remained important parts of its international portfolio.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “The new Slavia, with the all-new Superb and the iconic Octavia RS, carries forward the brand’s proud sedan legacy. For generations, our sedans have earned customer trust through their combination of timeless design, driving dynamics, safety and engineering excellence. The new Slavia builds on these foundations while introducing contemporary styling, advanced technology and enhanced comfort for today’s customers. It embodies our commitment to keeping the sedan experience fresh, relevant and aspirational, while continuing to make European engineering and innovation more accessible to a wider audience in India.”
Octavia RS returns with 265 PS
Alongside the Slavia, Škoda showcased the all-new Octavia RS, confirming another limited batch for India.
The performance sedan uses a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine producing 195 kW, or 265 PS, paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission.
Equipment includes electrically adjustable sports front seats with heating and massage functionality, a head-up display, advanced driver assistance systems and progressive dynamic steering.
The Octavia RS will be offered in Mamba Green, Velvet Red and Magic Black.
Pre-bookings opened on August 18 at ₹2.5 lakh, with the upcoming allocation restricted to 50 units.
Customers who had placed reservations during the previous Octavia RS launch but were unable to secure a car because of limited availability were given priority access between 8 PM on August 18 and 5 PM on August 19. The booking window is subsequently being opened to other customers.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin at the start of the festive season.
Superb returns to India with diesel power
Škoda also displayed the all-new Superb TDI, confirming the return of its flagship sedan to India with a diesel engine.
The new Superb is equipped with features including LED Matrix headlamps, Cognac leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, a Rear Sleep Package, Dynamic Chassis Control and a suite of ADAS functions.
Škoda has not announced pricing in the release, but has begun accepting expressions of interest.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin at the end of the second quarter next year.
The return of a TDI-powered Superb will give Škoda a luxury diesel sedan at a time when the broader passenger-car market has increasingly moved towards petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains.
Four-year warranty across new sedan range
Škoda is also extending its Super Care ownership package to the new Slavia, Octavia RS and Superb.
It includes a standard four-year or 100,000-km warranty, four years of roadside assistance and four labour-free services for up to two years or 30,000 km.
Customers can extend the vehicle warranty by a further two years, taking total coverage to six years. Škoda also provides a six-year corrosion warranty and three-year paint warranty.
With the new Slavia addressing the mainstream sedan market, the Octavia RS catering to performance enthusiasts and the Superb returning at the luxury end, Škoda is effectively building a three-tier sedan strategy for India. In an era when nearly every manufacturer seems determined to put SUV styling on almost anything with four wheels, Škoda’s renewed sedan push offers a notably different approach — and a test of how much appetite Indian buyers still have for the traditional three-box formula.
