Christian
Cahn von Seelen, Chairman of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, said,
“Four years ago, we pledged a renewed commitment to India with the announcement
of the India 2.0 project. Its success truly highlights the great collaboration
between our teams across the globe and here in India. We have completed the
first chapter with the successful launches of the two SUVs. Today, with the
production roll out of the Skoda Slavia, we are igniting the next stage of our India
2.0 product campaign. The Slavia is a strong testament of our intent and
capability in the Indian market. The Slavia will not only provide a boost to
the premium sedan segment, but will also showcase Skoda Auto’s expertise,
pedigree and legacy with sedans in terms of design, packaging, dynamics,
technology and value.”
This
sedan carries the bloodline of the Octavia and the Superb, but remains very
much a stand-out piece of design with all the signature elements of a Skoda- sharply contoured, crease free lines and a
wide, muscular stance which exudes power and grace. Its width of 1,752 mm makes
Slavia the widest offering in the segment, and enables generous amounts of
space for up to five people. This is matched by a huge boot capacity of 521
litres. The headlights and taillights are available with LED technology and
characterise the Skoda -typical crystalline details. Chrome plated design
features, two-tone alloy wheels and an exclusive Skoda badge all add to the Slavia’s
high-quality feel. The new metallic Crystal Blue and the Tornado Red paintwork
are both Skoda exclusives for the India 2.0 project.
The
Slavia’s two TSI engine options – the 1.0-litre and the 1.5-litre that offer
class-leading performance have been extensively tested across India’s rapidly
altering terrain. The 1.5-litre engine also comes with active cylinder
technology (ACT), which automatically shuts down two cylinders when the engine
load is low, enhancing fuel efficiency. Paired with options that include the
seamless 7-speed DSG, 6-speed torque converter and 6-speed manual, the Slavia offers
a level of engagement true driving enthusiasts look for.
The
India 2.0 project is headed by Škoda Auto, which oversees all activities of the
Volkswagen Group in India, and the campaign is backed by investments of one
billion euros to strengthen the long-term presence of Skoda and Volkswagen in
the Indian subcontinent. The aim is to reach a combined market share of 5% by
2025.
The
MQB-A0-IN – a variant of Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix –
provides the technical basis for the new Skoda models.