
GOOD FOR: Fun to drive, spacious and practical cabin
LOOK OUT FOR: AC cooling, EPC issue
The Skoda Slavia is one of the few remaining sedans on the market, and it stands out for its strong
engines, fun-to-drive character and spacious and practical cabin. This makes it an ideal pre-owned vehicle for an enthusiast looking for a family car. Here’s all that you should know.
Skoda Slavia powertrain and mileage
Two turbo-petrol engines on offer; up to 14.2kpl real world mileage

Launched in 2022 as part of Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 plan, the Skoda Slavia is mechanically identical to the VW Virtus. There are two turbo-petrol engine options to choose from – a 115hp 1.0-litre 3-cylinder unit and a 150hp 1.5-litre 4-cylinder unit. While both engines come with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, the 1.0 TSI gets the option of a 6-speed torque converter (planetary) auto, and the 1.5 TSI comes with the choice of a 7-speed dual-clutch auto.
We’ve subjected the Slavia to our real-world fuel-efficiency tests. The 1.0 TSI MT returned 11.8kpl in the city and 14.2kpl on the highway, while the AT did 10.5kpl and 13.4kpl, respectively. As for the 1.5 TSI DSG, it returned 8.4kpl in the city and 14.2kpl on the highway, while the manual did 8.8kpl and 14.9kpl, respectively. The 1.5 features fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology, which aids efficiency on the highway.
While the 1.0 TSI will be fine for most users, especially with the smooth auto gearbox, enthusiasts will naturally gravitate towards the 1.5 TSI. Opt for the manual if you want a more engaging drive (they’re cheaper to buy, too) or the DSG if you do a lot of city running. And what’s nice is that the 1.5 isn’t much less fuel efficient than the 1.0; in fact, it is more efficient on the highway thanks to the deactivation tech.
Skoda Slavia variants and features
10-inch touchscreen, six airbags as standard, sunroof, ventilated seats, and more
At launch, the Slavia was offered in three trim levels – Active, Ambition and Style. Later down the line, Skoda rejigged and renamed the variants and even added new ones, such as the Monte Carlo and Sportline. There was even a Matte Edition on sale.
In terms of features, the top-spec Slavias get a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, a digital instrument cluster, a sunroof, auto climate control, ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a wireless charger, six airbags, ESC and a tyre-pressure monitor.

If budget is not a constraint, opt for the Style as it’s fully equipped; however, even the mid-spec Ambition has a decent amount of kit. For someone who wants sportier aesthetics, it would be worth going for the Matte, Monte Carlo or Sportline, though the last two will be tough to find given how new they are.
Lots of space and high ground clearance
The Slavia won’t just appeal to the enthusiasts; family buyers will also appreciate the spacious rear seat and the huge 521-litre boot, which can be further expanded to 1,050 litres. The sedan also has a ground clearance of 179mm, meaning it won’t have any trouble clearing even the large speed breakers.
Warranty and aftersales
As for aftersales, Skoda has a widespread service network in the country. It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that spare parts for the 1.5s will be expensive to replace, should they fail. But what’s nice is that the Slavia comes with a standard warranty of 3 years/1,00,000km that can be extended up to 6 years and 1,50,000km. So, the car you buy should still be covered under warranty, giving you some peace of mind.
What to look out for in a used Skoda Slavia?
AC cooling
The most common complaint from Slavia owners has been about the AC cooling being insufficient. In response, Skoda rolled out a software update to improve the AC’s performance, which was carried out free of charge at service centres. Before you buy one, check if the car has had this update.
EPC issue
There have been reports of problems with the electronic power control (EPC) module. An EPC error warning light pops up in the cluster, and users have reported a loss of power or even a complete shutdown as a result. Before buying, look out for the EPC light in the cluster and get the car scanned via the OBD port, if possible.
Interior rattles
Rather uncharacteristic for a Skoda, owners have complained about rattles inside the cabin as the car ages. On a test drive, take it through a rough patch and listen for any squeaks and rattles emerging from the centre console, dashboard or door cards.
Past recalls
Over its lifespan, the Slavia, along with the other VW Group India 2.0 cars, was subjected to several recalls to fix potential issues. Check that these have been taken care of before purchasing. It’s also worth checking the health of the DSG gearbox in the 1.5 variants. On a test drive, notice if it feels jerky, especially on downshifts, as this could be a sign of potential trouble.
Second hand Skoda Slavia price, resale value
Rs 8 lakh-14 lakh

Look to spend anywhere between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 14 lakh for a used Slavia, depending on the spec and mileage. However, don’t pay more than that, as there are plenty of examples in the market, and the sedan is due for an update soon.
Skoda Slavia fact file | |
---|---|
Years produced | 2022-present |
Starting price when new | From Rs 10.69 lakh (ex-showroom, India) |
Engine | 3-cyl, 999cc, turbo petrol/ 4-cyl, 1498cc, turbo petrol |
Power | 115/150hp |
Torque | 178/250Nm |
Ground clearance | 179mm |
Boot space | 521 litres |
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