Little by little, without making much noise, the Volkswagen Group is shaping its offensive for emerging countries. The firm entrusted with this complicated mission, as announced some time ago, is the Czech Skoda. The reasons for its choice are many and varied, but there is one that stands out above all others: its great capacity for adaptation. Hence, it has been commissioned, exclusively, to develop the base MQB-A0 IN.
As you well know, because we have already told you, this platform is a derivation (simpler and cheaper) than the one mounted on the Audi A1. However, it meets the standards that the Indian market demands and hence it is suitable for models such as the Kushaq SUV or the new skoda slavia. This is the second novelty of the Czech firm in the Asian country and one of the most sold. We tell you their secrets, although you already know some of them, don't you...?
The Skoda Slavia starts from the design of the European Fabia to which it adds its own details...
The first secret you knew has to do with the design of the Skoda Slavia. A handful of weeks ago those responsible for the firm published a series of "spy" photos. In them we could see it loaded with camouflage in different scenarios while the engineers carried out their validation tests. It was then that we realized that his lines would be a evolution, in sedan version, of the Fabia who arrived in Europe a few months ago.
This feeling was practically confirmed when a few days ago they published some sketches. Now they are back at it with their Official presentation and the release of missing press material. In these images it is clear that the design team has respected much of the lines of the Fabia, although it also has its own design elements. These reach the side and rear, areas where it is most appreciated that grows to 4,54 meters.
As expected the distance between axis grows to a generous 2,65 meters. This data is more typical of a compact, moving away from the 2,56 meters of its hatchback brother. However, much of this growth has gone into the rear overhang and the integration of the third volume. In fact, both are very reminiscent of the Octavia, especially for the optics design, the bumper or the location of the Slavia logos.
Fresh, attractive and quality interior to be an Indian model...
The cockpit is the second secret you knew. It was more of a rumour, but it was clear that if the Slavia was a Fabia a la Hindu, the interior would follow in his footsteps. And so it has been, because its lines remain faithful with simple cut strokes that prioritize careful ergonomics. Among the elements to be highlighted are the 10-inch central touch screen, the two-spoke steering wheel that the Octavia premiered or the digital instrument panel.
But they are not the only gadgets that add a touch of elegance to the whole. Optionally, there is the possibility of including some front seats with ventilation and two-tone textile. On the negative side, due to so much digitalization, there is a manual handbrake by lever or a climate control that seems to dispense with manual controls. If we have to talk about safety, the Slavia includes up to six airbags or multiple collision braking system.
Modern technique and mechanics, although limited in variety…
Ultimately we must talk about the mechanical range that will animate the Skoda Slavia. India is a country in which diesel mechanics triumph, but the Czech house has decided to dispense with this type of engine for its sedan. In this case, it will rely on two gasoline blocks that we know in Europe. The access is a 1.0 TSI three-cylinder with turbo 115 hp and 175 Nm of torque associated with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The most performance version is in charge of the 1.5 TSI four-cylinder and turbo with 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque. In this case, the associated transmission can also be a 6-speed manual or a seven-stage DSG automatic. For now we do not know what its prices will be, but seeing its design, packaging and presence, succeeding the previous Rapid will be a breeze. Also, it could be a Great rival for the European "low cost" sedans.
Don't you think?
Source - Skoda
More information about this model
- Plazas 5
- Power 80 - 150 hp
- Consumer goods 5 - 5,6l/100km
- Assessment 4,5