Based on the MQB-A0-IN platform the Skoda Slavia will be available in three variants with two petrol engine options and three transmission options, with up to 95% localisation

ŠKODA AUTO India today announced the commencement of production of its premium mid-size sedan, the ŠKODA SLAVIA, from its plant in Chakan, Pune. Slavia an all-new sedan from Skoda was developed with a focus on the Indian market. Powered by a 1.0 liter 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo petrol, making 85kW (115ps) and 110kW (150PS) respectively, the SLAVIA will come with a choice of either a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, or 7-speed DSG transmission.

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 ŠKODA and Volkswagen in the Indian subcontinent. The aim is to reach a combined market share of 5% by 2025.

Christian Cahn von Seelen, Chairman of ŠKODA 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 rollout of the ŠKODA 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 ŠKODA AUTO’s expertise, pedigree and legacy with sedans in terms of design, packaging, dynamics, technology and value.”

The MQB-A0-IN – a variant of Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix – provides the technical basis for the new ŠKODA models. ŠKODA AUTO has adapted this platform specifically for the Indian market and to meet the country’s new, stricter safety and emission requirements. Most of the development work is carried out in India – in close collaboration with colleagues based in the Czech Republic – at the technology centre in Pune, which opened in early 2019. The on-site team’s wealth of expertise and understanding of local preferences mean that ŠKODA can respond to changing needs quickly and in a flexible manner. ŠKODA AUTO’s vehicle production in India has a localisation level up to 95%. The carmaker set up a new MQB production line at its Pune plant so this could be achieved. In the medium term, the models manufactured in India will also be exported to other countries.

Zac Hollis, Brand Director, ŠKODA AUTO India, said, “The SLAVIA is an all-new value luxury sedan for India, specially developed and meticulously designed considering the requirements and expectations of our customers. In times where interest for crossovers and SUVs is high, the SLAVIA is a measure of ŠKODA AUTO’s confidence that it is the product and not the category or body shape that will drive customer demand. We have already clocked in substantial growth over the last year and are rapidly expanding our network and customer touchpoints to bring more customers into the ŠKODA family. The SLAVIA will carry forward the thrust and provide impetus and excitement to fans of ŠKODA AUTO India and customers looking for a set of wheels that offers a fantastic driving experience and is gorgeous inside out.”