For a long time now, the Slavia 1.5 has been part of our CarAdvice fleet, serving as a reliable daily companion. There’s much to appreciate about this sedan, most notably, its impressive power, everyday practicality, and generously sized boot. For auto journalists, who often find themselves living out of suitcases, that spacious trunk is more than just convenient. While many of us fly across the country for media drives, I personally prefer taking the wheel for journeys within Maharashtra. My time with the Slavia has mostly involved commuting to the clinic and office, as well as occasional airport drops. One thing stands out: this car is remarkably easy to live with.
The heart of the Slavia is its excellent engine, and when paired with the DSG gearbox, it delivers a driving experience that’s both comfortable and engaging. The 1.5 TSI responds eagerly under acceleration, unleashing the full force of its 150 horsepower and 250 NM of torque. The DSG is smooth and has a manual mode that can be used if you feel like getting more involved. The Sport mode works in a similar fashion when you are in a hurry or just want to use the TSI to its full potential. The Elegance edition, especially in black, catches plenty of admiring glances.
Functionality extends beyond daily use. The Slavia often serves as our support vehicle on shoots. Its capacious 521-litre boot easily accommodates all our camera gear, sometimes even heavier equipment, without complaint. For family trips, fitting three medium-sized bags is a breeze. In today’s automotive landscape, where electrification is evolving cars into mere gadgets, the Slavia retains an element of driving joy. Getting behind the wheel turns even routine errands into enjoyable experiences.
Steering is both precise and predictable when you’re after an adrenaline rush, yet light and manageable in urban traffic. Having been a fan of manual transmissions, I’ve found the convenience of automatics irresistible, especially after countless hours navigating the city. The Slavia’s 7-speed DSG shines for its smooth gear changes, and although Sport mode and paddle shifters help bridge the gap for manual aficionados. This DSG is slightly slower than competitors which is a tradeoff for improved long-term reliability. The engine sounds especially spirited near the redline, and power delivery remains strong in both city driving and on the highway, even with a full load.
Fuel efficiency, as always, hinges on driving style. Despite initial impressions, our 1.5-litre Slavia has returned better fuel economy than the earlier 1.0-litre variant, thanks to Cylinder Deactivation Technology unique to the 1.5 TSI. Since most of our trips are highway-based, the car often shuts down two cylinders, boosting efficiency. Typically, we’re seeing around 12-13 KM/L (with a 60% highway and 40% city split), which is reasonable given our driving habits. Predictably, the figure dips below 10 KM/L during bumper-to-bumper traffic. The worst we got was 8 KM/L.
Another standout feature is the Slavia’s 179 MM ground clearance, nearly SUV territory, which allows it to sail over potholes and rough patches, particularly during monsoon season. While the MQB-A0 platform offers notable ride quality, it isn’t quite as bulletproof as the original MQB. Minor rattles do crop up on poor roads. Features such as wireless CarPlay add to convenience, and ventilated seats make hot summer trips bearable, though the fan operates on just two speeds and can be a bit loud.
All things considered, the Slavia encapsulates what sedan buyers are looking for, a balanced, enjoyable package from Skoda. Skoda has really worked hard to get the service costs in an affordable range by localising parts. In fact, Skoda service costs are lower than most competing brands. After many memorable drives and reliable journeys, it’s time to say goodbye to the Slavia. We will probably welcome the Skoda Kylaq next into the CarAdvice garage. I’m eager to experience the Kylaq over an extended period. As the spiritual successor to the Polo, expectations are high and it will be interesting to put it to task in the real world.
