[dr.jjp]

Skoda Slavia 30,000 km & 2.5 Years User Experience

ODO Reading: 30,132 km

Time of Ownership: 2.5 years

Today, my Skoda Slavia hit the 30,000 km mark, which took around 2.5 years to achieve. This is my second update regarding the car on this forum. The first update was made after 1 year of ownership when the ODO read 8,500 km.


The Good Things

1.5 TSI + MT Combo

The 1.5 TSI engine paired with the manual transmission is an excellent combination, offering the best of both worlds. It provides great fuel economy when driven sedately and excellent performance when you want it.

Best fuel economy: 20.3 km/l (when driven sedately for 100 km).


Highway economy (Trivandrum to Chennai with a fully loaded boot and 5 passengers): 15.6 km/l.


The engine effortlessly accelerates to high speeds, and you may not even realize it without checking the speedometer and you will get to know it only when there is continuous beeps above 120 kmph.

The Bad Things
• AC Performance
The AC performance is subpar during the summer months but is okay in winter and rainy seasons. I’ve heard that Skoda has made changes to the AC tuning in newer models, and I hope they provide this update to older models as well.
• Rattling
There are occasional rattling sounds from the dashboard when driving over rough patches. Over time, I’ve gotten used to it, but it’s still noticeable.

Expenses (Other Than Normal Services)
1. Left Fog Lamp Bulb Replacement
While cruising on the highway at around 110 km/h, a piece of plywood like thing flew from a pickup truck in the left lane and hit the lower part of the bumper with a loud thud. Shortly after, a warning appeared on the console indicating a fault with the left fog lamp. Upon checking, I found mild scratches near the front grill and fog lamp area, but the light itself was not cracked. The bulb was fused, and the cost for replacement was ₹900.
2. Brake Pads Replacement
During my second service, the service advisor recommended replacing the brake pads after around 4,000 km. I opted to replace them at 24,000 km (3,000 km after the second service), and the cost was ₹7,000, as the discs were still in good condition.
3. Multiple Tyre Punctures
All four tyres were punctured multiple times due to screws, especially after driving on the same stretch (Tumkur-Bangalore Airport via STRR).
4. Bulging Front Left Tyre
In November, I noticed a slight bulge on the front left tyre, which needed to be replaced. One of the tyres also had two small punctures on the edge, so I was using it as a spare tyre. I replaced both tyres with Continental UC 6, which cost around ₹18,500.



5. Low Coolant Level
One morning, the car displayed a low coolant warning. Upon checking, the coolant level was indeed below the low marker. I went to the service center, and they topped it up free of charge.

• Horn Replacement
I replaced the stock horn with a dual-tone horn, which was one of the best decisions. The sound matches the car’s character. However, the only issue is that water can get into the horn while pressure washing, causing it to make weird sounds.

Service Center Experience
• PPS Skoda Trivandrum
I had my first routine service at PPS Skoda in Trivandrum. The service advisor who attended to my car was the same person who serviced my previous Skoda Rapid when Malayalam Skoda was operational in Trivandrum. As usual, the service experience was great.
• PPS Skoda Tumkur
Since I am in Tumkur now, I’ve been dependent on PPS Tumkur for my car's services. They provide a good experience and are attentive to even the smallest details. The service advisor here is a pleasant person to deal with.
• PPS Skoda Bangalore (Majestic)
I had to get a routine service at PPS Skoda in Bangalore (near Majestic) due to a recall. Unfortunately, this was a below-par experience. The service team tried to push multiple add-ons, even though I had specifically requested to only carry out routine services. It was one of the worst experiences I’ve had with Skoda after using their products for about 6 years.

[neochanger]

RS badge for Slavia

I know it’s injustice to the legendary RS badge of Skoda, especially abusing it for a 1.0 L engine, but the temptation was great and the metal badge was showing on Amazon at a reduced price. Here’s the link for it:VRS Chrome Badge

This emblem was available on Amazon but usually with a price tag above ₹600 per piece. I had my eyes on them for long but resisted due to high price as same thing is available on AliExpress for around ₹150 apiece. But one day I saw them retailing for around ₹300 and since I had already tried and failed getting them from AliExpress (somehow AE always showed it’s not deliverable to India) I couldn’t resist buying them. This also involved a lot of debating with my wife who was very much opposed to this artwork as I kept explaining how important this RS badge means for Skoda vehicles.

Initially, I wanted to get this blacked out version which looked better than chrome.



But I soon realised that since the front grill is completely black so this black badge will be lost in that. Moreover, since I have not done blacking out all the letterings on my car, black RS emblem will look out of place at the back too. So, I looked out for chrome badge and got them in pair for front and back.

Quality of the badge is nice. It is same size as that of the existing Slavia lettering. It comes with precisely cut double sided tape which seems of good quality. Placing the metal sticker on back requires some measuring so that it doesn’t look oddly placed, basically match the distances from nearest body lines and cuts from the left side where Slavia is written and place at equidistant area on the right side.

I used this reference image of Octavia RS for placing the badge on the front. Grill lines are little bit different so you need to adjust accordingly but this image gives you an idea where to place it.



The metal touches only a small area on front grill so I am little bit worried if it would fall off or not when the car goes through rough patches and steep bumpers. I drove the car around 20 kms after the job and it’s well intact so maybe it won’t fall that easily.

Here’s the final artwork.







Now, both my car and my motorcycle adorn the RS badge proudly. Here’s my motorcycle: the Honda CB350 RS.



Happy driving!

[Hatari]

Quite a few people who have called me while Im driving (on bluetooth) have complained about low clarity resulting from outside high noise levels. This is with all the windows up and AC running. The cabin normally has good sound insulation.

Anyone else faced this?

[Bane214]

Originally Posted by neochanger

RS badge for Slavia

Now, both my car and my motorcycle adorn the RS badge proudly. Here’s my motorcycle: the Honda CB350 RS.

Just the motivation I needed this morning. I am also a proud owner of Kushaq 1.5DSG (Lava Blue) and a Honda CB350RS (Athletic Blue).

Planning to get the RS badge for the front grill since the rear already has the 1.5TSI badging.

Thanks neochanger

[neochanger]

Originally Posted by Hatari

Quite a few people who have called me while Im driving (on bluetooth) have complained about low clarity resulting from outside high noise levels. This is with all the windows up and AC running. The cabin normally has good sound insulation.

Anyone else faced this?

Yes. I have got similar feedback from a friend who usually calls me during drive time. I do not use BT but instead wired CarPlay. To me, it doesn't appear that there is too much noise inside the cabin. Since I usually don't make long calls while driving so I haven't got same feedback from anyone else. That's why I ignored it.

[Hatari]

Originally Posted by neochanger

Yes. I have got similar feedback from a friend who usually calls me during drive time. I do not use BT but instead wired CarPlay. To me, it doesn't appear that there is too much noise inside the cabin. Since I usually don't make long calls while driving so I haven't got same feedback from anyone else. That's why I ignored it.

Ok. Im using wireless carplay.

[vp00587]

Originally Posted by Kickdown

Hey, do you mind sharing the cost for horn upgrade? I wanted to get it changed prior to taking delivery but the Garve guys said that the trumpet horn is out of stock.

It was 2K in total. Part plus labour.

[ShreeUKale]

Dealers are calling and informing the customers that the new batch of Skoda Slavia and Kushaq are coming with new logo, the Skoda lettering at the rear.

The models with older Skoda lettering will be offered with some discount.

[Sri0030]

Originally Posted by ShreeUKale

Dealers are calling and informing the customers that the new batch of Skoda Slavia and Kushaq are coming with new logo, the Skoda lettering at the rear.

The models with older Skoda lettering will be offered with some discount.

Thanks for sharing

Any changes to the steering wheel logo? Does it get a new Skoda lettering on the steering wheel like we've seen in the upcoming Kodiaq?

[Abi5hek]

Can anyone who's got the 1.5 prestige in the last 3 months let me know what was the on road cost you got?

I'm negotiating the price with my SA for a 2024 model and getting something close to 21.5L on road. (Ex showroom+ insurance+ tcs + registration)

[bijims]

Originally Posted by Abi5hek

Can anyone who's got the 1.5 prestige in the last 3 months let me know what was the on road cost you got?

I'm negotiating the price with my SA for a 2024 model and getting something close to 21.5L on road. (Ex showroom+ insurance+ tcs + registration)

My friend bought one in late January 2025, it was the Prestige 1.5L TSI AT MY 2024 version, the price breakup is from Thrissur, Kerala, so kindly do the adjustments for Road Taxes and Charges, The insurance quote was matched by the dealership.

Ex-Showroom Price: Rs.18,69,000
Registration: Rs.3,18,830
Insurance: Rs.50,666
Fastag: Rs.500
TCS @1%: Rs.18,690
Total Onroad Price: Rs.22,57,686

Discounts:
Cash Discount: Rs.1,50,000
Corporate: Rs.50,000
Exchange: Rs.30,000
Total: Rs.2,30,000

Price After Discount: Rs,20,27,686

Ideally, he wasn't eligible for either the corporate or exchange discount but they provided it anyway as a special discount and he got it at this price, Moreover, they provided a Free 3-year Maintenance Package too.

An excellent deal, although we had to haggle and bargain a lot.

[Abi5hek]

Originally Posted by bijims

Price After Discount: Rs,20,27,686

Ideally, he wasn't eligible for either the corporate or exchange discount but they provided it anyway as a special discount and he got it at this price, Moreover, they provided a Free 3-year Maintenance Package too.

An excellent deal, although we had to haggle and bargain a lot.

Wow! That's a sweet deal.

I had told my SA that 20L is the number I'm looking for if he wants me to take the 24'MY car. The closer he comes to it, the more likely he is to get my money. But unfortunately he's not going below 21.5L . Looks like I've just got to wait for skoda's online sale instead.

Also, please let me know if you're friend is open to taking lessons on how to bargain in his free time. I could really use some

[bijims]

Originally Posted by Abi5hek

Wow! That's a sweet deal.

I had told my SA that 20L is the number I'm looking for if he wants me to take the 24'MY car. The closer he comes to it, the more likely he is to get my money. But unfortunately he's not going below 21.5L. Looks like I've just got to wait for skoda's online sale instead.

Also, please let me know if you're friend is open to taking lessons on how to bargain in his free time. I could really use some

If you can, do try to get quotes from nearby dealerships as well, try using the lowest quote you get to bargain with others. If possible try out of state too, Dealers in Kerala provide all India delivery as they are quite desperate to sell out old stock.

Originally Posted by bijims

My friend bought one in late January 2025, it was the Prestige 1.5L TSI AT MY 2024 version, the price breakup is from Thrissur, Kerala, so kindly do the adjustments for Road Taxes and Charges, The insurance quote was matched by the dealership.

Ex-Showroom Price: Rs.18,69,000
Registration: Rs.3,18,830
Insurance: Rs.50,666
Fastag: Rs.500
TCS @1%: Rs.18,690
Total Onroad Price: Rs.22,57,686

Discounts:
Cash Discount: Rs.1,50,000
Corporate: Rs.50,000
Exchange: Rs.30,000
Total: Rs.2,30,000

Price After Discount: Rs,20,27,686

Ideally, he wasn't eligible for either the corporate or exchange discount but they provided it anyway as a special discount and he got it at this price, Moreover, they provided a Free 3-year Maintenance Package too.

An excellent deal, although we had to haggle and bargain a lot.

This offer is still on from EVM Skoda for those who are looking to get it at a huge discount:



Please Note: I am in no ways affiliated to any dealership and only posted the same for the benefit of the community.

[Kickdown]

Originally Posted by Abi5hek

Can anyone who's got the 1.5 prestige in the last 3 months let me know what was the on road cost you got?

I'm negotiating the price with my SA for a 2024 model and getting something close to 21.5L on road. (Ex showroom+ insurance+ tcs + registration)

I got mine last month. Its a Jan 2025 MY model. The final on road price was 20.8 in Pune. Tried hard for some more discounts so he gave those 7D matts instead of the standard 2d ones but noting more.

Add 50k to it if I opt for SMP & EW add on. So total 21.3 Lacs for 25 MY is not bad I guess.

[FrAgile]

Just noticed while going through some pictures and videos online that the plastic trim surrounding the gear lever which was previously a glossy piano black trim just like the dashboard area, has now been switched to a matte finish trim.

I guess this happened in MY'24 cars, near the launch of Matte Edition.