|
Search this Thread | 71,201 views |
7th August 2023, 17:05 | #1 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| My Dad's Skoda Slavia 1.5L DSG Ownership Review | A tale of car buying My Dad's Škoda Slavia Lava Blue 1.5 DSG | A Tale of Car Buying |
(39) Thanks |
The following 39 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | aby.sam, AlokSharma, Arnav Vaghela, broke_enthu27, chinmaypillay, cryptarchy, dailydriver, digitalnirvana, GaryTSI, GForceEnjoyer, Gotham, GTO, jc.on.wheels, knrn, lightfootdriver, meto, Nair.V8, Nazaar25, Pr4mod, prash1892, RaceCyborg, Raghav07, rajvardhanraje, Rambo-RS, redruminator, retr055, Rjeevan, romil.shroff, Samba, sameer_vwagner, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Sen, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar, TurboCruiser, UD17, WhiteKnight, WorkingGuru |
|
7th August 2023, 23:21 | #2 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| Re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia - A Tale of Car Buying
|
(26) Thanks |
The following 26 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | amoi, Arnav Vaghela, chinmaypillay, cryptarchy, dailydriver, digitalnirvana, GaryTSI, GForceEnjoyer, Gotham, GTO, lovetorque, meto, Pr4mod, prash1892, RaceCyborg, Raghav07, Rambo-RS, romil.shroff, Samba, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Sen, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar, WhiteKnight, zaid qazi |
7th August 2023, 23:43 | #3 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| Re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia - A Tale of Car Buying
|
(24) Thanks |
The following 24 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | Arnav Vaghela, CEF_Beasts, chinmaypillay, cryptarchy, dailydriver, digitalnirvana, GaryTSI, GForceEnjoyer, GTO, lovetorque, meto, prash1892, RaceCyborg, Raghav07, Rambo-RS, retr055, Samba, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar, SRISRI_90, WhiteKnight, zaid qazi |
8th August 2023, 17:52 | #4 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| Re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia - A Tale of Car Buying
Booking the Cars After a three month wait due to my exams and trips, we booked the XUV700 in April. The variant we chose was the AX7L petrol AT. The following day, we received a call from Mahindra providing us with all the necessary information and the next steps. However, at the time of booking the car, we realized that the on-road price had exceeded 30 lakhs, which was well beyond our budget. Despite already stretching our budget from 18 to 29 lakhs, going over 30 lakhs was simply not feasible for us. Škoda Slavia We revisited our consideration of the Slavia and decided to explore a new dealership called Raja Škoda in Electronic City, Bengaluru. This time, we thoroughly examined the car, taking measurements of its interior dimensions and comparing them with the new City and our Wagon-R. We found that it offered similar rear space to the City and even had 8 inches more shoulder room compared to our Wagon-R. During an extended test drive, my dad was impressed by the responsiveness of the engine, and even at speeds of 100 km/h, the road noise was well controlled. The variant of the Slavia driven by us was the 1.5 DSG. Convinced by the car, we decided to book the car on the same day. However, to our surprise, the salesman informed us that Škoda was soon launching a new colour option called Lava Blue for the Slavia. This colour was the same as that of the Octavia, and we immediately booked the Slavia Lava Blue within an hour of its launch. Fortunately, this edition came equipped with a 10-inch screen and a 380-watt sound system. The booking amount for the Škoda Slavia 1.5 DSG Lava Blue variant was 5,000 rupees, and the deal was finalized at an on-road price of 22.21 lakhs in Bengaluru. The showroom itself was pleasant, as it had recently opened. The sales staff were knowledgeable and helpful, providing guidance and support throughout the process. Once we had booked the Slavia, we decided to cancel our booking of the XUV700. However, it was a frustrating experience as it took them 22 days to return our money, and only after we sent multiple emails following up on the matter. In the end, we received a refund of 19,000 rupees. We believe that Mahindra should have provided clearer information and a more efficient process for cancelling bookings. Index Last edited by MotorDev : 26th August 2023 at 21:49. |
(23) Thanks |
The following 23 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | abaliga, Arnav Vaghela, arpan_spark, CEF_Beasts, chinmaypillay, cryptarchy, dailydriver, digitalnirvana, Dry Ice, GaryTSI, GForceEnjoyer, GTO, lovetorque, meto, prash1892, RaceCyborg, Rambo-RS, retr055, Samba, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar |
8th August 2023, 19:29 | #5 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| Re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia - A Tale of Car Buying
Why a Slavia Over the XUV700 and Honda City In my opinion, there are several reasons why you might prefer to choose the Škoda Slavia over the Honda City and Mahindra XUV700 based on my observations and views. Exterior and Interior Design The Slavia's exterior and interior design left a strong impression on us. Its attractive and modern appearance caught our attention, and its elegance and simplicity could be a key factor for those who prioritize these qualities. Driving Dynamics The driving dynamics with the powerful engine of the Škoda Slavia are exceptional. It delivers a smooth and refined driving experience that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who drives it. If a superior driving experience is your priority, the Slavia is definitely worth considering. Features and Technology The Škoda Slavia, especially with the Lava Blue colour, offers a range of desirable features that include a 10-inch screen, and a 380-watt sound system. If you prioritize advanced technology and premium features, the Slavia may have an advantage over the Honda City and XUV700. While the City has fewer features and the XUV700 may have an overwhelming number of features, the Slavia strikes a balance by providing just the right amount of features that cater to our daily needs and usage. Safety The Škoda Slavia has achieved a remarkable 5-star G-NCAP rating, making it the safest car in India for both adult and child occupants. Škoda has a strong reputation for prioritizing safety, and the Slavia is equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features to ensure the well-being of your family. Rear Seat Comfort While the Honda City and Mahindra XUV700 provide more rear seat space, the Škoda Slavia still offers a comfortable seating arrangement for a family of four. If you prioritize overall comfort and don't frequently require a five-person seating capacity, the Slavia's rear seat comfort may be sufficient for your needs. Budget Considerations Although the Škoda Slavia is more expensive than the competition, it offers an excellent engine, strong build, and impressive driving performance that make it worth considering. If you believe that the Slavia's features and qualities I mentioned are worth the higher price, it could be a wise purchase. Index Last edited by MotorDev : 26th August 2023 at 17:14. |
(23) Thanks |
The following 23 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | abir.sharda, amoi, Arnav Vaghela, CEF_Beasts, chinmaypillay, cryptarchy, dailydriver, digitalnirvana, GaryTSI, GForceEnjoyer, GTO, KANNURAN, meto, RaceCyborg, Rambo-RS, retr055, Samba, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar, UD17, VinsWagen |
9th August 2023, 10:50 | #6 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| Re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia - A Tale of Car Buying
The Purchase Experience Throughout the entire car purchasing journey, we only made two visits to the dealership. The first visit was solely dedicated to checking out the car, while the second visit was for the financial aspects. Following a patient wait of more than 20 days, we were delighted to receive confirmation that our car had been allocated for a comprehensive pre-delivery inspection (PDI). PDI Service Centre: Raja Škoda Service Centre Mahadevapura, Bengaluru The space was remarkably huge, fulfilling the dual roles of being the stockyard for recently arrived Škoda cars and serving as the dedicated service centre. Since the Raja Škoda E-city branch didn't have its own service centre yet, they made arrangements for the pre-delivery inspection (PDI) to take place at the service centre and stockyard located in the Mahadevapura branch. Our initial step was to inspect the car's exterior for any signs of damage, and fortunately, everything appeared to be in excellent condition. Moving on to the interior, it also looked flawless. We conducted a test of the 10-inch infotainment system and its speakers, and they performed well. To ensure compliance with the BS6.2 standards, we opened the fuel lid and confirmed that the car met the required specifications. The odometer displayed a mere 30 kilometres, indicating its low usage. With everything appearing to be in order, we confidently proceeded with the car. The dealership provided us with regular updates on the progress of our car's production and delivery. Finally, after a wait of around 25 days, we received a call informing us that our car was ready for delivery. On the day of delivery, the paperwork was minimal and after all the formalities, they explained all the features and controls of the car, ensuring that we were familiar with its functionality. We were impressed by the professionalism and attention to detail exhibited by the dealership. Overall, the delivery process went incredibly smoothly. Index Last edited by MotorDev : 26th August 2023 at 17:11. |
(28) Thanks |
The following 28 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | amoi, Arnav Vaghela, CEF_Beasts, chinmaypillay, cryptarchy, dailydriver, digitalnirvana, Dry Ice, GaryTSI, GForceEnjoyer, GTO, ImperPara42, Lij, lovetorque, meto, paragsachania, prash1892, RaceCyborg, Rambo-RS, retr055, Rjeevan, Samba, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar, Vinod_nair, yesyeswe |
9th August 2023, 11:39 | #7 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| Re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia - A Tale of Car Buying
Ceramic Coating and PPF Lava blue is seriously an awesome colour. During the day, it's like this cool mix of green and blue, and when night falls, it transforms into this sleek dark blue shade. It's like having two colours in one car! To keep that shine locked in, we decided to roll with Esperto Car Care. We found them online and their customer service was on point. Right after we got the delivery of our car, we wasted no time and drove straight to Esperto. No chances taken, you know? Our choice included Paint Protection Film (PPF) for the bumpers, a robust shield against potential damage like stones etc. Additionally, we selected ceramic coating for the entire body. These guys were like wizards with their work. A standout feature of Esperto Car Care is their convenient service of picking up the car from the dealership, showcasing their commitment to customer convenience. How fancy is that? They kept us in the loop the whole time. We got updates with videos and photos of our Slavia getting ready. The best part? The entire enhancement process was efficiently completed within just 2 days. Oh, and they even gave our ride a mini photoshoot. Few Pics of the Beauty When it was all said and done, they handed us the keys along with some car care stuff. The price for this was approximately 65,000 rupees. Now our Slavia is shining like a star, ready to hit the streets. So, if you're thinking of giving your car the VIP treatment, these Esperto folks are the real deal. Index Last edited by MotorDev : 26th August 2023 at 16:15. |
(26) Thanks |
The following 26 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | Arnav Vaghela, CEF_Beasts, chinmaypillay, cryptarchy, dailydriver, digitalnirvana, Dry Ice, GaryTSI, GForceEnjoyer, GTO, harikrishnansp, lovetorque, meto, paragsachania, prash1892, RaceCyborg, Rajeevraj, Rambo-RS, Rjeevan, Samba, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar, Vinod_nair, yesyeswe |
10th August 2023, 20:10 | #8 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| Re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia - A Tale of Car Buying Unveiling the Star: The Škoda SlaviaExterior ImpressionsThe Škoda Slavia's design is seriously cool and carefully thought out. It's like someone took a sleek shape and made it just the perfect size. Take a closer look at the Škoda Slavia, and you'll see why it's something special. The way it's shaped, with its elegant lines and the perfect balance of everything, makes it stand out. And don't even get me started on that colour – Lava Blue. During the day, it's this amazing mix of green and blue, and at night, it turns into this sleek, dark blue that's seriously impressive. This awesome look is just the start of what makes this car so great. The headlights are seamlessly integrated with the large butterfly grille. This grille design gives the car a commanding presence, and personally, I prefer its appearance over the chrome grille featured on the anniversary edition. While the front profile boasts an aggressive design, the rear profile has a more mature and sophisticated appearance. This contrast in styles adds to its overall charm. The taillights enhance the looks further. A notable addition is the TSI badge, indicating the powerful 1.5 engine under the hood. The presence of the 'Š K O D A' lettering at the rear adds a premium and upscale touch to the overall rear design. The car's side view is both sporty and elegant. The lines and details on the sides are smooth, and the chrome accents along the windows add to its appeal. The window size is just right, not too big or too small. The overall side design is quite attractive. Headlights and Taillights The LED Škoda Crystalline headlights and taillights are truly commendable. They offer excellent spread and brightness, ensuring clear visibility. It's a bit of a bummer that the indicators aren't LED, though. As for the fog lamps, I haven't had the chance to test them yet. The taillights, while simple, add an elegant touch to the car's appearance. They're also LED, except for the halogen reverse lamp and indicator. What's cool is how much attention to detail they put in the lights, from their design to the branding present within. All in all, the lighting in this car is fantastic. Alloy Wheels and Tires While the alloy wheels have a nice appearance, they could have been slightly larger and sportier in design, especially for the 1.5 variant. Nevertheless, the current alloys still look good and perform their role well. The MRF Ecotread tires of size 205 / 55 provide solid grip, and there are no complaints about their performance. Key Observations The absence of an engine protector cover raises concerns, particularly when driving on uneven roads or during rainy weather. The 1.5 TSI variant showcases a twin exhaust pipe located on the left side. The fenders proudly display the Škoda lettering badge, enhancing the car's premium appearance with chrome and piano black inserts. The ORVMs not only look appealing but are also appropriately sized for the car. Chrome inserts embellish all the door handles, and the presence of two request sensors, one on the driver's side and another on the passenger's side, adds convenience. The sunroof is appropriately sized, providing a balanced and satisfactory experience. The shark fin antenna is elegantly presented in black, complementing the car's aesthetics. The rear bumper showcases a honeycomb design, housing three parking sensors for added functionality. It also features reflector strips beside the honeycomb-patterned bumpers at the back. Index Last edited by MotorDev : 26th August 2023 at 16:16. |
(23) Thanks |
The following 23 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | CEF_Beasts, chinmaypillay, cryptarchy, dailydriver, digitalnirvana, Dry Ice, GaryTSI, GForceEnjoyer, GTO, lovetorque, meto, prash1892, RaceCyborg, Rambo-RS, retr055, Rjeevan, Samba, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar, Vinod_nair, yesyeswe |
14th August 2023, 20:58 | #9 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| Re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia - A Tale of Car Buying Cabin Quality and Design Inside the car, you'll notice how neatly the dashboard is set up. The interior boasts a nice mix of beige and black tones, which looks quite nice. Though it looks good, I have to admit that the materials used aren't the best in terms of quality. Sometimes, the ambient lighting setup can make a little rattle on rough roads, which isn't ideal. Another thing that caught my attention is the small gaps under the central AC vent area. They're not too obvious at first glance, but if you look closely, you'll spot them. However, I do want to mention that the door design is well done. Despite these small things, the cabin overall feels quite upscale and premium. Seats, Comfort and Space The black and beige leather seats have a pleasing look and are well-designed. While they might not be the absolute best in terms of material quality, their shape is quite nice. They strike a good balance between being too firm and too soft. Up front, there's good headroom and support for your thighs, and the footwell area provides ample space for both the driver and passenger. The seats offer a comfortable experience, and all passengers can adjust their headrests for added comfort. Moving to the back, the rear seat is positioned a bit lower. Like the front seats, the rear ones are comfortable, and the cushioning is just right – not too firm, not too soft. Travelling with two passengers in the back using the centre armrest is enjoyable. However, accommodating three passengers side by side might be a bit tight. While all three passengers have 3-point seatbelts, it's more suitable for two adults and a child in the rear. The central floor hump is wide, which might make it a bit cramped for the middle passenger. Despite this, the cabin feels open and airy. There's ample headroom, knee room, and under thigh support, particularly with impressive legroom. The angle of the backrest is comfortable as well. Overall, the space should be more than sufficient for most passengers. Rear passengers get air conditioning vents and a couple of USB-C ports for charging their smartphones. Ergonomics and Driving Position Stepping into the car, you'll immediately appreciate the user-friendly cabin layout. All the controls are well within your reach. Once you settle into the driver's seat, you'll find it to be well-designed without any major flaws. Although certain buttons like traction control, door lock/unlock, cruise control, and the auto start-stop button might not be the most intuitive at first glance, you'll quickly get used to their placement. Getting in and out of the car might require a bit of effort, but once you're in the driver's seat, you'll become familiar with the controls quite easily. The two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel feels just right in terms of size and comfort. The horn pad is conveniently placed and reachable with your thumbs. The steering wheel is also adjustable for both height and reach, allowing you to find your ideal driving position effortlessly. Despite the lower seating position, the frontal view remains good. Notably, the tactile points like the leather centre armrest and leather door pads enhance the premium feel. The overall ergonomics of the Slavia are well thought out. Everything is positioned where you would naturally expect it to be, ensuring that all controls are easily accessible to the driver. To put it simply, the fundamental ergonomics of the Slavia are well-executed. Air-Conditioning System The Slavia comes equipped with a touch-based "Climatronic" climate control unit featuring a touch control panel. Rear AC vents have also been provided for added comfort. The air conditioning system performs effectively, and contrary to some reports, we did not experience any shortcomings in its performance. It efficiently cooled the cabin even in temperatures as high as 35°C, such as during our visit to Tirupati. An interesting addition is the 'Air Care' feature, essentially an inbuilt air purifier. Škoda claims that this purifier captures fine dust particles and eliminates unpleasant odours. While we couldn't check it thoroughly, the cabin did feel fresher during our drives. We typically maintain the temperature settings between 18.5°C to 22.5°C, and the AC manages this range comfortably. Overall, the AC system performs well, ensuring a comfortable cabin environment. Interior Storage and Practicality The Škoda Slavia offers a range of convenient storage options within its cabin. The doors are designed to hold a bottle along with other items. The glovebox is well-sized and ventilated, providing a practical storage area. The centre console features cupholders and cubby holes for added storage versatility. A unique touch is the spot on top of the dashboard, providing a space for small items or personal touches. However, it's worth noting that the storage area behind the wireless smartphone charging pad is limited in size and cannot accommodate phones larger than 6.5 inches. Additionally, while the centre armrest houses a deep storage area, a dedicated sunglass holder is absent. The driver benefits from a storage compartment conveniently positioned to the right of the steering wheel. The front seatbacks are equipped with deep pockets and smartphone holders, catering to the needs of rear passengers. In terms of cargo capacity, the Škoda Slavia boasts an impressive 521-litre boot space, offering ample room for luggage and belongings. This spacious boot further enhances the vehicle's practicality, making it suitable for various activities and trips. Additionally, the rear seats feature a 60/40 split-folding mechanism, allowing for flexible configurations to accommodate larger or longer items while still providing seating for passengers. Overall, the Škoda Slavia's well-designed storage solutions, generous boot space, and folding rear seats contribute to the vehicle's overall versatility and convenience. Index Last edited by MotorDev : 26th August 2023 at 17:01. |
(24) Thanks |
The following 24 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | CEF_Beasts, chinmaypillay, cryptarchy, dailydriver, digitalnirvana, GaryTSI, GForceEnjoyer, GTO, InterceptorGuy, lovetorque, meto, prash1892, RaceCyborg, Rambo-RS, retr055, ROG_AK, romil.shroff, Samba, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar, Vinod_nair, yesyeswe |
24th August 2023, 22:53 | #10 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| Re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia - A Tale of Car Buying
|
(25) Thanks |
The following 25 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | CEF_Beasts, chinmaypillay, cryptarchy, dailydriver, digitalnirvana, ferrarirules, GaryTSI, GForceEnjoyer, GTO, Lij, lovetorque, meto, prash1892, RaceCyborg, retr055, Rjeevan, romil.shroff, Samba, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar, Vinod_nair, yesyeswe, zaid qazi |
25th August 2023, 00:12 | #11 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| Re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia - A Tale of Car Buying
|
(24) Thanks |
The following 24 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | CEF_Beasts, chinmaypillay, cryptarchy, dailydriver, DHARM, digitalnirvana, ferrarirules, GaryTSI, GForceEnjoyer, GTO, Lij, lovetorque, meto, prash1892, RaceCyborg, Rambo-RS, retr055, Samba, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar, Vinod_nair, yesyeswe |
|
25th August 2023, 23:03 | #12 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| Re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia - A Tale of Car Buying
Škoda Slavia's Impressions on the Road Engine and Gearbox: Smooth Power Delivery and Effortless Gear Shifting Note to the reader: I want to clarify that I am 14 years old and not eligible to drive a car. The "driving impressions" that I share in this ownership report are based on my dad's experiences. I want to emphasize that I do not support underage driving. The heart of the Škoda Slavia lies in its refined 1.5 TSI engine, an epitome of smoothness and power. When you start the engine, you'll notice how refined it is. After idling for about 30 seconds, the engine becomes so quiet that you might not even hear it when the RPM drops below 900. Transitioning into the drive, shifting the gearbox to the 'D' mode results in effortless acceleration. The absence of turbo lag is commendable, making the car well-suited for city traffic conditions. The car's ability to creep forward smoothly proves to be a boon in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The engine's tractability shines through, eliminating any lag and ensuring a responsive city driving experience. However, it's on the open highway that the 1.5 TSI engine truly comes alive. The acceleration provided is remarkable, and the combination with the DSG gearbox feels like a match made in heaven. Maintaining speeds below 120 km/h becomes a challenge due to the impressive performance this pairing delivers. Overtaking is a breeze - a gentle press on the pedal provides instant power, creating a seamless surge forward. The combination's refined smoothness adds to the driving pleasure, making it a joy to operate. Engaging a light throttle results in early upshifts, often around 2000 rpm. This can place the car in seventh gear even at speeds as low as 70 km/h. At times, when you press the gas pedal abruptly while in D2 mode, the car might shift very aggressively to D1. This can feel a bit unusual, almost as if the car is braking suddenly. However, it's important to note that this behaviour is not consistent and doesn't occur every time. The engine's mid-range is robust, offering excellent outright performance and handling overtaking manoeuvres with ease. Downshifts are swift, with the gearbox responding promptly to throttle inputs. The engine's flexibility is evident, allowing it to maintain triple-digit speeds effortlessly. Cruising at 100 km/h translates to a relaxed 1,850 rpm, further emphasizing its efficiency. The seventh gear ratio provides an advantage, ensuring a well-balanced driving experience across different scenarios. If you want to drive more aggressively, you can switch to Sport mode by pushing the gear lever down once. In Sport mode, the gearbox shifts down quickly, holds the gears longer, and lets the engine's midrange power do most of the work. When you're on an open road, it's hard not to press the gas pedal hard. The Slavia is simply amazing to drive! When you're cruising in D mode, you won't even notice the gears changing - they're that smooth. The time it takes to downshift is quick, and you won't feel like the gearbox is struggling to find the right gear. Most of the time, it's in the right gear. You can also use the paddle shifters if you want. However, with the quick DSG gearbox and the engine's power, you probably won't need them much. You might not even switch to Sport mode often because D mode is already very responsive. In summary, the engine and gearbox combination in the Škoda Slavia functions exceptionally well, delivering seamless power delivery and accurate gear changes. This translates to a wonderful driving experience with remarkable performance, whether you're navigating through city traffic or cruising on the highways. NVH The Škoda Slavia impresses with its notable insulation, successfully reducing engine noise even though there's no insulation under the hood. However, despite the 1.5 TSI engine's remarkable smoothness and refinement, there are slight vibrations noticeable on the centre armrest, specifically during idle. Road and wind noises are also effectively subdued, even at higher speeds. At triple-digit speeds, the predominant sound is that of tyre noise. The inclusion of wheel well cladding further contributes to this impressive noise control. Overall, the NVH levels are very satisfactory, resulting in a less stressful and more comfortable journey. The Slavia's suspension is on the stiffer side, meaning you might feel bumps on the road more. However, when driving at speeds below 15 km/h, the ride remains comfortable. It handles small road imperfections well, keeping the ride smooth. However, when encountering larger potholes, their impact is more pronounced inside the cabin, creating a compromise in terms of ride comfort. Dynamics and Handling When you take the Slavia onto twisty roads, it proves itself quite capable. While there's a slight amount of body roll, it's well-managed and doesn't become excessive even during spirited driving. The stiff suspension contributes to this, enabling you to maintain higher speeds through corners. The car's handling on the road is well-tuned. It maintains excellent stability in straight-line driving and feels solid while cruising at speeds between 100-120 km/h. This makes the sedan suitable for comfortable long road trips. Braking Performance The Slavia is equipped with front discs and rear drums for braking. The brakes are strong and instil a sense of confidence. The brake pedal is finely tuned, providing a sharp and responsive feel. It performs well even at high speeds. Steering Feel and Feedback The steering in the Škoda Slavia feels lighter during city driving in contrast to our Wagon-R. Adding a bit more weight to the steering would enhance the driving experience. It's well-suited for daily commutes. However, while it gains better responsiveness as the speed increases, it lacks feedback and a sense of connection. Impressive fuel economy is a highlight, reaching up to 10 km/l in dense city traffic. In comparison, our previous Honda City 4G only managed around 8 km/l under similar urban conditions. The ACT (Active Cylinder Technology) plays a crucial role in enhancing fuel efficiency. While the idle start-stop system is effective, it can occasionally be overly aggressive in traffic, resulting in an uncomfortable and jerky experience. There are instances where the system shuts down the engine even when the car is still moving, such as when approaching rough patches or speed bumps at lower speeds. This shuts down the ventilated seats as well, and it takes some time for them to regain their efficiency once restarted. On highways, we achieved a maximum fuel efficiency of 12.4 km/l while cruising at speeds of 120 km/h and sometimes even higher. Index Last edited by MotorDev : 26th August 2023 at 17:28. |
(22) Thanks |
The following 22 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | CEF_Beasts, chinmaypillay, cryptarchy, DHARM, digitalnirvana, ferrarirules, GaryTSI, GForceEnjoyer, GTO, gururajrv, Lij, Rajain, Rambo-RS, retr055, romil.shroff, Samba, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar, Vinod_nair, yesyeswe |
26th August 2023, 15:41 | #13 |
BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 358
Thanked: 3,910 Times
| Re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia - A Tale of Car Buying
|
(62) Thanks |
The following 62 BHPians Thank MotorDev for this useful post: | abaliga, AlokSharma, amoi, aseem23, BoneCollector, CEF_Beasts, CentreOfGravity, chinmaypillay, click, dailydriver, DHARM, digitalnirvana, Dry Ice, el lobo 6061, ferrarirules, GaryTSI, Gaur, GForceEnjoyer, GTO, gururajrv, ImperPara42, KANNURAN, Lij, livewire13, lovetorque, meto, Moto$apien, murthy_p, Muthu25, Nrulz, Omkar, pmbabu, prash1892, premsky, Ptr11s, Pythonista, RaceCyborg, Raghav07, RaiAnish, raihan, Rajain, Rajeevraj, Rambo-RS, reinhardt93, retr055, ROG_AK, romil.shroff, sachinb4u, Samba, sanjayrozario, SanjayW, Shanksta, Shreyas Aterkar, somspaple, sreerknair, srvshaun, tirumalavoleti, VeluM, Vinod_nair, VinsWagen, WhiteKnight, yesyeswe |
27th August 2023, 07:28 | #14 |
Team-BHP Support | re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia 1.5L DSG Ownership Review | A tale of car buying Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing! |
(3) Thanks |
The following 3 BHPians Thank Aditya for this useful post: | digitalnirvana, GTO, MotorDev |
27th August 2023, 15:49 | #15 |
Newbie Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 21
Thanked: 28 Times
| re: My Dad's Skoda Slavia 1.5L DSG Ownership Review | A tale of car buying Thanks for the detailed review! Looking forward to updates/experiences on this thread! I have a couple of questions: 1. I couldn't help but notice that the Hyundai Verna was never considered when you were shopping for cars, any particular reason you skipped it entirely? 2. You mentioned opening the fuel tank lid to check the specifications. In another writeup, I remember reading that the fuel tank lid had sticker across it due to which it could not be opened. Was this the case with you as well? If so were the staff at the PDI site okay with you cutting the sticker and opening the fuel tank lid? Off topic, this is the second Skoda car review that I am reading that is written by a teenager, the first being the excellent review of Skoda Superb by GForceEnjoyer, if I remember correctly that was also for the Lava Blue color |
(3) Thanks |
The following 3 BHPians Thank prash1892 for this useful post: | harikrishnansp, MotorDev, Shanksta |