Driving the Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo on an F1 circuit; Experience

I was certainly quite happy with the entire ergonomics package for a tall driver (I am 6'1").

BHPian KarthikK recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Earlier this month, Skoda conducted a track day experience event at Buddh International Circuit to showcase Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo Edition and introduce the Sportline trim in the Slavia and the Skoda Kushaq. This is not intended to be a review of the Slavia - for full review of the Skoda Slavia please visit this thread. This report is intended to be a write-up on the entire track day experience with the Slavia, and of course, it highlights the features which distinguish the Slavia Monte Carlo and the Sportline trims from the existing variants of the cars.

Image courtesy - Skoda India

The launch of the Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo and Sportline trims at Buddh International circuit. This was the briefing and launch area just before the event started:

The event encompassed an official launch event led by Jakob Musil from Skoda India, followed by a track session and a handling course at the BIC track where we were encouraged to try out the Slavia's driving characteristics and dynamics on the track. The handling course featured a slalom course, dynamics testing course and a moose test which showcased the handling, braking and stability levels of the Slavia.

The event started with the official launch of the Slavia Monte Carlo Edition, with Jakob explaining the features of the Monte Carlo, and the history of Skoda's motorsport association with the Monte Carlo rallies from almost 90 years ago:

Some of the highlights of the Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo edition. As can be seen from the feature list, the Monte Carlo Edition was primarily a cosmetic facelift and this (as well as the Sportline trim) does not differ from the regular Slavia in performance or specifications in any way:

Legacy wall outlining Skoda's achievements at the Monte Carlo rallies over the years:

After the announcement of the Slavia Monte Carlo Edition, Jakob moved on to announce the Sportline trim features and differences between the Slavia and Kushaq Sportline trims:

The Slavia and Kushaq Monte Carlo and Sportline Editions are priced as follows:

Peeking out of one of the balconies at BIC from the pitlane area:

The cars were being prepared for the track session later in the day:

Accomplished racer Rayomand Banajee took over after the launch announcements were completed and we were soon briefed on the itinerary for the day, which was basically to have a lot of fun on the Buddh track with multiple laps on board the Slavia Monte Carlo, followed by a few demonstrations of the car's dynamics on what was called the 'handling course' outside the track:

Post the briefing session, we were paired up with individual instructors and cars (all Slavia Monte Carlos obviously). All the instructors for the day were accomplished young racers with considerable experience in karting championships, VW Polo Cup and similar events. My instructor happened to be ex-VW Polo Cup champion Dhruv Chavan. This was my Slavia being prepared to hit the track with Dhruv as my co-pilot:

Meanwhile, there were other Slavias being driven on the track and the event was very well organized to ensure sufficient spacing between different media cars to avoid being hindered by or hustled by other cars on the track:

Continue reading BHPian KarthikK's Slavia drive experience for more insights and information.