[RahulNagaraj]

Skoda launched the Slavia 1.0L TSI late last month, while the top-spec variant with the more powerful engine was launched a couple of days later on March 3, 2022.



The new Skoda Slavia uses the same underpinnings (MQB-A0-IN) as its SUV sibling, the Kushaq and even carries forward the same engine and transmission options. This includes a 1.0-litre TSI unit and the more powerful 1.5-litre TSI engine. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed DSG.

Prices for the Skoda Slavia vary from Rs 10.69 lakh for the base trim and go up all the way to Rs 17.79 lakh for the top-spec model. So, if you were to buy the Skoda Slavia, which engine option would you pick & why?



Starting off with the smaller unit, the base and mid variants of the Skoda Slavia are offered with the 999cc, 3-cylinder turbocharged-petrol unit. It produces 114 BHP and 178 Nm and is paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.



Throttle response is satisfactory and the Slavia moves off the line with ease. The engine is tractable and while it isn't dead at low rpms, there is slight turbo lag. If you really want, you can pull from under 1,000 rpm, but it's only when you cross 1,500 rpm that the motor starts feeling more comfortable. The turbo kicks in at ~2,000 rpm and if you're used to a strong turbo kick, you will be slightly disappointed by the soft power delivery of this unit. Overall, the city driveability is good and you can move about in the city clearing speed breakers in second gear with ease. Combined with a light electric power steering, good ergonomics and excellent all-round visibility, the Slavia is city-friendly.

Moving to the bigger unit, this comes in the form of a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 148 BHP and 250 Nm. It comes paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG transmission.



Fast and effortless at any legal speed, this powertrain compliments the ride and handling characteristics of the car beautifully. The combo makes the Slavia an effortless mile-muncher if fuel prices aren’t a concern.

Slot into D mode, take your foot off the brake pedal and the Slavia DSG slowly creeps forward. This will be highly appreciated in heavy traffic conditions where you can drive with just the brake pedal. With a light foot, the gearbox moves up the ratios pretty quickly. Impressively, you won't feel these shifts as the transition is butter smooth. While the automatic transmission makes the Slavia very easy to drive in the city, when crawling in slow traffic (1st - 3rd gears), you will experience a little jerkiness, which is a typical DSG trait.

Read the detailed official review of the Skoda Slavia - here.

[GTO]

If a car doesn't have a good engine, I don't buy it. And for any car model, I always choose the best engine available. It would be the Slavia 1.5L for me. Love power and am not price sensitive. Whether 6-speed MT or DSG would depend on where I would be using the car, but I am sure it would come down to the DSG at the time of purchase. That DQ200 will fail for sure. Take the extended warranty = one failure paid for by Skoda's bank account (within the 6 year warranty) and one will be from mine.

Really sucks that the awesome 1.5L turbo-diesel hasn't been made BS6 compliant by VAG India.

[dr.aviansh]

1.0
I am a little skeptical about the Cylinder Deactivation Technology in the 1.5L. I remember people talking about the 3.5 V6 Honda Accord suffering from irregular wear and tear of the pistons, so considering that still might be the case with Slavia, I'd say no to it.

I really wish there was an NA 1.8P offered. It's not something everyone would agree with, but NA's are a dying breed with lots of punch at the redline without having to worry about the turbo. Since we do 200k kms in every car, I prefer some reliability too.

Like GTO sir mentioned, nothing beats that 1.5TDI in a mid range VAG.

[Turbohead]

The only logical upgrade for a 1.6 TDI owner is the 1.5 TSI MT. The 1.0 is a downgrade, when fully loaded, and the DSG is a liability, which I'm not ready for, although the TC is highly desirable.

The 1.5 TSI is powerful when you need it to be and can be fuel efficient with the cylinder deactivation technology when you need it to be. And this happens to be the formulation of the old 1.6TDI but in a more silent package with 50HP more.

But this is a tough poll if you're solely looking for an automatic.

[Rajeevraj]

I think I would always go for the best engine in the model I am looking for. Everything else is secondary. Considering that vote is for the 1.5TSI

[Shreyans_Jain]

My vote to the 1.0

More than a vote for a particular engine, this is a vote against the DSG. I WILL NOT have any car with the DQ200, ever. Unreliability is a strict red line. Cylinder deactivation tech on the 1.5 is another can of worms.

That the 1.0 is a mighty fine engine only makes this easier. It has all the performance one needs, is both refined and efficient, and is mated to the workhorse torque converter automatic. This combination is more than good enough. And it will never leave you stranded in the middle of the road. Lower purchase costs and insurance premiums are added bonus.

[sunikkat]

Definitely 1.5. For me that engine alone is worth the extra money. A simple remap and some mods will take it to a whole different level.
Though I love manual, guess those days are over. Will go for a DSG

[giri1.8]

I've driven both versions on the Kushaq, would go for the 1.5 in manual guise, 1.0 in AT with stage 1 remap.

[Dr.AD]

My vote is for 1.5 TSi, without even a slightest of hesitation.

The only thing that stands out in Slavia for me is the 1.5TSi engine. Further, this is my personal view, but I am totally against the idea of 3 cylinder engines. Somehow it never felt right to me. In contrast, the 1.5TSi engine is a true modern engine and delivers great performance.

My choice, without a doubt, would 1.5TSi with MT.

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain

My vote to the 1.0

More than a vote for a particular engine, this is a vote against the DSG. I WILL NOT have any car with the DQ200, ever.

I tend to agree with you, but that is no reason to vote for 1.0. Thankfully, Slavia comes in 1.5 TSi with 6-speed MT, and that I think is the "win-win" combination!

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by GTO

DQ200 will fail for sure.

The 1L does not have the DQ200 right?

I am considering this to replace my 13 year old Altis but not chance will I get that gearbox ever again after my past night mares with the previous gen superb.

[sid3091]

Originally Posted by GTO

If a car doesn't have a good engine, I don't buy it. And for any car model, I always choose the best engine available. It would be the Slavia 1.5L for me. Love power and am not price sensitive. Whether 6-speed MT or DSG would depend on where I would be using the car, but I am sure it would come down to the DSG at the time of purchase. That DQ200 will fail for sure. Take the extended warranty = one failure paid for by Skoda's bank account (within the 6 year warranty) and one will be from mine.

Really sucks that the awesome 1.5L turbo-diesel hasn't been made BS6 compliant by VAG India.

Does the 1.5 make more sense for someone who generally keeps a car for max 7 years?

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Sahil

The 1L does not have the DQ200 right?

Nope. It has a more robust torque-converter. Although, I'd probably replace your Corolla Altis with the 5th-gen Honda City CVT instead of a Slavia. City is better for chauffeur / family use and the rear seat is good.

Originally Posted by sid3091

Does the 1.5 make more sense for someone who generally keeps a car for max 7 years?

It's the engine I would go for, whether a 5 year ownership period or 10. To me, the right engine is most important & the 1.5L TSI is a jewel of a motor.

[Chrome6Boy]

I voted for the 1.0 TSI because I only buy automatic cars now, my days of buying MTs are over. I can't get myself to spend 20 lakhs on a car with a transmission which is going to fail eventually.

While the 1.5 TSI is probably fantastic, I think the DSG restricts the launch of the car to improve the life of the clutch.

In the city it is a lot of fun to try and beat the other cars off the line at a signal, however in the case of the DSG, which is supposed to be a superior gearbox with lightning quick gear changes, it will be slower than other cars off the line.

There is a drag test between the two engines with automatic transmissions done by Autocar. You can see that the 1.0 TSI beats the 1.5 TSI off the line and is quicker to 40 Kmph. It is abundantly clear that the 1.5 TSI is way faster after that. Unless most of our driving is on the highway the 1.0 TSI might actually feel faster in real life. This is a travesty, VAG is intentionally slowing down the faster car to extend the life of the DSG!

https://youtu.be/imFjg1hnjIE

[vb-saan]

Voted for the 1.5 TSI. Especially with the Slavia, its a no-brainer with the top-end Style variant coming with the 1.5 MT. And considering that AT is fast gaining popularity in India, this could very well be one of the last fun-to-drive manuals on sale.

[Fan@Automotive]

1.5 TSI it will be for me, any day.

DSG is still the thorn in the bush, but manual transmission is anyways available.

No 3 cylinder for me and when there is an option unlike previously, I would go with a traditional (read 4 cylinder) larger displacement engine which is better suited for the size of the car.