CARVERSAL

From the earliest times, it has been SUVs that ruled the roost in the Indian way of choosing cars. Their certain road presence, heightened stature, and roomy interiors have made them favorites among Indian car buyers. However, the Skoda Slavia is riding against such currents, infusing practicality and comfort, if not better driving thrills, within the sedan body. So if the thought of an SUV under Rs 20 lakh is swaying your head, then perhaps the Slavia can change your mind.

Let's find out what makes the Skoda Slavia a great substitute for any SUV in this price range.

Why the Skoda Slavia is a Strong SUV Alternative?

SUVs have everything that customers want: taking their vehicles off rough roads, a spacious cabin, and a massive boot. However, the Skoda Slavia competitions even these characteristics and beats a few aspects of it, as under:

• The Slavia has a very spacious interior which provides all the legroom and headroom necessary for making occupants comfortable during long drives. 

• It has a humongous boot of 521 litres, which is larger than that of most compact SUVs. 

• Furthermore, its ground clearance of 179mm makes it a good enough car to navigate potholes and speed breakers. 

• Unlike most cumbersome SUVs that are practicality-centered more than performance, Slavia brings comfort and driving pleasure together.

Also Read: How to Import cars to India without paying Import Duty with ATA Carnet

Feature-Packed Cabin for Maximum Comfort

Get Skoda Slavia with premium performance for both the driver and passenger. It constitutes all the basic and advanced features that enrich the convenience and comfort of driving experiences with great innovative products.

The anti-pinch feature in the electric sunroof is one of its added advantages along with equivalently ventilated front seats which provide comfort in really warm weather, ambient light that elevates the aesthetics in the cabin, and also a 10-inch infotainment system turn it into a real beauty adding wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All this combined with hands-free charging and automatic climate control brings even greater relaxation when driving.

With such features, the Slavia is set to offer a premium driving experience without requiring the SUV's weight and size. 

Safety Features: 5-Star Global NCAP Rating

Usually, safety is the primary reason someone might opt to get an SUV: the larger the vehicle, the better they presume it would save their lives from accidents. However, the Skoda Slavia makes a mockery of this belief with its very good safety features and good build quality. 

Slavia has received a five-star score in the crash test conducted by Global NCAP which places it among the safest sedans in this category. In addition, it possesses a variety of safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), multi-collision braking, hill-hold control, rearview camera, and up to six airbags. 

It is expected to feature Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the face-lifted model even though the current model does not have it. Otherwise, one of the safest in its class cemented Slavia's place as a good alternative to an SUV. 

Performance That Rivals SUVs: Skoda Slavia’s Engine Options

Almost all of these small SUVs available at this price range pose thrust on fuel economy at the possible expense of performance. But Skoda Slavia has 2 potential engines which offer an amazing combination of both.

The first one in line is a 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine giving 114 bhp and 178 Nm of torque, available with either six-speed manual transmission (6MT) or a six-speed automatic transmission (6AT). The combination makes a power and fuel-efficient model ideal for short runs of the town and for cruising down the highway.

Then comes the heavier duty version: a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol producing 148 bhp and a massive 250 Nm of torque. It is paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic. The smooth and rapid shifting between gears is a benefit of this combination. 

Pricing: Does the Slavia Offer Value for Money?

One of the major reasons why SUVs reign supreme is their perceived value for money. However, the Slavia holds a very good package because it may offer premium features, ample space in the cabin, strong safety features, and robust engine options. 

The prices of the Skoda Slavia go from Rs 12.59 lakh to Rs 22.14 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). This closely competes against some very popular compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara. 

Roaming some of the SUVs within this segment might offer a little more in terms of ground clearance, but everything comes at a cost, and here it's most likely boot space, handling, and petrol efficiency. The Slavia is agile as a sedan yet practical as an SUV, proving to be a good alternative to those wanting a poised and involving drive.

How the Skoda Slavia Stacks Up Against Popular SUVs

Of course, the Slavia beats the competition when comparing the contest among popular compact SUVs such as Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara. Here, the larger boot space of 521 litres outdoes most compact SUVs, while ground clearance is average at 179mm to take most roads in India. 

In general, SUVs remain above ground and thus enjoy some advantages, like slightly better visibility of the road; Slavia, however, offers the advantage of a low center of gravity, which maximizes its ability to handle better than most at both moderate and high speeds. 

Is the Skoda Slavia a Better Choice Than an SUV?

The Skoda Slavia roars to prove that sedans still can be strong challengers to SUVs in even these high selling SUV markets. And it does so with its finely-tuned interior space, premium features, strong safety credentials, and power-packed performance, which comprise quite a round package.

The Skoda Slavia is just going to be the perfect choice for a buyer who wants the comfort, the practicality, and one full-blown thrilling drive without that big house of an SUV-. It isn't road-dominating as an SUV would be, but it compensates with an experience that is just that much more refined, safer, and fun to drive.

Check Out:

​