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?
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.
Here’s what GTO had to say on the matter:
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.
Here’s what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:
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.
Here’s what BHPian Turbohead had to say on the matter:
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.
Keyword: Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI vs 1.5 TSI: Your pick