While the fire-breathing monster from the Czech car marque is in the news lately, one can also see the existing Slavia in a sportier light
Everyone’s been talking about the upcoming Skoda Octavia RS, which will definitely be a product to watch out for. It is one of the most iconic monikers in the country. In fact, the Czech auto giant brings limited numbers of this performance sedan to our shores to abide by the homologation regulations. Each time, these fly off the shelves in a brief span of time. This time around, only 100 units have been allotted to India. According to our sources, the signature Mamba Green-coloured models have already been spoken for even before the launch.
Skoda Octavia RS-Inspired Slavia RS
We know that the Skoda Slavia, currently sold in India, bears traces of a premium vehicle. In fact, many cost-conscious buyers don’t often consider it as an option due to this very reason. It looks sophisticated yet modern and comes with powerful mills from Volkswagen. Furthermore, both its turbo petrol engines are extremely peppy and fun to drive. Sit inside the car, and you are bound to experience an opulent environment. Nevertheless, I am inclined to consider it as a relatively cheaper alternative to the Octavia RS (only in the virtual realm for now) for multiple reasons.
Firstly, the overall stance and road presence are quite imposing. The styling hints at a premium sedan, and this feeling gets replicated inside the cabin too. With a few key modifications, the exterior can certainly exude even more sportiness. In fact, there are a few car shops which offer dedicated elements to accentuate the appearance of the regular Slavia into an RS version. These include things like a front splitter, sporty side skirtings, a roof spoiler, a boot-mounted lip, a rear diffuser, custom front and rear bumpers, piano black elements and red brake calipers, full de-chrome, black-painted alloy wheels, etc.
Apart from that, I also believe that its existing mechanicals, powertrains and transmissions lend themselves well to be a great foundation for a sportier iteration. For instance, the driving dynamics are already impressive, which ensure sharp handling and high speed stability even around fast corners, a slightly stiff suspension for more confidence-inspiring highway rides, precise steering makes you want to manoeuvre the car at high speeds and powerful acceleration due to the turbo petrol mills. In fact, the 1.5-litre turbo petrol mill can also be tuned to generate more power. All these aspects make it an ideal Octavia RS substitute at a much lower price point.
Also Read: Skoda Kylaq Now Available Through CSD Depots Across India
Editor’s View
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
As an owner of the MK4 Octavia and even someone who has closely followed Skoda’s performance lineage over the years, the Octavia RS holds a special place in my automotive journey. While the latest iteration continues to create buzz, I couldn’t help but imagine the Slavia through an RS-tinted lens. This piece explores that thought. After all, we’re yet to have a proper successor to the Ford Festa 1.6S, right? Are you listening, Skoda India?
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