Skoda Slavia, Skoda Slavia value, options, guide, mileage, design, experience, suspension and perormance. – Introduction

This can be a automotive I might purchase. The identical spec, the identical trim and I even like the color. Actually, up the finances significantly, go nicely previous the worth of this automotive, and that is nonetheless the one I might purchase; guide gearbox and all. Right here’s why:

The place do I start? How about with some fundamentals, particularly the robust construct of the chassis. A 12 months has passed by, however as anticipated, the Slavia feels as tight as a drum. This isn’t one thing that comes as a shock. In any respect. One drive within the automotive and you realize it has the construct to take the abuse our roads throw at it and are available out smelling of roses. There are some dodgy plastic bits although. There may be an uncharacteristic rattle that comes from behind the touchscreen every now and then, and among the slats within the vents are out of alignment, however that aside, this automotive nonetheless feels new. To know simply how strong it’s, simply open and shut a door and hearken to that thud of a door shut. 

One other factor I loved each single day was this automotive’s absorbent however flat experience. It has the flexibility to each smoothen the worst of our roads and stop the automotive from pitching or bobbing an excessive amount of, albeit with a touch of stiffness at low velocity. The Slavia’s 179mm of floor clearance, in reality, usually had me driving confidently over dust roads and unpaved nation lanes.  

At its core, nonetheless, it’s all about how these fundamentals stack up in the case of driving pleasure. No, this engine isn’t probably the most free-revving TSI unit round (in all probability as a result of it runs a extra environment friendly Miller Cycle), and there may be some turbo lag beneath 1,800rpm. However cross that threshold and it pulls in a powerful and clear method all the way in which previous 6,500rpm, the uncooked thrust of 150hp actually making its presence felt within the mid- and top-end. And it’s this large, clean powerband that you simply get pleasure from probably the most. I actually did, each single time I had the chance to. To waste, keep in mind, is a sin. 

Plastic behind touchscreen has labored itself free.

Even higher, the completely scrumptious guide gearbox. Completely weighted, slick, and exact, the feeling of shifting gears even stored me entertained when ambling alongside. Even banging via a fast shift by no means brought on it to baulk. 

Taking part in nearly the right supporting function to the engine and gearbox is the suspension. The Slavia could not assault corners like a sizzling hatch, however it’s poised, grippy and nicely balanced, so you possibly can derive a pleasure from driving it arduous. And that’s regardless of the tall suspension and a few physique roll.

What I additionally totally loved was the subwoofer. Positioned contained in the spare tyre, the sub delivers a powerful and clear thump, usually getting me to extend the quantity. And it isn’t simply the bass; the mids and highs are additionally tremendous clear and clear, and so they labored simply as nicely for telephone calls. I by no means needed to pressure to listen to or converse loud to be heard, and that’s not one thing I can say about most of its rivals. 

Sharply styled tail hides a large 521-litre boot.

Additionally a lot appreciated have been the larger-than-normal sunroof, the supportive ventilated entrance seats, the area and luxury on the rear bench and that huge 521-litre boot that may take no less than 4 massive baggage. With its cylinder deactivation (it will possibly run utilizing solely two cylinders when not below load) and the cease/begin chipping in, the Slavia 1.5 usually delivered upwards of 10.5kpl. If there’s a ok hole, I’d put my foot down, and in doing so, gas financial system would drop to round 7.5kpl. However on the flipside, lengthy freeway drives even acquired it to ship upwards of 17kpl, the tall gearing in sixth certainly serving to right here.

Faults? The driving force’s window dropped as a substitute of rising from midway at occasions (this was fastened), and the boot lid had an inclination to hit your head should you didn’t push it open all the way in which. Then there are among the obtuse design decisions within the digital instrument cluster, and it feels there’s a ghost within the HVAC system (your hand retains knocking towards the air-con controls, inadvertently altering  the settings), however these are hardly deal breakers. 

With 179mm of clearance, the Slavia is virtually an off-roader.

The unusual factor is I miss the automotive a lot, I’ve requested Skoda for an additional one. And simply to be totally different, this time it’s an computerized. I’ll let you know about that quickly; keep tuned.

Additionally see: 

Skoda Slavia long run evaluate, 14,500km report

Skoda Slavia long run evaluate, 12,000km report

Skoda Slavia long run evaluate, 9400km report