Report 3: Is there a better way to enjoy a manual on winding mountain roads? This is the weekend with Slavia.
Naturally, the majority of Skoda Slavias sold are automatic versions. This is because customers demand more convenience and ease of use in their daily work. But if like me you drive to Mahabaleshwar regularly, you may need a manual. In our first stint with the 1.5 Slavia in our long-term fleet, we were reminded that nothing beats the connection and intimacy that can be achieved manually.
The smooth 6-speeder has a short throw and makes shifting fun.
Without the computer deciding when to upshift, pushing the engine to the redline, indulging in the lost art of heel and toe on every downshift, and simply flicking the gates of the 6-speed gearbox. And the simple pleasure of being able to push the engine to the red line. And there’s no better place to enjoy a manual than winding roads. So when a weekend trip to the hills beckoned, I called Dib in Slavia.
Complementing the six-speed manual gearbox is a 1.5-liter turbo petrol with 150 hp. This is indeed the heart and soul of Slavia. It’s a very nice motor with a punchy midrange and strong top end, which, combined with the tall gearing of the 6-speed manual, gives the Slavia the ability to go miles without breaking a sweat. increase.
The 1.5 turbo petrol packs a punch and is very smooth.
The 1.5 Slavia is a long-legged car, and 100 km/h (the speed limit on the Mumbai-Pune highway) equates to a lazy speed of 2,000 rpm in sixth gear. Good for 160km/h, his third gear is a great overtaking tool, and in cruising, speed falls nicely into the meat of his 1.5-motor powerband. All it takes for Slavia to lunge forward is a slight flex of his right foot, and this extra power makes his 1.5 Slavia a stunning highway car. Even better on curvy roads.
The 11 km drive from Wai Ghat to Panchgani was a blast. Toggling between 2nd and his 3rd gear to keep the 1.5 liters of turbo petrol boiling, sometimes he dropping into 1st gear for a tight hairpin is just 15 minutes of weekend fun. was. It’s not just the powerful engine and smooth gearbox that make the Slavia a pleasure to drive, but also its easy, predictable handling. The suspension is very well tuned and perfect for the bumpy roads around Mahabaleshwar.
Turbo lag at low revs requires frequent shifting.
Riding on hills exposes one of the 1.5 Slavia’s weaknesses: turbo lag. Due to the taller gearing, the engine tends to rev less. So there’s a fair amount of turbo lag at low revs and you’ll be downshifting gears and using the gearbox a lot, which honestly isn’t a bad thing. Bad gas mileage, but this spirited driving shot came at a price. Slavia put out his 8.8kpl on these trails, bringing his overall average down to his 11.2kpl. By turbogasoline standards, it’s not good, but it’s not bad either.
The cabin lacks the European flair of previous Skodas.
Speaking of standards, a look around the cabin reveals that the fit and finish are not up to German standards. Some of the fabric is starting to look scruffy, and the woven roofliner also looks like it’s wearing worse. put away. This is a really interesting car.
See also
Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI long term review, first report
Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI Long-Term Review, Second Report
