Skoda Slavia Facelift Officially Teased, Launching on 18 August

Skoda will launch the Slavia facelift on 18 August 2026, following an official teaser through its "Shape of Time" campaign microsite. The microsite traces the history of Skoda sedans in India across the Octavia, Superb, Rapid, and now the Slavia.

This is a mid-life update for the sedan, following the same template as the Kushaq facelift from earlier this year. The update brings sharper styling, a better-equipped cabin, and one major gearbox change.

What Spy Shots Reveal About the Exterior

Multiple test mule sightings over the past few months have shown the front and rear getting most of the attention. The grille gets a new design with an integrated lighting strip, the headlamps get revised internals with updated LED elements, and the front bumper is reshaped with sharper cuts.

At the rear, the tail lamps are expected in a connected format, along with an illuminated Skoda logo on the bootlid and a revised bumper. The alloy wheels are also likely to get a fresh design.

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Cabin and Features

Spy shots of the interior point to a larger 10.25-inch digital driver's display, new seat upholstery, and a revised cabin theme. Whether Skoda adds a rear-seat massage function, which did make it to the Kushaq facelift, is still not confirmed for the Slavia.

Existing kit like the 10.25-inch touchscreen, single-pane sunroof, wireless charger, 8-speaker sound system, automatic climate control with rear vents, and six airbags are expected to carry over.

A 360-degree camera and ADAS are not expected on this update, with those features reportedly reserved for the next-generation Slavia, which could arrive in 2027.

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Gearbox Upgrade

The biggest expected mechanical change is a new 8-speed torque-converter automatic for the 1.0-litre TSI, replacing the current 6-speed unit. This same gearbox was introduced with the Kushaq facelift. The 1.0 TSI makes around 115bhp and 178Nm. The 1.5-litre TSI continues with its 7-speed DCT.

The 6-speed manual is expected to remain available on the 1.0 TSI as before.

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Price and Rivals

The current Slavia starts at Rs 9.99 lakh, and a modest price increase is expected with the facelift. Reports suggest it could start from around Rs 11 lakh. Once launched, the facelift will continue to face the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, and Volkswagen Virtus.

Skoda has indicated that this update is likely to be the last for the first-gen Slavia, with a second-generation model potentially arriving in the second half of 2027. The Virtus is also expected to receive a similar facelift before the end of the year.

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Image Source: Skoda India