Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI in greater demand than expected: an RS in disguise

“I would love to do an RS version of the Slavia.” This statement by Skoda Auto India’s Sales boss Zac Hollis comes on the back of the Slavia 1.5 TSI variants receiving a greater demand than anticipated. But is the suprisingly good sales number enough for a Slavia RS to materialise?

• Slavia 1.5 TSI witnesses greater demand than expected
• Slavia 1.5 TSI has stronger performance than older-gen Octavia RS and Laura vRS
• Slavia Monte Carlo could be on the cards for the future

The case for an RS

When we tested the Slavia, we were very impressed with its outstanding driving performance. The nimble handling, the engine response and quick acceleration meant Skoda’s newest sedan was a delight from behind the wheel.

So impressed were we that we decided to take the Slavia 1.5 TSI to the MMRT track in Chennai for a story on just how much fun the car is to drive and you can read all about that in the May 2022 issue of the Autocar India magazine. Interestingly, the Slavia 1.5 TSI clocked faster lap times than the 2014 Octavia 1.8 TSI and the 2011 Laura vRS. This then begs the question – should the Slavia get an RS version?

It would seem like the answer to that would be a yes. Skoda had initially anticipated 15 percent of all sales to be for the 1.5 TSI variants, however, as it turns out, 30 percent have opted for the Slavia 1.5 TSI. This, despite the fact that the Slavia 1.5 TSI is Rs 2.20 lakh-2.40 lakh more expensive than the 1.0 TSI variants, mainly due to the fact that the 1.5-litre engine is imported, whereas the 1.0 litre is locally manufactured. In fact, with up to four months waiting for the larger-engined car, the company will soon be ramping up production for the 1.5 TSI variants.

Clearly there is a market for such sporty sedans, and an RS badge would only further help. In fact, Hollis admitted that a Slavia RS would be “fantastic to do”, He revealed that customers too have been enquiring about an RS version of the Slavia, and believes it’s due to the legacy left behind by the Octavia RS models.

Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo

Of course, a Slavia RS would require some technical updates over the stock car just as other RS cars do. Perhaps a retuned suspension, reduced ride height, a sportier tune for the engine, larger wheels and sportier body trims. Of course, a go ahead from the global HQ will also be required to carry the RS badge, and this could pose as big a challenge with Hollis alluding to this saying he would love to do an “Indian version of the Slavia RS”. 

So while a sportier Slavia seems likely, it could carry a badge other than the famed RS. Enter the Monte Carlo. Skoda has just launched the Kushaq Monte Carlo and has earlier offered the trim on the Rapid too. Thus, it’s safe to say that the Slavia will also receive a similar treatment, perhaps with some mechanical upgrades too. Fingers crossed.

Would you like to see a hotter RS or Monte Carlo version of the Skoda Slavia? Let us know in the comments below. 

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Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo first look video

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