Skoda Slavia Facelift Spotted Testing: Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Launch
Skoda is gearing up to refresh its popular midsize sedan, the Slavia, with a mid-cycle update expected to hit Indian roads in 2026. Recent reports from media outlets like Livemint and Rushlane indicate that the vehicle is currently undergoing testing, with spy shots revealing key details about its updated aesthetics and feature list.
As the second best-selling car in its segment, the Slavia is poised to receive significant upgrades to maintain its competitive edge against rivals like the Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Virtus. Here is a detailed look at what to expect from the upcoming model.
Exterior Design: A Sporty Evolution
According to the spy images shared by automotive enthusiast Harsh Shah and reported by Rushlane, the 2026 Slavia facelift will feature evolutionary styling changes rather than a complete redesign.
- Front Profile: While the signature Skoda grille is likely to remain familiar, the sedan will sport a refreshed face with revised headlamps and updated LED daytime running lights. The lower air intake has been redesigned with a more sculpted, three-dimensional pattern finished in piano black. Additionally, the fog lamp housings appear to differ from the current version.
- Side Profile: The side profile remains largely unchanged, preserving the sedan’s coupe-like roofline and sporty stance. The most visible update is a fresh set of alloy wheels, as test mules were seen with blacked-out wheels featuring a new spoke design. Elements like the conventional door handles and blacked-out B-pillars are carried over.
- Rear Profile: The rear is expected to receive updated tail-lamps and minor revisions to the bumper design. However, the boot lid shape and number plate placement seem to remain the same.
Interior and Technology: Introduction of ADAS
The cabin of the Slavia facelift is expected to see notable improvements in technology and layout.
- Dashboard and Infotainment: The interior could introduce a revised dashboard layout, accompanied by an updated touchscreen infotainment system and a refreshed digital instrument cluster.
- Level 2 ADAS: The most significant addition to the 2026 model is likely the inclusion of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Expected safety features include lane keeping assist, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, blind spot detection, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and safe exit alerts.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, Skoda is expected to retain the current robust powertrain options for the facelifted model.
- 1.0-Litre TSI: This turbo-petrol engine produces 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
- 1.5-Litre TSI: For performance enthusiasts, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit delivers 150 PS and 250 Nm, mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.
Market Competition
The midsize sedan segment is set to heat up in 2026. Alongside the Slavia, a facelift for the Hyundai Verna is also expected around the same time. Furthermore, the Volkswagen Virtus is likely to receive similar updates to the Slavia, ensuring intense competition among the segment leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is the Skoda Slavia facelift launching in India? The Skoda Slavia facelift is expected to launch in India in 2026.
Q2: Will the new Slavia have ADAS? Yes, reports suggest the biggest highlight of the facelift will be the addition of Level 2 ADAS, including features like lane keeping assist and autonomous braking.
Q3: Are there any changes to the engine options? No, the engine options are likely to remain unchanged. The car will continue to offer the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines.
Q4: How has the design changed in the 2026 facelift? The design updates are evolutionary, featuring a revised front grille, new LED DRLs, updated alloy wheels, and tweaked tail-lamps, while retaining the overall silhouette.
Q5: Which media outlets reported the spy shots? Fresh spy images of the testing mule were reported by Rushlane and discussed in Livemint reports.
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