Skoda Slavia, Kushaq Ambition Variants Receive 1.5 TSI Petrol Engine Option

Skoda Auto India recently announced that it will add the 1.5-litre TSI engine to the Ambition trim of the Slavia and the Kushaq models. Previously, this engine was only offered on the Kushaq and the Slavia's top-of-the-line Style variants. The Czech automaker has been putting a lot of effort into restoring the brand to its prior prominence in the Indian market. The company has also launched these two offerings in the Indian market for this intended purpose; both these products are based on the MQB A0 IN platform, designed specifically for India. As we begin a new fiscal year, we anticipate that manufacturers will be fighting harder than ever for market dominance in the Indian automotive industry. For the uninitiated, in the early 2000s, the Skoda Octavia VRS introduced the TSI engines in India, and they have since become a favourite among buyers. With more than two decades of brand presence in the nation, the manufacturer has pulled another card to appease the auto enthusiasts in the country with this move.

Also Read: 2023 Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia: Price, Features, Specs, and More

Skoda Slavia, Kushaq Ambition 1.5L TSI Petrol: Old vs New 

The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine churns out 147.5bhp of maximum power and 250Nm of peak torque, up 34bhp and 72Nm from the previous 1.0-litre version. For this engine option, customers can select either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox. Further, cylinder deactivation, which completely disables two cylinders to maximise fuel efficiency, is also a feature of the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. Given that India is a very price-sensitive market, the 1.5-litre TSI variant of these cars offers a very intriguing market proposition when compared to its rivals.

Along with improving accessibility for the 1.5-litre TSI, the firm updated the cars to comply with Phase 2 BS6 (RDE) norms and made them E20-compliant. The company has also claimed that these modifications will increase the cars' fuel efficiency by about 7 per cent.

Skoda Slavia, Kushaq Ambition 1.5L TSI Petrol: Pricing Details

Coming to the pricing for both models, the cost of the Kushaq Ambition 1.5 MT starts at Rs 14.99 lakh, which is Rs 1.8 lakh more than the price of the Kushaq Ambition 1.0-litre MT trim (Rs 13.19 lakh). The automatic gearbox-equipped version has a price tag of Rs 16.79 lakh, which is Rs 1.8 lakh more than the Kushaq Ambition 1.0 AT trim. Additionally, the Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition dual-tone from Skoda has also debuted at Rs 16.84 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.

When compared to the 1.0-litre auto version, the Slavia 1.5 TSI Ambition (Rs 14.94 lakh) costs Rs 1.95 lakh more. The Slavia 1.5 TSI Ambition dual tone costs Rs 16.29 lakh, while the automatic version costs Rs 16.24 lakh, which is Rs 1.95 lakh more than the equivalent 1.0 variant. Both prices are ex-showroom.

Skoda Slavia, Kushaq Ambition 1.5L TSI Petrol: Here's What the Company Said 

Commenting on the recent development, Petr Solc, Brand Director, SKODA AUTO India, said, “SKODA has always attracted customers who are passionate about a car’s safety and driving dynamics. The 1.5 TSI engine is known globally, not only for power and torque, but also for technology and efficiency. In line with demand and feedback from our customers, we have decided to introduce this advanced engine with Active Cylinder –Technology and plasma-coated cylinder liners in our best-selling trim on the KUSHAQ and SLAVIA. Both cars are key volume drivers for us and will play a pivotal role in our ‘Accelerated Growth’ strategy for 2023 and onwards.”

Also Read: Skoda Records 24.1% Decline in YoY Sales in February 2023

In other news, Skoda recently rolled out the Kushaq Onyx edition in India. The price of the automaker's Onyx variant, which lies between the Active and Ambition trims, is Rs 12.39 lakh (ex-showroom). In terms of design, the main exterior changes for the Kushaq Onyx version are the stylised Grey graphics on the doors and the addition of "Onyx" badging to the B-Pillar. The special edition also has 16-inch steel wheels with newly designed plastic covers, a faux diffuser on the front bumper, and chrome grille surrounds. Onyx badging on the headrests and scuff plates, a Black and Grey colour scheme, a two-spoke steering wheel, chrome surrounds on the AC vents, and a textured pattern on the dashboard are just a few of the interior's minor updates. Also, it is offered only with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine unit with a six-speed manual transmission option for the same.