On-Road Score

Among all the cars currently on sale in India, my personal favorite is the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI with the manual transmission. It strikes a unique balance between driving pleasure, refinement, practicality, and premium feelqualities that are increasingly rare in today's market, especially in the mid-size sedan segment. What truly sets the Slavia 1.5 TSI apart for me is its enthusiast-friendly nature. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine delivers strong performance with a healthy dose of torque and excellent highway manners. Paired with the 6-speed manual gearbox, the driving experience is engaging and rewardingsomething I genuinely appreciate as someone who enjoys being in control of the car, not just riding in it. Aside from its powertrain, I admire the Slavia's clean European design, well-built interiors, and the fact that it doesn't compromise on space or comfort. Despite being a driver's car at heart, it still offers a comfortable back seat and a spacious boot, making it a practical family sedan as well.

Among all the cars currently on sale in India, my favourite is the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI DSG. It strikes a near-perfect balance between driving pleasure, practicality, and premium appeal. The 1.5L turbo-petrol engine offers segment-leading performance with impressive refinement, while the DSG gearbox delivers smooth and quick shiftsmaking it a true enthusiast's delight on both highways and twisty roads. What really sets it apart for me is the solid European build quality, confident handling, and understated design that ages gracefully. The spacious cabin, decent boot space, and safety features make it family-friendly without compromising the thrill behind the wheel. It's one of the few sedans that still celebrates the joy of driving in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs. While it may Not be the most affordable or fuel-efficient option, it represents a rewarding ownership experience for someone who values engineering integrity and driver engagement. For me, it's a car that connects emotionallysomething that numbers alone can't always explain.

Among the myriad of cars available in India, my favorite is undoubtedly the Skoda Slavia Sportline 1.5 with the DSG gearbox. This car stands out for several reasons, making it an exceptional choice for both driving enthusiasts and everyday users. First and foremost, the Skoda Slavia has achieved a commendable 5-star NCAP rating, underscoring its exceptional safety features. It is equipped with six airbags, providing comprehensive protection for all occupants in the event of a collision. The robust build quality is evident in every aspect of the vehicle, offering peace of mind to drivers and passengers alike. Additionally, the LED headlamps provide excellent visibility during night driving, enhancing safety and confidence on dark roads. The inclusion of Skoda's (VW) TSI techNology is aNother highlight. This turbocharged engine delivers an impressive 148 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque, making it a perfect blend of performance and ecoNomy. Coupled with the DSG, the driving experience is smooth and seamless, allowing for quick gear changes that enhance the overall driving pleasure.

My current favourite car on sale in India is the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI DSG. It strikes the perfect balance between driving pleasure, practicality, and understated European sophistication — something that's becoming rare in the age of SUVs and pseudo-crossovers. The 1.5 TSI engine is a gem. It offers strong low-end torque and a satisfying mid-range punch that makes overtaking effortless, both in the city and on highways. The 7-speed DSG may have its long-term reliability concerns, but from a sheer driving experience standpoint, it's crisp and intuitive. For an enthusiast who values smooth shifts and responsive performance, this drivetrain combination is hard to beat in its segment. What I also admire is that the Slavia hasn't compromised on space or comfort. The rear seat is genuinely spacious, the boot is large, and the ride quality is mature. The cabin feels airy and solidly built, without resorting to flashy gimmicks. In a market dominated by high-riding vehicles, the Slavia feels like a refreshing return to the fundamentals — a well-proportioned, dynamically capable sedan that puts the driver first. It may not win in features per rupee, but it wins in soul.

I have to say, the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI DSG feels like a smart choice that doesn’t try too hard. The turbocharged engine gives it enough punch to keep things interesting, but it’s also surprisingly fuel-efficient thanks to that cylinder deactivation technology—honestly, I’m not an expert on how it works, but it’s a nice bonus. The ride is smooth and confident, which I didn’t expect from a car in this segment. Inside, it’s clean and modern, with just the right amount of tech—not overwhelming, but definitely useful. Overall, the Slavia feels like a car that balances style and practicality without overdoing either, which is exactly what I like about the car. p.s: I managed to successfully influence a friend into buying one.