Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has started production of the updated Slavia sedan at its Chakan plant in Pune, ahead of the festive season.

The company announced the production start on September 28. Since its launch, the Slavia has clocked nearly 80,000 sales in India, and the company says the sedan holds close to 30 per cent of its segment.

The biggest mechanical change in the facelift is a new eight-speed torque converter automatic paired with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, replacing the earlier six-speed automatic. The 1.5-litre TSI continues with a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

The updated sedan gets a segment-first rear-seat massage function, a 360-degree Area View camera and a next-generation infotainment system with an AI Companion powered by Google Cloud. Higher trims get a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. The car retains its five-star Global NCAP safety rating.

“The new Slavia elevates everything customers value about the car,” said Ashish Gupta, Brand Director of Skoda Auto India. Chief Production Officer Andreas Dick said India has become a central manufacturing hub in the company’s global network.