Skoda will launch the facelifted Slavia sedan in India today, October 6. The updated car brings new styling and a major gearbox change, but keeps the two petrol engines it is known for.

The biggest update is under the skin. Skoda is replacing the 7-speed DSG with an 8-speed torque converter automatic for the 1.5-litre engine. The move is widely seen as a response to long-running reliability concerns around the DSG gearbox in Indian conditions. The 1.0-litre TSI keeps its 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter options.

On the outside, the Slavia gets new bumpers, revised LED headlamps and tail-lamps, new alloy wheel designs and a full-width light bar treatment that brings it closer to the Brazilian Virtus facelift. Inside, the cabin adds a 2-spoke steering wheel, a single-pane sunroof and, notably, ventilated rear seats with a massage function — a segment-first feature in this class.

The 1.0-litre TSI (115 PS, 178 Nm) and 1.5-litre TSI (150 PS, 250 Nm) engines continue unchanged. Prices are expected to sit between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, ex-showroom. Skoda will announce full variant-wise prices at the launch event today.

Sources: autocarindia.com; latestly.com.