Skoda Slavia Facelift: "Sedans Are Still The Quintessential Car," Says Ashish Gupta As Skoda Doubles Down On The Segment

At a time when SUVs dominate showroom floors and sales charts, Skoda Auto India is refusing to walk away from one of its strongest legacies: sedans. Speaking to NDTV AutoMate during the unveiling of the refreshed Skoda Slavia, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, outlined why the company remains committed to the segment, the rationale behind the Slavia facelift, and how the much-anticipated Superb Diesel is making a comeback.

While Skoda is expanding its SUV portfolio, the Czech carmaker believes there remains a dedicated audience for premium sedans, and the updated Slavia is central to that strategy.

"Sedans Have Always Been The Quintessential Car"

Responding to questions about India's shrinking sedan market, Gupta acknowledged that sedans represent a smaller share of the overall passenger vehicle industry, but argued that their emotional appeal remains unmatched.

"If you ask a child to draw a car, more chances than not he will draw a three-box sedan. So, that's the love of sedans which has not gone away."

For Skoda, the commitment goes beyond market data. Gupta highlighted the brand's rich sedan heritage, which stretches back more than a century.

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"We are a 130-year-old company and we have a sedan legacy that goes back to the first Superb, which was made 90 years ago."

From the Superb and Octavia to the Rapid and Slavia, sedans continue to form a critical part of Skoda's global and Indian identity.

Skoda Octavia RS

Slavia Continues To Lead Skoda's Sedan Charge

The refreshed Slavia arrives as a comprehensive technology upgrade rather than a complete redesign.

While Skoda has retained the existing turbo-petrol powertrains, Gupta confirmed that customers will benefit from a significant transmission update.

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"The engine options remain the same. Class-leading 1.0-litre turbo engine and the 1.5 for the people who want something racy."

The biggest mechanical change is the addition of an 8-speed automatic transmission for the 1.0-litre TSI engine, replacing the earlier automatic setup and bringing the sedan in line with updates recently introduced on the Kushaq.

Why Skoda Added The New 8-Speed Automatic

According to Gupta, strong customer demand for automatic variants played a major role in the decision. "Automatics have always been our strength."

He revealed that automatic variants account for approximately 65 to 70 per cent of Slavia and Kushaq sales, highlighting a clear shift in customer preferences towards convenience and ease of driving.

The new transmission is expected to further enhance drivability, particularly in urban environments where automatic gearboxes continue gaining popularity.

2026 Skoda Slavia Facelift: Key Technology Upgrades

The updated Slavia brings several premium features aimed at enhancing comfort, connectivity and convenience.

Key Highlights
New 8-speed automatic transmission for the 1.0-litre TSI engine
360-degree camera system
Front parking sensors
10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen
Google Gemini-powered AI voice assistant
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
Rear-seat massage function on higher variants
Connected car technology
Enhanced cabin personalisation options

One of the headline additions is the Google Gemini-powered AI assistant, which enables more conversational voice commands and improved contextual understanding.

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The facelift also gains premium convenience features such as rear-seat massage functionality and a surround-view camera system, helping the Slavia strengthen its value proposition in the premium sedan segment.

Notably, Skoda has yet to announce pricing for the updated Slavia.

Slavia Commands Nearly 30% Segment Share

Despite broader market shifts towards SUVs, Gupta revealed that the Slavia continues to hold a strong position within the premium sedan segment.

"The Slavia already has almost a 30 per cent segment share."

That figure positions the Slavia among the segment leaders and reinforces Skoda's confidence in maintaining a sedan presence while several manufacturers focus heavily on utility vehicles.

"We are torchbearers of that segment and we would like to keep it that way."

Skoda Superb

Superb Diesel Returns To India

Beyond the Slavia facelift, one of the most significant announcements from Skoda is the return of the Superb Diesel. With the industry increasingly moving toward petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains, the decision to bring back a diesel-powered flagship sedan may seem unconventional. However, Gupta believes the demand remains very real.

"There's always been demand for the Superb and particularly for the Superb diesel."

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According to him, the decision was also made easier because the diesel powertrain already exists in overseas markets.

"The Superb diesel exists in Europe and we are getting this as a fully built unit." The new-generation Superb Diesel will arrive in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), allowing Skoda to cater to a niche audience seeking long-distance touring capability and diesel efficiency.

Superb Diesel Bookings Open Through Expression Of Interest

Unlike locally manufactured Skoda models, the Superb Diesel will initially be available through an expression of interest process.

Starting August 18, interested customers can register through Skoda India's official website. "People who are interested in owning the Superb diesel can go to our website and put in their interest."

Skoda has not disclosed pricing for the sedan and has also not confirmed the final allocation. Gupta indicated that total volumes will depend on customer demand received through the registration process.

Expected customer deliveries are targeted for Q2 of next year.

Skoda Expands Service Network Across India

While product launches attract headlines, Gupta emphasised that improving customer accessibility has been one of Skoda's biggest priorities in 2026.

The company has significantly expanded its national footprint through:
More than 340 customer touchpoints
Presence across 190 cities
Opening of its 200th workshop in India
Expanded after-sales infrastructure
Continued focus on customer service quality

Gupta said the strategy revolves around three pillars:

Relevance

Introducing products and price points aligned with customer needs.

Differentiation

Offering distinct products that stand apart from the competition, including maintaining a strong sedan portfolio.

Trust

Strengthening ownership experience through initiatives such as:
Four-year warranty package
Four-year roadside assistance
Super Care ownership programme
Enhanced dealer support

What's Next For Skoda India?

Gupta also outlined the automaker's upcoming plans for the festive season. Following the Slavia facelift launch, Skoda is preparing:
Another batch of the Octavia RS
Launch of the Kodiaq Sportline
Expressions of interest for the Superb Diesel
Additional customer engagement initiatives

NDTV AutoMate Take

The refreshed Skoda Slavia isn't attempting to reinvent the sedan formula. Instead, it strengthens the package with technology, convenience and drivetrain upgrades while preserving the driving dynamics that have made the model successful.

More importantly, Skoda's continued investment in sedans sends a strong message at a time when most manufacturers are chasing SUV volumes. With the Slavia holding nearly 30 per cent of its segment and the Superb Diesel set to return, Skoda is betting that premium sedan buyers remain an important part of India's automotive landscape.

Whether that bet pays off will become clearer once pricing for both the 2026 Skoda Slavia facelift and the new Superb Diesel is revealed. For now, Ashish Gupta's message is clear: the sedan story at Skoda is far from over.