Skoda Slavia and Kushaq: 1.5L EVO TSI Now Automatic-Only

Skoda has made a significant change to its line-up in India by discontinuing the manual transmission option for the 1.5L EVO TSI engine in both the Slavia and Kushaq models. This decision, effective August 2024, impacts enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers who prefer the combination of performance and manual control.

This move follows Skoda's recent sales performance, with the brand selling around 2,800 units in August 2024, lagging behind its sister company Volkswagen, which moved approximately 3,600 vehicles in the same market segment.

Key points about the change:

• 1.5L EVO TSI engine now only available with 7-speed DSG
• Manual option still available with a 1.0L TSI engine

Buyer preferences may be influenced by this development, pushing customers towards pricier automatic variants if they prioritize the 1.5L EVO TSI engine. The decision also affects the newly introduced top-spec Slavia Monte Carlo and Sportline Editions, which now lack a manual transmission option for the more powerful engine.

The move could benefit Volkswagen, as their Virtus and Taigun models still offer multiple variants with the 1.5L EVO TSI manual transmission combination. This might lead to increased sales for Volkswagen in India, potentially improving its position in the Asian subcontinent amid global challenges.

Skoda's engine lineup for the Slavia and Kushaq remains unchanged otherwise:

• 1.0L 3-cylinder TSI: 114 bhp, 178 Nm torque
• 1.5L 4-cylinder EVO TSI: 148 bhp, 250 Nm torque

The 1.0L TSI engine continues to offer both manual and 6-speed torque converter options. Skoda anticipates that the recently launched special editions will boost sales during the upcoming festive season, despite the removal of the manual option for the more powerful engine.

This strategic decision by Skoda reflects a shift in their understanding of the Indian market and consumer preferences. While it may disappoint some enthusiasts, it aligns with broader industry trends toward automatic transmissions in performance-oriented vehicles.