Skoda Auto India has confirmed the name of the model that will replace the Rapid. It’s called Slavia, and it will debut in the winter of 2021. The Slavia name traces its roots back to 1896 when founders of Skoda, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement marketed their first, jointly developed bicycles under that brand. For a more recent connection, we need to fast forward to 2020. The seventh model to emerge from Skoda’s Student Car Programme was named Slavia – a spider version of the Scala hatchback.

The Slavia will become Skoda’s second model offering under Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 project. The notchback will be built on the same platform as the Kushaq – MQB-A0-IN. That means a lot of bits and pieces will be shared between the two products, including engines and creature comforts.

Like other Skodas on sale today, the Slavia will take the petrol-only route. It’ll borrow the powertrain from the Kushaq. So, entry-level versions will get the 1.0-litre TSI motor with 113bhp/178Nm on tap. Those who want more oomph will have the option of the 1.5-litre TSI mill that pumps out 148bhp/250Nm. By default, both engines will be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. However, the 6-speed torque converter with the smaller engine, and the 7-speed DSG with the larger one, will also be available.

Skoda Slavia – Student Car Programme

To keep costs in check, Skoda is likely to keep the platform unchanged. So, expect a sedan that’s considerably larger than the outgoing Rapid. And, the Slavia will offer a much richer experience in terms of ride, comfort and technology. Some of the features that it will pack include an electric sunroof, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated front seats, wireless mobile charger, six airbags and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

While Skoda has promised to unveil the Slavia later this year, the launch will likely happen in early 2022. And when that happens, the Czech brand will have a much stronger contender against the likes of Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Toyota axed the Yaris last month, and Volkswagen will pull the plug on the Vento too. That will be replaced by a redressed Skoda Slavia, which VW is likely to call Virtus.