Skoda Slavia DSG Long-Term Review: A Stylish, Responsive Performer
Discover the allure of the Skoda Slavia DSG, where striking matte aesthetics meet responsive twin-clutch performance. This sedan captivates with its sharp lines accentuated by a matte finish, while its dynamic driving experience in urban traffic highlights both comfort and agility.
The first notable feature is the colour, which beautifully highlights the Slavia’s sharp lines, especially around the grille and bonnet. The matte finish catches the light subtly without the glossy reflection, giving it a unique aesthetic. However, maintaining this finish requires specific instructions for the car cleaner—plenty of water and no rubbing to remove bird droppings. Despite the dark colour, it doesn’t look dirty easily and draws a lot of attention, contrary to an incognito mode.
Driving the DSG automatic in start-stop traffic is more relaxing than the manual version. However, the twin-clutch unit isn’t as smooth as a torque converter, with some hesitation at low speeds, especially in Manual mode. The solution is to quickly switch the gear lever back to Drive mode, which can be done smoothly thanks to the lightly sprung lever.
The twin-clutch unit’s quick response when pulling the left paddle is a highlight. The gearbox downshifts almost immediately, the engine revs up quickly, and the car accelerates sharply, thanks to the 150 horsepower pulling hard past 4,000rpm. This responsiveness is especially useful for quick manoeuvres in traffic. The engine sounds great, although the pop-up 80kph speed warning on the digital instrument display blocks the tachometer, which is frustrating.
The Slavia has proven to be an excellent highway car on long drives. A challenging high-speed run on an expressway followed by a stretch of broken tarmac full of potholes was handled impressively. Pumping the rear tires to the maximum 48 PSI made the ride slightly bouncier but still comfortable and stable.
On another trip during off-season rains with high winds, the Slavia remained stable and inspired confidence, even on a slippery bridge. The highlight of this drive was a stretch on a freshly paved mountain road, where the Slavia’s sporty characteristics shone through. The steering, grip, and handling were impressive, despite the 179mm ground clearance, which is substantial for a sedan and rivals some SUVs.
Overall, the Skoda Slavia DSG combines stylish aesthetics with a responsive driving experience and solid highway performance, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a sporty yet practical sedan.
