Earlier, 1.5 liter engine option was reserved to just top-spec Style variants which used to cost Rs. 17.49 lakh with Kushaq and Rs. 17 lakh with Slavia
Skoda is introducing new variants for Kushaq and Slavia to broaden the horizon. We recently observed this with the Kushaq Onyx Edition placed in between the Active and Ambition Classic trim. However, the 1.5L TSI engine in both Kushaq and Slavia was limited to the creme-de-la-creme Style trim only.
Kushaq and Slavia Get 1.5L Engine In Lower Trim
That is now changed as Skoda is introducing its bulldog of an engine in mid-spec Ambition trim as well. This way, Skoda is making sure that customers preferring this high-performance engine don’t have to shell out a large piece of their budget for top-spec trim levels. Pricing for Slavia Ambition 1.5 TSI is out, starting from Rs. 14.94 with Slavia and Rs. 14.99 (all prices ex-sh). This makes the 1.5 Slavia variants affordable by Rs 2.06 lakh and Rs 2.16 lakh, respectively.
With this move, Skoda has reduced the price for the 1.5L TSI engine by Rs 2.5 lakh with Kushaq and Rs. 2.16 lakh with Slavia. This is a huge chunk and automotive purists who prefer higher performance over a fatter brochure are surely going to appreciate this aspect despite a reduction in features.
Feel good features like a 10.25” touchscreen infotainment screen were not part of the package with Style variants of Slavia and Kushaq anyway, making this transition smoother. Skoda is offering DSG transmission as well with prices for Ambition 1.5 DSG starting from Rs 16.79 lakh for Kushaq and Rs. 16.24 lakh for Slavia (all prices ex-sh).
Why 1.5 TSI Is Better Than 1.0 TSI?
A 500cc increment is not the only thing that plays a role here. In fact, the 1.5L TSI engine is a 4-cylinder engine whereas 1.0L TSI is a 3-cylinder engine. Hence making a significant difference in both standstill and in-gear acceleration. Even though both engines are turbocharged, the 1.5L TSI simply offers much more performance.
How much more? One might ask. In isolation, the 1.0L TSI shines with its 114 bhp of power at 5000 RPM and 178 Nm of torque at 1750 RPM. It is no match to the 148 bhp of power at 5000 RPM and 250 Nm of torque at 1600 RPM of the 1.5L TSI. Another reason to go with 1.5 TSI would be its 7-speed DSG gearbox which should shift a lot quicker than 1.0 TSI’s 6-speed torque converter.
Features Missed With Ambition Trim
With Kushaq, Ambition trim lacks some features over Style trim. These are keyless entry and push button start, leatherette seats, front seat ventilation, few chrome accents on the outside, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a sunroof, a fully digital instrument cluster, wireless charger and more. With Kushaq Ambition 1.5 TSI, these feature omissions are not deal breakers.
Ambition 1.5 TSI with Slavia however, loses out on slightly more features over Style trim. There are 6 airbags, keyless entry with push button start, all the telematics features, leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seats, dual-tone interiors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a sunroof, wireless charger and a few more.
