GLORY BE

The Skoda Slavia comes as a breath of fresh air in an SUV-laden market

- Pablo Chaterji

'Hmm, mm, this thing doesn't have a notchback.' That was what went through my mind when I saw the Slavia in the flesh, and I can probably be forgiven for thinking so; it's one of the design features I associate strongly with Skoda sedans, and I happen to think it looks well cool. Apparently Slavia misses out on it because of cost concerns, which is a pity. Nevertheless, on we go.

There's nothing else about the Slavia that I can claim to have a similar sentiment about, though. I think it looks very good, and is easily the standout car in its class in the design department. Its low, wide stance is sporty and muscular (and there's still 179 mm of ground clearance), and there's an easy elegance to the car too. The signature 'butterfly' grille is a prominent feature of its nose, and it's proportionately complemented by the slick headlights and L-shaped DRLs; this is mirrored by the inverted-L shape of the fog lamps.

The car's profile — with its sloping roof line merging into the boot has a pleasing coupe-like shape, and the character line that runs the length of its body adds some heft. The rear sees neat, C-shaped LED tail lamps extending into the boot, as well as Skoda lettering on the lid of the boot and a chrome strip on the bumper. The 16-inch alloy wheels have an eye-catching two-tone effect and fill out the arches nicely. Of the five colour options available, the Slavia looks the most fetching in Tornado Red, IMHO.