Skoda Slavia Facelift: Volkswagen’s second-best-selling sedan in its class, the Skoda Slavia facelift, has been spotted during testing, indicating that the updated sedan could be launched in 2026. According to Rushlane, spy images of the test mule, credited to automotive enthusiast Harsh Shah, offer early details about possible design and feature updates to the exterior and interior.
While the car was heavily camouflaged, several changes are visible, suggesting a mid-cycle refresh for the popular sedan.
Changes to Front and Rear Design
The test mule shows a refreshed front and rear profile. Skoda appears to have retained its signature grille design, but the headlamps and LED daytime running lights seem to feature a new design. Due to the camouflage, finer styling elements were not clearly visible.
The fog lamp housings also appear to have been redesigned compared to the current Slavia. Another noticeable update is the lower grille, which now features a three-dimensional pattern finished in piano black.
At the rear, the Slavia facelift is expected to get updated tail lamps and minor bumper upgrades. However, the boot lid design and the placement of the registration plate seem unchanged from the existing model.
Side Profile Unchanged
The side profile of the Slavia facelift remains largely similar to the current version. The only visible change could be a new set of alloy wheels. The test vehicle was seen with blacked-out alloy wheels, and the spoke design appears different from the standard model.
Other elements such as conventional door handles, blacked-out B-pillars, dual-tone outside rear-view mirrors with integrated turn indicators, and circular wheel arches have been carried over. The coupe-like roofline continues to give the sedan a sporty look, tapering smoothly into the boot lid.
Interior Updates and Safety
Inside the cabin, the Slavia facelift is expected to receive a refreshed dashboard layout. Updates may include a revised touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster.
One of the most significant expected updates is the introduction of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The Slavia already holds a 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests, and the addition of ADAS could further strengthen its safety credentials.
The ADAS package may include features such as blind spot detection, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, avoidance assist, driver attention warning, safe exit warning, leading vehicle departure alert, and high beam assist.
Rivals and Powertrain
Rival sedans such as the Hyundai Verna and Honda City already offer ADAS features. Competition in this segment is expected to increase further, as the Verna facelift is also anticipated in 2026. The Volkswagen Virtus facelift is expected to receive updates similar to those of the Slavia.
The Skoda Slavia facelift is likely to continue with its current engine options. These include a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque, offered with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The larger 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine produces 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque and is paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
