Skoda Slavia Facelift Swaps Out 6-Speed Gearbox For New 8-Speed Automatic

The updated Skoda Slavia replaces its older 6-speed torque-converter automatic with a new 8-speed unit for the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol model. Both versions use the same engine that makes 115hp and 178Nm of torque. The main goal of switching to the 8-speed automatic is to offer better fuel efficiency. Performance tests show how the two gearboxes compare in speed. The older 6-speed version is quicker from zero to 40kph at 2.80 seconds compared to 2.86 seconds for the new 8-speed unit. However, the new 8-speed automatic takes the lead at higher speeds. It reaches 100kph in 11.04 seconds, which is 0.12 seconds faster than the 6-speed model. The time gap grows to 0.21 seconds at 120kph and 0.10 seconds at 130kph. Rolling acceleration tests also show very close results. The 8-speed unit is 0.16 seconds quicker in the 20 to 80kph run and 0.24 seconds quicker in the 40 to 100kph test.

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Testing standards for these performance figures involve checking tyre pressure to match the maker's advice and keeping the car charged to 100 percent. The tests use a controlled space with two people inside and rely on GPS-based timing tools to collect accurate data.