Semiconductor Shortage Haunts Skoda’s Slavia And Kushaq Once Again

• Skoda Slavia and Kushaq to get a smaller 8-inch touchscreen.
• It remains to be seen if they will get connected car tech and wireless smartphone connectivity.
• Skoda should offer the larger unit once the situation improves.
• This move is for customers who want their vehicles sooner than later.

The global semiconductor shortage has hit Skoda once again. Previously, the Czech carmaker deleted the auto-folding ORVM feature in the Kushaq due to chip scarcity and this time around, the 10-inch touchscreen will be replaced by a smaller 8-inch unit. Both the Slavia and Kushaq have been affected by this move. 

Commenting to our query about this development, Skoda India said, “In light of the continued semi-conductor shortage, we have made some minor updates to the equipment in our INDIA 2.0 cars w.e.f. 1st June onwards, so that our customers face no undue delays in taking delivery of their ŠKODA. Customers will be appraised of the feature updates by their dealers. We at ŠKODA AUTO India thank you for choosing a ŠKODA and for standing by us in these times of supply shortages. Irrespective of the global situation, we shall always endeavor to provide the best buying and ownership experience with a ŠKODA.”

The 10-inch touchscreen in Skoda’s made-in-India offerings have a slick user interface with smooth touch inputs and fast response times. It also gets features like connected car tech and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It remains to be seen if the smaller unit will come with these features. 

That said, we are pretty sure Skoda will bring back the 10-inch unit once the situation improves. Previously, when the Czech carmaker deleted the Kushaq’s auto-folding ORVM functionality due to the semiconductor shortage, customers were given a Rs 15,000 rebate, which could then be used to instal the feature from a dealer whenever they see fit. Now, this feature has been rolled back in the Kushaq. 

This is bound to be disheartening for customers who are awaiting their prized motor. That said, this is an option for customers who want their vehicles sooner than later. That said, Skoda hasn’t specified when it would be rolling back to the 10-inch unit. So, watch this space.

The Slavia costs from Rs 10.69 lakh, while the Kushaq starts from Rs 11.29 lakh (both prices ex-showroom).