Škoda Slavia

The Škoda Slavia is a mid-size sedan that pairs a roomy, practical cabin with a proper European driving feel. In Nepal, it's sold by MAW Expanze, with prices ranging from Rs. 49.90 lakh to Rs. 75.90 lakh across five variants.

Every Slavia uses the same 1.0 TSI engine, a 999 cc turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit making 114 bhp and 178 Nm. The turbo, a compressor that forces extra air into the engine, delivers peak torque from just 1,750 rpm, so the car feels responsive in stop-start traffic without needing to be revved hard. You can pick a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, with claimed efficiency of 19.47 kmpl and 18.07 kmpl, respectively, fed from a 45-litre tank.

Practicality is where the Slavia really stands out. The 521-litre boot handles family luggage with ease and grows to 1,050 litres with the rear seats folded. Ground clearance of 179 mm is unusually generous for a sedan, which helps over speed humps and broken stretches of Nepal's road conditions.

Safety is a strong point too. The Slavia carries a 5-star Global NCAP rating for both adult and child occupants, and every variant gets ESC (stability control that brakes individual wheels to keep the car on line), ISOFIX child seat mounts, and multi-collision braking. Depending on the variant, you also get up to six airbags, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, and an electric sunroof.