Skoda Laura - The New Luxury Sedan 2010

Skoda marks its presence in the luxury segment in India with its Octavia and Laura. Skoda Octavia has spelled success ever since it was launched. Laura picked up slowly and still marks a good presence on the Indian roads. A new version of Skoda Laura was also launched, Skoda Laura Ambient also made a quiet entry in to the market subsequently. Although the both the models have marked a subtle presence, nevertheless, both have their unique characteristics that make their owners be proud of their style and elegance. Skoda Laura competes with against Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry in its segment.

Skoda Laura - The New Luxury Sedan 2010

The Power and the Technology

Skoda Laura is based on the A5 platform that is accompanied with cutting edge technology which tries its best to match the Indian road and driving conditions. It has a 1.9 Pump Dense Technology engine that is known for its low emission which is BS III complaint. This engine also delivers good fuel efficiency. It gains its top speed as 189Kmph. It comes with automatic and tip-tronic transmission that has six forward and one reverse gear.



It has McPherson suspension in the front while the rear wheels have multi-element axle with one longitudinal and three transverse links. It has dual braking system in front and back and comes with power steering.

Inside Out

The exteriors are plush and stylish with extremely elegant look. It is a 4-door 5-seater car and a shining fully galvanised body. Interiors also carry stunning look that are well designed for maximum comfort. The overall design quite resembles with Skoda Octavia. It has a storage capacity of 560 litres that can be extended up to 1350 litres by folding the rear seats.

You can experience the rich upholstery, adjustable driver seats that have memory setting options so that it remembers your preferences. A long wheelbase gives a lot of room to the driver and makes driving the vehicle a real pleasure. It has an illuminated and refrigerated glove compartment with ample storage amenities. It carries all the safety measures that are usually present in any luxury car in the same segment.

Price Factor

The new Skoda Laura can give 11-16 kmph fuel efficiency on the city roads. It is priced at Rs 16-17 lakh in India and is amongst the elite peers in its segment that offers enticing looks clubbed with superb technology. It is available in 5 colours in India to choose from - Storm Blue, Candy White, Black Magic, Diamond Silver and Sahara Beige.

However, smaller changes in style and technology can further enhance the worth of the model. The front vent sometimes makes it difficult to see in front. The tyres still need to be improved upon for Indian road conditions. Moreover, the car still needs further adaptability for Indian driving conditions. The audio system can be still better but on the whole the car is a queen in the luxury segment that is tough enough to give a good competition to Accord, Camry or Sonata.

Satish Kalepu has been an avid auto fan and reporter for many years. He frequently writes about new car launches in India and researches trends in the Indian auto market.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Satish_Kalepu

Skoda India Launches New Skoda Laura

Skoda India, a fully owned subsidiary of Skoda Auto a.s. Czech Republic (Volkswagen Group), one of the fastest growing car manufacturers in Europe, today announced the launch of The New Laura at an enchanting theatrical and musical launch event. Exhibiting a robust and dynamic exterior design and luxurious interiors, the car truly blends beauty with power and economy to offer a perfect 10/10 driving experience. The New Laura is available in 3 variants; 1.8 TSI in Ambiente, 1.9 TDI PD in Ambiente & Elegance, and 2.0 TDI PD in L&K.

The Skoda Laura is recognized for its new engine technology, excellent safety and comfort features and good performance. Perfect handling, directional stability and enhanced braking ability have always been the hallmark of every Škoda automobile and are mirrored in the new Laura as well. Soaring high on the design, safety, security, comfort, and convenience aspects, The New Laura accelerates on the same track assuring the customers a perfect 10/10 driving experience.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales & Marketing, SkodaA uto India said, “We are proud to present the 3 variants of The New Laura, which assures the customers a Perfect 10/10 driving experience. ŠkodaAuto India has achieved tremendous success since its inception in India and we are looking forward to achieve many more milestones with the support of our valued Indian customers."

"We have received encouraging reports on the recent launch of Skoda Superb with our customers embracing the all new Skoda Superb qualities of design, safety, comfort and state of the art technology. With the launch of the new Laura we are extending these qualities once again making it the best in its class.”

“With the New Laura we will reinstate our supreme position in the C+ segment and aim at increasing our segment share by penetration into smaller cities and towns in India for which we are also expanding our dealer network and infrastructure to 65 points by this year end with authorized outlets in Trichy, Salem and Haldwani”, added Mr. Ashutosh Dixit, General Manager, Sales & Network Development, Skoda Auto India.

Available in Arctic Breeze, Candy White, Diamond Silver, Black Magic and Cappuccino Beige colours, the variants are priced at:

Skoda Laura 1.8 TSI Ambiente - Ex-Delhi Price (12,98,767), Ex-Maharashtra Price (12,67,711), Ex-Chennai Price (12,96,645), Ex-Kolkata Price (13,07,257)

Skoda Laura 1.9 TDI Manual Ambiente - Ex-Delhi Price (13,30,681), Ex-Maharashtra Price (12,98,999), Ex-Chennai Price (13,28,559), Ex-Kolkata Price (13,39,171)

Skoda Laura 1.9 TDI Automatic Ambiente - Ex-Delhi Price (14,03,102), Ex-Maharashtra Price (13,70,000), Ex-Chennai Price (14,00,979), Ex-Kolkata Price (14,11,591)

Skoda Laura 1.9 TDI Manual Elegance - Ex-Delhi Price (14,69,844), Ex-Maharashtra Price (14,35,434), Ex-Chennai Price (14,67,721), Ex-Kolkata Price (14,78,333)

Skoda Laura 1.9 TDI Automatic Elegance - Ex-Delhi Price (15,40,801), Ex-Maharashtra Price (15,05,000), Ex-Chennai Price (15,38,678), Ex-Kolkata Price (15,49,290)

Skoda Laura 2.0 TDI Automatic L&K - Ex-Delhi Price (17,55,440), Ex-Maharashtra Price (17,15,541), Ex-Chennai Price (17,53,317), Ex-Kolkata Price (17,63,929)

The launch event witnessed a spectacular musical extravaganza presented by Shahriyar Atai, Dean Gregory, Ella Atai, Kyla D’souza and Amogh Pant. The musical show artistically presented The New Laura’s perfect 10/10 experience. Czech Consul General Ms. Eva Drdrkova, celebrities from the silver screen and corporate honchos added spice to the event with their presence.

Courtesy: Skoda India