Auto India, Car India

The market reviews for the prior version Laura were fairly good. Laura being a D+ segment sedan had always been expected quite a lot in all respects. The Laura with its excellent configuration succeeded in fulfilling all those expectations. Now the new version Laura will surely go beyond in term of performance.

Highlighting Features :
As mentioned earlier, the Skoda new Laura is a modified version of the prior model. This upgraded version has seen substantial modifications both in exterior and interior design. The New Laura is given a more dashing and appealing exterior look with modifications at the front grille, headlights, rear lamps and so on. Below is the summarized specification statistics.

General statistics :

• Name and Model : Skoda Laura 1.9 TDi AT Ambiente
• Ex showroom price (Mumbai) : Rs 13,84,500 (May vary)
• Body type : D+ Sedan
• Available colors :
  • Brilliant Silver,
  • Arctic Breeze,
  • Candy White,
  • Cappuccino Beige,
  • Magic Black,
• Engine type : 1.9L Turbocharger in-line Diesel
• Maximum power : 76 @ 4100 (ps@rpm)
• Maximum torque : 251 @ 2000 (Nm@rpm)
• Top Speed : 215 km/hr
• Steering : Power
• Brakes : Front Disc, Rear Disc
• Transmission : 6 speed automatic
• Wheels : 15″ Alloy
• Fuel tank size : 55
• Fuel efficiency : 17.2 (km/h, For highway), 12.5 (km/h, For city)
• Seating Capacity : 5
• AC / Non-AC : AC with dual zone climate control

• Music system :
  Skoda Audio Player with 6.5″ LCD TFT color touchscreen

Comments :Quite a long before the new Skoda superb is launched, the company had launched Skoda Laura. The car was designed according to European style and standard, which was exceptional in that time. Still the vehicle was appreciated a lot and achieved a great market sale. The New Skoda is moving on the same line.

The New Laura is quite a long sedan, with a touch of modern age shaping. The most prominent of all modifications is the facelift appearance of the New Laura. The bonnet and the body colored bumper dissolve each other at the grille in such a way that it appears as a facelift. The overall shape of New Laura is closed one, as is the case with all Skoda vehicles. The New Laura’s exterior value is greatly raised due to the extensive use of chromed features; some of these are Chrome protective side door strips, Chrome side window frames, Chrome smile around lower air dam in front bumper, Chrome surround for radiator grille, Chrome trim on the boot lid, etc. Also, the new-age body colored bumpers, grip type door handles and the alloy wheels make the New Laura’s exterior very attractive.

The safety is equally critical as is the comfort, in the new Laura’s design. The suspension system is standard with front assembly as McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer and rear assembly as a Multi-element axle, with one longitudinal and three transverse links, with torsion stabilizer. The latest technology reflects for enhanced safety and security with inclusion of the Anti-Lock Braking System, Brake Assist, Child Safety Locks and Anti-Theft Alarm.

The interior view of New Laura is made extremely pleasant to serve the passengers with high level of comfort and convenience. All the seats, including the driver’s, are 12-way electrically adjustable. This helps greatly to the person to acquire the most convenient seating. The recent time innovative feature, the 60:40 folding rear seats, are there in New Laura. This solves the problem of managing extra space for huge luggage. Not only the seating, but the interior environment is highly comfortable with the controlling systems such as Air-conditioning and heater, with Automatic air circulation, including AQA (Air Quality Sensor). The peak part of course is the entertainment, which is totally uncompromised in New Laura. It has a 6.5 inch LCD TFT color display with Auxiliary audio input for portable media players, eight speakers and SD/MMC data card reader. The audio controls are attached to the steering wheel, following the recent trend.

Pros :

• Turbocharged, in-line, diesel engine with liquid cooling system, direct injection, 16V DOHC, transverse in front
• automatic 6-speed, DSG, with Tiptronic manual gear changing
• Front suspension- McPherson suspension with lower triangular links and torsion stabilizer
• Rear suspension- Multi-element axle, with one longitudinal and three transverse links, with torsion stabilizer
• Anti-Lock Braking System, Brake Assist, Child Safety Locks, Anti-Theft Alarm
• Automatically dimming interior and external rear view mirror, Chrome protective side door strips, Chrome side window frames, Chrome smile around lower air dam in front bumper, Chrome surround for radiator grille, Chrome trim on the boot lid
• Bumpers, external mirrors, door handles, roof trim strips painted in the color of the vehicle, Chrome frame on air conditioning vents, radio, air conditioning controls, gearlever console, headlights switch, reading lamps, and information display screen on rear centre console, Chrome front and rear door sill trims with ‘Superb’ inscription, Chrome interior door handles, Chrome ring on instrument cluster dials, Chrome trim on steering wheel and chrome upper bridge on the instrument cluster, Interior wood design decor on front upper dashboard and door panels
• 12- way electrically adjustable driver seat,12- way electrically adjustable front passenger seat,12V power socket in luggage compartment,1670 liters of total luggage space with rear seatback folded,60:40 split and completely folding rear seat backrest, Adjustable rear air conditioning vents on 8 pillars, Automatic air circulation, including AQA (Air Quality Sensor),Automatic front wiper system with rain sensor, Automatic illumination of vanity mirrors, Climatronic - automatic air conditioning with electronic regulation of cabin temperature, Clock and outdoor temperature display on rear centre console, Coat hook on rear roof handles
• 6.5 inch LCD TFT color display, Audio controls on steering wheel, Auxiliary audio input for portable media players, Eight speakers, SD/MMC data card reader, Skoda audio player with touchscreen controls

Cons :

• Less rear boot space
• Higher cost

Bottom Line :
Skoda Laura was a highly performing engine equipped with world class elegant appearing body and high end comfort zones. The Skoda New Laura has gone one step ahead in terms of appearance and comforts. Seating is made extremely “to-the-convenience” way with the new 12-way electrically adjustable seats. Also, inclusion of the recent safety features, such as, ABS, Brake assist has upgraded the safety systems in Laura. It is one of the best sedans in its class, for sure!