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.
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
Skoda has a few months back launched their flagship the Skoda Superb. It is an excellent car that combines luxury with power and lives up to the name of the Czech manufacturer. The Skoda hit the Indian market about a decade back and the car has made a name for itself for reliability and durability. The new Skoda superb which has been launched has won good reviews from Europe as well, where the Czech manufactured car holds it own against other similar cars.
The car is built on a VW Passat platform as it comes from the same stable. But it has more legroom compared to the Passat. The car comes in both petrol and diesel versions and certainly gives competition to other brands like Camry and Accord. The Superb has a very capable petrol engine and a brilliant diesel engine and hence is a much better bet than the earlier Superb. In short, if you are in the market for a D-segment sedan you cannot just ignore the Superb. It is a regal sedan and has all the trappings of an excellent car.
The car is loaded with the usual goodies. In addition it has a luxurious feel with touch screen stereo. The usual features available in a high end car are all there like climate control and cruise control.
The Superb comes with three engine variants beginning with a 1.8 TSI turbo petrol, the 2.0 litter PD engine and lastly the powerful superb with the V6 petrol engine. The 1.8 petrol has an output of 160 bhp and can touch 100km in about 10 seconds. That is pretty good. However in case you are looking for greater economy than the diesel 2.0 will stand you in good stead. It churns out 140bhp and can race to 100km in 12 seconds. In addition in actual city driving conditions the car clocks 10km to a liter and on the highway you can get 15.Which is fine and will not pinch your pocket.
Lastly, if you are looking for refinement than the V6 is certainly your cup of tea. It generates an awesome 260 bhp and accelerates to 100km in less than 8 seconds. Power from this FSI engine goes to all four wheels making this the safest executive sedan to drive in adverse weather conditions like slippery and wet roads
The Skoda Superb has proved that a European sedan can take on the established players in the segment like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. The car is an excellent buy and priced between Rs 22 to 25 laky. However the V6 will set you back by Rs 30 laky, but the extra features and the 4×4 system alone compensates for the relative high price.
The Skoda superb is definitely a car that is a cut above similar Japanese cars. It also has an excellent dealership network and the car can be serviced at centers all over India. Spares are not a problem with such an extensive dealership and maintenance network. The Skoda is certainly value for money. In case you have the money than buying a Skoda superb is an excellent proposition. It is like buying a cheaper version of the Merc and will tickle your palette.