Skoda Auto is generally known for its stylish looks, a strong built exterior and elegantly styled interiors. The company has launched the new facelifted Skoda Laura. The new car has joined the ranks of other handsome Skoda line-up on May 21.
Earlier, the 2009
Skoda Laura made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008. It new model is globally known as the next generation of Octavia. Skoda Auto has redesigned the car to give it a new feel and look to keep it ahead in the race of 2009.
The changes are immediately recognizable such as the reworked xenon headlamps with wear a bolder wraparound design a complete deviation from the previous rectangular cut-off design, a robust waterfall grill and a beefy one-piece bumper on the front and rear end.
In the interior, the Skoda has raised the bar of elegance with its awe inspiring sculpted dashboard and new upholstery. A new firm grip steering wheel has also been installed. Depending on the model, the safety features like the ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, Airbags and 3-point discreet seatbelts.
Apart from these Skoda has also upgraded the engines. The new Laura will come with 1.8 litre turbocharged, petrol engine that delivers 160 bhp power. The same engine is also fitted in the recently released Superb. Another 140 bhp, 2.0 litre PD diesel engine has been added apart from the 1.9 litre PD(pump duse technology) diesel engine. These engines are mated to a single 6-speed DSG automatic transmission, which is quick and almost effortless to operate. The new 2009 Skoda Laura is expected to be available in three variants- Classic, Ambiente and Elegance.
Skoda had launched rolled out Laura in 2005. There is an interesting trivia attached wit the launch of Laura. The Czech based auto manufacturer Skoda Auto had launched the car to be positioned on the premium luxury car segment. Since it was based on a bigger A5 platform got from its parent company Volkswagen and was then priced higher. Though the car was is essentially
Octavia, the two models sported different prices and hence the company decided to market them as separate models.
After its launch Laura was bestowed with most coveted auto awards such as the Most Technologically Advanced Car by CNBC-TV18 AUTOCAR AUTO, Automotive Technology of the Year from NDTV PROFIT CAR INDIA and Executive Car of the Year from Overdrive, all in the year 2006.
So far, Skoda Laura has had a fantastic run in the Indian car market. Skodas aggressive marketing will rub on the new Skoda Laura too. The new model will provide more value for money and more style than money can afford. The car is specially designed to meet Indian driving conditions. There is no doubt that the new Lauras arresting looks and marvelous ownership experience is expected to help it perform better than its predecessors in the premium sedan segment.
