Skodas in India are better known for their superior build quality and the diesel power plant that powers current Octavia’s. The latter, being both torquey and refined. The Laura is sportier. The lines and creases are sharper and are better executed. And the edgy design character continues throughout. The hood for instance is more sculpted with a prominent nose line running top to bottom, reminiscent of Formula 1 cars and also seen on the earlier Octavia though a little subdued in the latter. The grille meanwhile is typically Skoda, understated with vertical slats giving it the sober trait. The headlamps, which are suggestive of Superb, are again from the edges-are-beautiful school of thought. These are more like a sculpted trapezium.

Skoda Laura is the new generation Octavia which Skoda India had to rename since the older model is still doing well in the Indian market. The Laura gets a diesel engine which features VW’s Pumpe-Duse technology and that means instead of using a common-rail to feed the engine, this motor employs four injector-pump units so that pressure is not lost in transit. A more efficient explosion and hence better fuel efficiency and more power is the result. The power thus generated is transferred to the front wheels through a Direct Shift Gear auto-box, yet another VW-Audi Group invention. While the DSG automatic (which uses a second clutch that pre-selects the next gear for you to ensure faster and more precise shifts) works well with petrol engines, providing instant throttle response and sterling performance.

It delivered Zero to 60 kph can be managed in less than five seconds and a 100 kph run in 12.2 seconds. The passing speed performance is simply the best diesels, at 9 seconds for 80-120 kph and 13 seconds for 100-140 kph.

A diesel that is almost as quick and as fast as any petrol-powered car in its class. The new Golf platform makes the Laura even more sporty thanks to a revised suspension setup and an electro-mechanical steering system. Sharper steering and a perfectly acceptable ride on most road conditions makes driving the Laura good fun.

Inside, the seats are exceptionally good and fit and finish almost reaches C-Class levels. The only worry was a centre console display that was difficult to read during the day, more so when driving against a blazing sun. Rear seat room is acceptable for a notch, though D-segment dwellers won’t appreciate it much.

Filed under: Skoda Cars in India