High on the highway: The new Skoda Laura looks more distinctive and classier than its predecessor

It’s easy to see the thought process behind the updated Laura. Škoda obviously realised that the earlier car looked like a bigger Octavia (which it is actually). That and just a diesel engine on offer probably limited its appeal. The updated Laura looks like a scaled-down version of the Superb (and borrows its petrol engine too). Škoda reckons this will help it bring in more customers. Well, at least that’s the plan.

STYLE FILE

The Laura gets larger headlamps stretched over the side of the car. The word ‘Laura’ is etched on them (just like in the Superb). There’s a wider grille, a larger air intake in the bumper and the tail-lamps are subtly redesigned as well. Although these are small changes, they help make the car look more distinctive and classier than the outgoing model.

INSIDE STORY

Prospective buyers will appreciate the changes inside the cabin, which feels more upmarket than ever before. Gone is the dull grey-and-black combination — a plush beige now replaces it. The dashboard is a combination of black and beige with generous doses of chrome garnish all over. You get a new stereo unit as well, whose display doubles up as the parking sensor display while reversing.

There are definite traces of the Superb visible inside the cabin. The steering wheel is the same, as is the gear lever. The dials now light up in white instead of the staid green on the previous car.

The cabin has plenty of useful cubbyholes. There’s one on top of the middle AC vent, one in the rear central armrest and another even on the front seat squabs (or backrests).

The interiors are clever too. The boot itself is a humongous 560 litres and is very easy to load. But Škoda seems to be cutting costs. The Ambiente version misses out on power seats and steering-mounted audio controls, which were present on the last model.

Another gripe is poor rearward visibility, thanks to the thick rear pillars and small rear screen. Also, rearward visibility is unaided by the side-view mirrors, which are not convex and limit the field of vision. Škoda should rectify this as soon as possible.

Other than that, both front and rear seats have good space and offer plenty of support. Overall cabin quality is very good and everything has a typically Škoda solid built-to-last feel to it. Despite the slightly higher level of glitz gained by adding bits of the Superb, the Laura still looks and feels like one of the most eminently practical cars you can buy in its class.

UNDER THE HOOD

Take the new Laura out and you’ll immediately appreciate the all-new petrol engine. This is the first petrol motor on the Laura, which came only with the Pumpe-Düse diesel unit now. The 1.8-litre TSi engine is borrowed from the Superb and the turbocharged unit develops a meaty 160bhp of power.

What you’ll love is the refined nature of the engine and the manner in which it delivers its power. At idle it is so quiet that only the rpm needle’s movement reveals that it’s at work. The unit is a bit slow in its responses at low rpms but power is seamless and produced consistently all the way to its redline. You will get a six-speed manual gearbox with the Laura, but it is a bit notchy and needs a heavy hand to slot. This is the only area where the Laura falls behind some rivals.

DRIVER’S DEAL

Quick performance figures are no surprise. While 0-60kph comes in a scant 3.8 seconds, 100kph comes up in 8.1 seconds. This not only makes the Laura quicker than its rivals like the Corolla and Civic, but takes it into the BMW 325i and Audi A4 3.2 category.

Škoda engineers have done a good job on the suspension, which has been softened a bit. Ride comfort is very good especially at lower speeds. The Laura will tackle patchworked roads without the driver having to slow down considerably for fear of being thrown around.

The Laura’s high-speed manners remain as confidence-inspiring as ever. Stability at three-digit speeds is rock-solid. Keener drivers will appreciate the steering, which feels well-weighted at speeds and offers plenty of feedback. Going around corners at high speeds is also fun with the Laura offering good body control.

Fuel efficiency is going to be the Laura’s forté. It managed to deliver 9.8kpl in the city and 14kpl on the highway, commendable figures for its class and size. The Škoda has trounced its rivals in this department too.

FINAL VERDICT

The outgoing Laura has done incredibly well to remain a strong seller for Škoda, taking on the likes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla with considerable aplomb.

Also, the addition of the petrol motor to the range should go a long way in appealing to wider audiences who didn’t like the Laura’s clattery diesel engine.

The Laura petrol’s price starts at Rs 13.31 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). You get parking sensors, alloy wheels, two airbags, ABS and climate control, among other things, as part of the standard kit.

You also get solid build quality, refined interiors and the petrol engine is leagues ahead of rivals, both in terms of performance as well as fuel economy.

With this Laura, Škoda not only takes on the Civic and Corolla, but it’s sure to attract buyers who want to buy a relatively small luxury car (rather than an Accord or Superb). All Škoda needs to do now is to improve the service and after-sales experience at its workshops.

SPec check

Škoda Laura 1.8 TSi

Price: Rs 13.31lakh onwards (ex-showroom, Mumbai)
Engine: Petrol, 4-cyls in-line, 1798cc, direct fuel injection, turbocharged
Installation: Front, transverse
Maximum power: 160bhp at 4500-6200rpm
Maximum torque: 25.5kgm at 1500-4500rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Kerb Weight: 1305kg
Tyres: 195/65 R15, tubeless
Suspension (F/R): MacPherson strut, torsion stabiliser/ independent, multi-link, torsion stabiliser
Brakes (F/R): Ventilated discs/ solid discs