Skoda Laura TSI Automatic Launched in India

Skoda Auto has launched the fully automated version of Laura 1.8 TSI petrol variant in India. The launch was held on 4th February 2013. Thus Skoda Laura became the youngest member of the famous Czech-based clan of automotive and the latest entrant in India’s budding fully automatic sedan market.



Engine:
The Skoda Laura Auto comes with a 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol engine with 4 cylinders. The engine generates a peak power of 160 Bhp at 6200 rpm and a peak torque of 250 Nm at range of 1500 rpm to 2500 rpm. The gear box transmission of the new Skoda Laura Petrol Automatic will be available in 2 options: 6-Speed Manual and 7-Speed Automatic.



The new 7-Speed DSG gearbox has a manual Tiptronic and also gets a dry clutch rather than a wet clutch as found in 6-Speed DSG. This may improve the fuel efficiency of the car. While the automatic variant has a fuel efficiency of 14.6 km/l, Laura manual offers a fuel efficiency of 13.4 km/l only.

Interior and Exterior:
The interior specification of the car remains the same as the other models. But more features are added to the exterior of the vehicle. The Laura got a very sporty look with an athletic front bumper with integrated spoiler and polished twin exhaust pipes. Unlike the other models, the new Laura has 16 inch alloy wheels with wider wheels. This will help to improve the drivability.

Safety features:
The new Laura comes with the latest braking features like ABS(Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution system) and MBA (Mechanical Brake Assistant). Another safety feature such as the Xenon curve projector headlights with dynamic leveling is also embedded in the car.



The new Skoda Octavia which is expected to be launched soon, will have a higher equipment levels is more likely to use Automatic 1.8 TSI and will be sold as a limited edition.

The Skoda Laura Automatic is available in Ambition trim level and will be available at a price range of Rs. 15.65 lakh at ex-showroom, New Delhi. The price of the vehicle is around Rs. 1 lakh expensive than its manual transmission sibling. The new Skoda will compete against Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta, Renault Fluence, Chevrolet Cruze and Toyota Corolla Altis. The Skoda has a very good hope upon this Laura 1.8 TSI petrol that it may increase their sale volume.