As one opens the driver?s door and gets inside, reassurance is immediate and gratifying. The new Skoda Laura 2.0 diesel shouts quality from the very core of its being.
This Skoda is a blend of contemporary styling and dynamic contours. The elegant silhouette, sloping roofline, strong shoulder line and lower sills impart a sporty and elegant appeal. The exterior of the car is beautified, with a chrome front grille, flared headlamps, new tail lamps with a chrome central insert and turn indicators in the external mirror.
In essence, we are looking at a large, luxurious car that is attractive both inside and outside, has ample legroom and is endowed with the performance and sophistication one expects from the very best cars in the range of Rs 18-20 lakh today.
Lacking entirely any of the vulgar stylistic appendages that bedevil even the most expensive cars, the Skoda Laura has an understated presence suggesting taste and discernment and sits well alongside the Honda Accord and VW Jetta in the segment.
It?s responsive, it?s comfortable and it?s fun to drive. It?s responsive because of the brilliant diesel engine. It?s comfortable because it has big cabin space and supportive seats. It?s fun to drive because six gears can be exhilarating.
Step on the accelerator and after a microscopic lag, the car gathers speed smoothly and very quietly. The aggressiveness is cloaked and quite deceptive.
An urgent motorway trip of 100 km followed by 120 km of twists and turns in the inner city convinced me that this is the best value-for-money car in its class. Or even in the class above and the class above that.
Another positive aspect of the Laura 2.0 diesel, other than its handling capabilities, is the braking. The bite from the mechanically assisted brakes is sharp and instant.
Inside, the car boasts modern design elements and high-quality material. The chrome interior door handles, plush ivory upholstery and wood decor exude warmth and elegance.
Features like 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat, heated front seat, sophisticated audio player with 6.5 inch LCD TFT colour touch screen and steering mounted audio |controls offer a comfortable and pleasurable ride all the time.
Moreover, dual-zone climate control, multi-function display, reading spot lamps and adjustable rear air-conditioning vents enhance inner comfort.
A special feature of the car is the light assistant technology that automatically switches on the lights of the car for a specific period when approaching the car or while leaving it. This ensures visibility even in the dark and helps users find their way easily.