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| Set for a bigger game | ||
| Review all Models of Skoda Laura | ||
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There is
a new kid, sorry lady, in town, and she is called Laura. Those from
the cow belt should not even attempt to call her by name, they might
just get beaten because the way they may pronounce it, could sound like
the Hindi word that refers to the private parts of a man’s body!
Wonder if anyone at Skoda gave this a thought? Anyway, they have achieved
a first by giving a car in India a human name, and let it be said that
Laura is a pretty name. The diesel engine that drives the Laura is similar to the Octavia's with the same cast-iron block, but the injection method and technology is different with unit injectors known as pumpe duse or PD. This system is used exclusively by cars from the VW stable and is known for its quick response and high power and torque output. In fact the engine in the Laura produces 105bhp, which is 15 more than the Octavia's. The car we drove also had the VW group's new, revolutionary DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox), a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that provides smooth and swift shifts and also combines the best of the six-gear manual shift transmission which you can use by just shifting the lever, with the advantages of the full automatic. Not that you need to do much shifting, with the engine being so torquey. It pulls eagerly from low rpm and retains its enthusiasm across the power band. But it does tend to get rough and noisy at higher rpm and the vibrations even come through the pedals and gear knob! It is this lack of refinement that is the only disappointing aspect of the engine and one thinks it is time for Skoda to infuse some newer technology into this diesel power plant. But what the Laura loses out due to the roughness of its engine, the DSG gearbox makes up with its clinical and precise and prompt shifting. In fact it is one of the highlights of the driving experience, the other being the ride. The
new multi-link, coil-spring suspension at the rear offers a supple and
comfortable ride however bad the surface. The benefits of this new set-up
are immediately apparent, in the lack of any roll or wallow. The Laura
rides with real poise and deals with all sorts of roads in a quiet,
well-controlled manner. The ride is simply super, apart from over long
lasting undulations,when the weight of the iron block engine gets the
nose nodding. High-speed control and handling are also predictable and
in the short time I spent with it, it displayed well-balanced and vice-free
behaviour. The steering feel is positive if not very involving, and
just like other Skodas, the Laura feels very solid and strong. The brakes
have a pleasing feel and are also very good at their job. Overall, the
Laura is a great mile-eater and feels comfortable even at the higher
limits. What makes it special though are the little touches. For example, when the doors are opened the indicators in the door mirrors act as puddle lights, throwing light on the ground to help you board or disembark. And if you’re parking in a narrow space, four inconspicuous ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper direct you by means of a sound signal whose intervals shorten as you get closer to obstacles. Skoda’s also just released the prices: the PD version we tested will be Rs 16.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), with forthcoming versions around there. That’s bang in Accord territory. And the only diesel at the price. Want to start saving up? |
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| 1.9
TDi PD We say: Near perfect luxury car. Does everything well but not refined enough Price: Rs 16,49,310 lakh Performance: 0-100kph na, max speed na Tech: 1896cc Pumpe Duse, FWD, 105bhp, 250Nm, 1350kg |
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Source
January 2006 |
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