The Octavia has grown and Skoda is now ready to move into the premium mid-size segment and take on the likes of the Accord. BOB RUPANI has a dekko

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.
So what's the car like? Everybody can tell a Skoda by its face, and the Laura is no exception. The distinct grille with vertical ribs, the chrome plated frame with the logo on top, and the arching bonnet, give the front a very familiar look. The design is clean with the V-shaped bonnet giving a streamlined appearance and the elongated contours imparting strength. Viewed from the side the fine flowing line of the roof merging with the robustly slanting fenders is surprising at first. Being actually a second-gen Octavia, it looks much like the original; it’s only when you park them alongside that you actually realize that the Laura is longer, wider and taller than the Octavia. The styling and design of the Laura is obviously an evolution of the Octavia’s, and strikes a cautious balance between elegance and modern mainstream design. This conservative approach will certainly not offend many, but it may also not leave a lasting impression. The restrained look will appeal to the executive class customer that Skoda wants to target in India, but I must say I am disappointed that they did not take a more adventurous approach and leap forward with a path-breaking design.
Built on the same VW A5 platform as the new Golf, the Laura offers more space than the Octavia, especially at the rear, and many will welcome this. The interior is not only more spacious but also better trimmed with an exemplary finish that is every bit as good as the bigger Superb. Everything feels good to touch, the ergonomics are impeccable, the seating position comfortable, the visibility excellent, the controls and instruments clear and logical and there are plenty of storage compartments. The inside is a nice place to be in and the standard equipment includes rain sensors that switch on the wipers on their own, a system that monitors tyre pressure, electrically adjusted seats, sliding sunroof, etc.
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?