Skoda Laura RS

Skoda Auto India delivered a yearly growth of 20% growth August 2011 and the total sales recorded for the year was about 1812 units as opposed to the previous years' (2010) sales number which stood at 1512 units. With a smart growth rate the company's next progressive step was the launch of Skoda Laura RS another addition to the rally sport heritage, which also gives us an insight into Skoda's growth trajectory in the country. The Skoda Laura RS is entry level premium sedan but launched with the chief aim of providing an ultimate driving pleasure plus a total sports car feel.

Looks - insides and the exteriors
Laura RS has taken extensive cues from the racetrack while designing the sedan and the Octavia RS seems to be a greater inspiration behind the creation. The Rally Sport badge (RS) at one corner of the front grille and on deck lid makes a ready-to-race announcement while the elegant yet robust body style gives the sedan the sporty image. The external color coding for the Laura RS features body coloured front and rear bumpers, door handles, side door strips and the exterior mirrors. Furthermore, the 16" Draconis alloy wheels, chrome finished radiator grille, polished exhaust tailpipes, integrated rear spoiler, LED position lights, headlight washers, front and rear fog lights and not to forget the impressive Xenon curve projector headlamps that complete the sporty look of Laura RS. The electric sunroof which is remote operable surely is a brownie point while being show stealer.

Speaking of the interiors Laura RS has maintained elegance and of course the technologically advanced features to gel with the overall sophistication of the car. Simply put, the interiors are a fine combination of class and sporty features; touch of chrome for multimedia controls, AC, steering wheel, front and rear console, door handles, instrument cluster dial and gear knob add to glitz of the car. While the central infotainment system is braced with LCD color display, touchscreen function that features the information on Skoda Swing audio system. With eight speakers fixed you will hardly be deprived of disco theque! But that simply exudes the sports car style. The seats are adorned with finest Alacantara leather upholstery which come with RS encryption and look very impressive. The safety systems consists of the front and side airbags, ABS or anti-lock braking system, EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), anti-slip regulation and the traction control system and not to forget the child lock and child-proof window at the rear.

Some of the other features that are worth mentioning include the active front head restraints, twin colored dashboard (onyx and ivory), manual climate control system, 12V power socket placed on the center console, odour and pollen filters, cup andd bottle holders, cooling and illumintaion gets a place at the front glove box. The Laura RS offers amazing boot space of 560 litres and should you fold the rear seats you can maximize the storage space to 1420 litres....thats like a monster. All good over now the complaint part; passengers at the rear may squirm some due to poor leg space. Nevertheless, on the whole the car is sufficiently spacious if not extra spacious.

Engine, performance and mileage
The Skoda Laura RS is equipped with a 1.8L TSI 4V or the turbocharged fuel stratified injection, 1798 cc, 6-speed manual transmission petrol engine that delivers a maximum power of 160 bhp at 4500-6200 rpm and torque of 250 Nm at 1500-4500 rpm, which gives us a clear picture of the car's stupendous power and performance.



The smooth six speed manual transmission along with electronic driving assistance and suspension with modified spring rates offer a great handling. The thrilling driving experience with the turbo charged engine becomes the main appealing factors for anybody to buy this car.

As for the output of the Skoda Laura RS the powermill may surprise you with some sound, however it wont let the performance go down. The pick up is just great more so when the drive is in top gear and talk about the response, it is second to none.

The Skoda Laura RS' body has been specifically designed to reduce the air resistance co-efficient to ensure lower fuel consumption and the car gives fuel economy of a little under 10 kmpl in the city and around 13 kmpl on the highway, which again people may heave a sigh as not so good.

Colors
The new Skoda Laura RS has four color options to choose from - race blue, candy white, magic black and sprint yellow. The Skoda Laura RS comes in petrol version only and comes pegged at price of Rs 15,99,069 (ex-showroom Maharashtra).

Verdict
The growing demand for smaller cars and the constant fuel price hike could be the spoilers for the sale of new Laura RS. Also complaints on Skoda service and high maintenance can act as dampeners for success of the Laura RS. Else the sedan is a stunning beast with envious functionality that promise to give an exhilarating drive....what more a warranty time of 2 years or warranty distance of unlimited kilometers is what comes from Skoda. If you deny this you are simply not worth a great option in the class.