Skoda Auto India, the completely owned subsidiary of German automotive major Volkswagen Group, has introduced an automatic transmission equipped model of its Laura executive saloon in the domestic market. The newly launched Skoda Laura automatic model is offered in only the Ambition 1.8 litre petrol variant. Further, the Czech auto major has pitched in the new automatic Laura at an introductory price tag of Rs. 15.65 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi), which is around Rs. 1 lakh expensive than its manual transmission sibling.
Speaking of under-the-hood specifications of new 2013 Skoda Laura AT, the executive sedan comes assimilated with a 1.8 litre TSI turbocharged petrol power mill that produces a peak power output of 160 bhp, along with maximum torque rating at 250 Nm. The same motor can also be found in the petrol trim of the luxury Skoda Superb saloon. The engine assembly of petrol Skoda Laura AT also comes mated to a cutting edge twin clutch 7-speed DSG transmission system. As per reports, the Skoda Laura TSI automatic trim boasts off an incredible fuel efficiency of 14.6 kmpl (ARAI certified), which is about 1.2 kmpl higher than the Laura 1.8 litre TSI model with manual transmission.
Reportedly, the Skoda Laura premium saloon is pitched against the likes of Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta, Renault Fluence, Chevrolet Cruze and Toyota Corolla Altis, amongst others in the Indian auto market. The auto maker has pinned great hopes with its new launch in the Indian market, which is expected to be a volume puller for the Skoda India.
