Skoda Fabia-based sedan is now the Lauretta

Skoda’s upcoming sedan for Indian market has been named “Lauretta”. While under development, the car was referred to as the Rapid, but Skoda has decided to go with the Lauretta badging to give it an identity that feeds off its elder sedan sibling, the Laura.

Here’s what we know about Skoda’s upcoming Fabia-based sedan, the Lauretta.

Exterior Looks

The Lauretta looks like it was assembled from two existing cars – the Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Fabia. It has design cues of the Fabia, especially the Czech brand’s signature front grille, side-swept headlamps and prominent fog lamps on the front. The rear of Lauretta looks similar to that of the Volkswagen Vento in profile. It is based on the Fabia platform with a slightly extended wheelbase, and a neatly integrated boot.

Engines

The Lauretta will be powered by the same 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines which also do duty in the Vento. The 1.6 litre petrol engine of Lauretta will put out 104 bhp of power and 153 Nm of torque. The engine will likely be mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and an optional 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 1.6 litre diesel engine of the Lauretta will put out 104 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque and will likely be offered with only a 5-speed manual transmission.

Mileage

The ARAI mileage of Vento petrol (manual) is 15.04 kmpl while that of the diesel version is 20.54 kmpl. We expect similar fuel efficiency figures for the Lauretta also.

Features

The Lauretta will likely carry all the features offered in the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Vento. Expect features such as steering tilt/reach adjust, height adjustable driver seat, electric-adjustable mirrors, central armrest for both driver and rear passengers, rear AC vents, climate control, power windows, central locking, parking sensors and remote locking on the top-end variants of the Lauretta. We aren’t sure if the innovative legroom adjusting lever that’s present on the Vento will find its way into the Skoda Lauretta though.

Safety

With regard to safety, the higher variants of the Lauretta will be equipped with dual airbags, ABS, fog lights, engine immobilizer and alloy wheels.

Price & Competition

The Lauretta could be priced in the Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 9 lakh price range. The Lauretta will lock horns with Maruti Suzuki SX4, Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Fiat Linea, Volkswagen Vento and the new Ford Fiesta. Looking at pricing trends of Skoda cars against Volkswagen cars in each segment, we expect the Lauretta to be marginally cheaper than the Vento variants.

Launch

The Lauretta is expected to be launched in early October while the actual deliveries to customers would begin only in December 2011.

(Photo courtesy: AutoCarIndia)