Skoda Laura RS likely to come to India this September

Czech automobile manufacturer Skoda’s Indian arm, Skoda Auto India will likely launch the Laura RS (Rally Sport) in India by September 2011.

The company will launch the Laura RS with the RS body kits, but not the 200 bhp, 2.0 litre turbo-petrol engine, according to Autocar India editor Hormazd Sorabjee.

The Laura RS will be powered by the same 1.8 litre TSI engine that makes a decent 160 bhp of maximum power. The engine may be mated to a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox).

Skoda’s decision to play safe with the less powerful engine could be mainly because of the rising fuel price hikes as the running cost of a Laura RS powered by the 200 bhp mill will be much more than that for the 160 bhp motor. Also read: Skoda to launch campaign as a part of 10th anniversary celebrations

Skoda showcased the Laura RS at the Delhi Auto Expo in 2010. The design and the performance parameters have been inspired  directly from the racetrack. The Laura RS gets sporty exteriors revealing the high-performance heritage of Skoda’s ‘RS’ models.

The car features optional 18” Neptune light alloy wheels while the 17” Zenith alloy wheels come as standard with the present variant. The aggressive chrome tipped double exhaust and aerodynamic spoiler at the rear adds to the sporty characteristics of the Laura RS.

Skoda offers additional features in the Laura RS such as optional xenon headlights with dynamic angle control, fog lights and the LED daytime running lights.

The interiors of the Laura RS will feature sporty Alcantara/leather seats with lateral support and a RS emblem. Driving enthusiasts will be delighted to see the race-bred alloy pedals on the foot well, rubber grips and stylish grey-trimmed floor mats in the Laura RS. Also read: Is the Fabia Scout Skoda’s attempt at a sub-10 lakh SUV for India?

Skoda Auto India had earlier launched the Octavia RS in India a couple of years ago. Petrol heads were delighted by the performance of the Czech car maker’s sporty sedan and it was the only car below Rs. 15 lakh to offer such thrill during that time. When launched, the Laura RS will be the second ‘RS’ model to be launched by Skoda in the Indian market.

Currently, Skoda offers the Laura at prices ranging from Rs. 11.99 lakh to Rs. 18.21 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Laura is available in Laurin & Klement, Elegance, and Ambiente. These variants are available with a choice of three engines: 1.8-litre TSI petrol, 1.9-litre TDI PD, and 2.0-litre TDI PD, that generate 160 bhp, 110 bhp and 140 bhp respectively.

In January 2011, the company launched the Laura Classic, powered by the 1.8-litre TSI petrol, as the base variant of the Laura priced at Rs. 11.99 lakhs, ex-showroom, Delhi.