Skoda’s new Laura Ambiente
Posted at October 24th, 2007 under Auto version Upgrades, Automobile, Luxury sedans | 
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Skoda on October 24th launched a new variant of its best selling model Skoda Laura and it is named laura ambiente. Ambiente is Skoda’s third variant in the laura platform apart from the L&K and elegance. Similar to laura L&K and elegance variant, the new Laura Ambiente is powered by a 1.9L diesel engine. Laura Ambiente will be available in four colors Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Satin Grey and Corrida Red. Laura Ambiente is equipped with safety features like two airbags, Traction control system (ABS + ASR), Rear parking sensors with Parktronic display, and Automatic wipers with rain sensors. Skoda expects to sell 1,000 Ambiente in the next 12 months. Skoda’s new Ambiente is priced at Rs 12,89,990, ex-showroom Mumbai. (Laura L&K is available for Rs16.4 lakhs). A new variant of much superior laura variant at low price may cause cannibalisation of the Octavia rangepriced between Rs 11.61 lakh and Rs 14.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Thane). Hence Skoda Auto India may introduce a 1.6-litre variant in the Octavia range that now has the 1.9-litre diesel and 1.8-litre turbo petrol variants. Mr Karsten Bogun, Managing Director of the company, said: “We are looking at various updates on the Octavia, it ranges from style to powertrain but it would be premature to talk about it; we have not finalised anything on it as yet.”
Skoda is also adding more dealers to its network. Skoda plans to add four more dealers in 2007 and make it 65 in 2008. With the addition of this laura ambiente, Skoda India now offers 15 variants in India. Skoda recently launched Superb comfort – a new variant of its luxury sedan Superb. Skoda plans to bring its 170bhp Skoda Laura RS and next generation skoda superb to India in 2008. Skoda’s much expected fabia hatchback will be unveiled during the 2008 Auto Expo.
photo of Laura Ambiente from rediff.com
Would you by any chance be having the email ID of Mr Karsten Bogun? Can you please send it to me in case you have?
regds
Varunan
SKoda Laura, even in its stripped version, is a great car & VFM. Ambiente has opened options to the erstwhile users of Civics, Corollas & also the new upgraders looking for a quality car. The Laura carries immense snob value. And why not? The build quality & the great diesel engine scores over petrol variants in terms of durability, refinement & fuel economy & above all, the resale value. With rising fuel bills, the diesel is going to be a preferred option in the coming years in India. Almost saving you 40 to 50% on your fuel bills, the higher initial cost will fade out sooner than you think. The regular recurring cost will be the only concern. Just one spends a grand or two on a holiday trip and that all intangible pleasures soon fades out and the that expenses still lingering in your hearts and the pouring Credit card bills with “foreign exchange chatges” adding to your woes.