Skoda Laura RS coming on August 31

The 200 PS Skoda Laura RS will be launched in India on August 31. It boasts of a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine with 200 PS power. The brakes and suspension are upgraded as well, and the car rides on 18-inch rims. Discreet vRS badging on the grille and boot are the other visual giveaways.

On the inside, the car has vRS logos on the stitiched leather seats, and contrast stitching on the leather-clad steering wheel and gear lever.

We expect the new Laura RS will cost about Rs 18 lakh, ex-showroom, and is aimed at the buyer who wants a sporty driving experience with understated style. The earlier Octavia RS was a big hit with buyers, and although it sold in limited numbers, the car attained cult status and really boosted the image of Skoda in the mnids of the consumer. While the earlier Octavia RS was available in both sedan and estate body styles, we expect Skoda to stick with only the sedan for the Laura RS this time around.