Words by Ajinkya Nair
Skoda India has brought in a new variant for the Octavia called the L&K (Laurin & Klement). This new variant replaces the earlier top-of-the-line Style Plus. Back in Juy 2017 when the facelifted Octavia was launched, buyers had the option of Octavia Ambition, Style, and Style Plus. But the latest iteration is the new fully equipped option for buyers.
For a premium of Rs 31,000 over the Style Plus, you get a Canton ten-speaker system (nine speakers plus one subwoofer) over the existing eight speakers. Also it gets L&K insignia on the door sills, gear knob, and front fender. The 121 year old car company, Laurin & Klement, was acquired by Skoda Works in 1925. Since then, Skoda uses the ‘L&K’ name to distinguish especially luxurious editions for some of their cars.
The standard equipment of the Laurin & Klement version includes a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat with lumbar support. It also gets keyless entry, auto park assist, curtain and side airbags, and fatigue alert.
This variant is available in both, petrol and diesel engine options, albeit with automatic transmissions. The 1.8-litre petrol is mated to a seven-speed DSG, while the 2-litre diesel comes with a six-speed DSG. Prices for the L&K variant are Rs 21.9 lakh for the petrol, while diesel goes up to Rs 24 lakh (both prices ex-showroom).