Honda City Hybrid eHEV vs Skoda Laura [2005-2009]

7 Ratings

3 Ratings

A smooth and eco-friendly sedan with advanced features

I recently got a chance to test drive the Honda City Hybrid eHEV 2023 and I was very impressed by its performance and features. Here are some of the points that I would like to share about my driving experience, firstly Driving experience, The car was very easy to drive and handle. The hybrid engine was powerful and responsive, delivering a smooth acceleration and gear transition. The fuel economy was excellent, as I got around 25 km/l on average in city traffic. The car also had low emissions, which made me feel good about contributing to the environment. The Honda sensing technology provided a safer driving experience, as it alerted me of any potential hazards or collisions on the road. The car also had a sport mode that enhanced the performance and thrill of driving. Secondly, Details about looks, and performance, The car looked stylish and elegant, with a sleek design and LED headlights. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with leather seats and ample legroom. The boot space was sufficient for my luggage needs. The car had a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a premium sound system. The car also had a sunroof, wireless charging, rear AC vents, ambient lighting, keyless entry, push-button start, paddle shifters, cruise control etc. Thirdly Pros, Powerful hybrid engine, excellent fuel economy, low emissions, spacious cabin, stylish exterior, and advanced safety features. Finally Cons, the High prices compared to other hybrid cars, limited colour options, and no diesel variant. Overall considering everything I will rate it 4 out of 5.

BEWARE ! Most non-professional service back-up

<p>Dear Probable Buyers!</p> <p>I understand how excited you will be if you are looking to buy a new car. I bought a skoda Laura&nbsp;Ambient for myself ealry June 2008, from Gurudev Motors, Chennai. After spending 15 lakhs for a car, I definitely expect a very prompt, professional, reliable and concerned after sales service. But surprise surprise !!!</p> <p>It started with the delivery of my RC book which took them 50 days to arrange. I called up the sales rep. Mr. Kumaran who sold me the car, and the showroom manager Mr. Vijay, more than 20 times over a period of 25 days or so. They never called back. Never. I had to call them again and again to check on it. And they refuse to come and deliver it to my office now that they have it. Simply refusing. So much of after sales service from the showroom.</p> <p>It was just the begining of the humiliation part with after sales service. My car was hit and had to be sent to garage.</p> <p>T R A U M A is the best possible word. Seeing my new car hit wasnt enough that I had to go through what happened next.</p> <p>It wasnt any big accident and the work was suppose to take not more than one week. Since I was travelling, i took the delivery after 18-20 days. And was more than shocked when they delivered the car.</p> <p>Mind you, my car was one month old and hasnt even done 1000kms. The whole interior of the vehicle was stained like it was a 5 year old badly maintained car. There were scratch marks and small dents in at least 5 places. Paint job was horrible and I dont think they even tried to polish it. Totally I had written down 15 complains&nbsp;after seeing the car. The car was sent back and was suppose to be delivered in a day.</p> <p>Of course it wasnt delivered on time and there was no call from the workshop apologising or informing the same. In fact i had to call them often to check what was happening. The car came back next evening and to my surprise, I returned the car back because it still had 15 complains!</p> <p>The car right now is in the garage and they say they need 2 more days. I have written to skoda customer care, called them, and also sent emails to the dealer. Almost a day gone, and I still havent heard from any of them. The only person who called is the service&nbsp;manager of the workshop, who I have been in touch with for last 25 days. And he doesnt seem to be much worried about the problem anyways. Looks like as they say in Bollywood, the only resort I am left with is praying, that I get my car back in a good condition. Cant add 'on time' now even in my prayers, can I ?</p> <p>Out of the 2 months i have owned the car, one month it has spent in garage for a small job. I had to rent out&nbsp;a cab for&nbsp;a few days spent thousands on them.</p> <p>I would have thought that a brand like Skoda would dare having a professional network with people able to do their job properly, to avoid me having to send my car as many times as I did. As you may know the reputation of a brand also relies on the service it provides, and I have rarely witnessed such a poor and appalling performance. I can&rsquo;t believe that Skoda staff finds it acceptable to send back a car that was in state as revolting as the one I got back</p> <p>To wrap it up, i will tell you that its a nice car. I bought it because i liked the styling and&nbsp;the&nbsp;driving pleasure it offered.&nbsp;But please please dont ever think of buying it if you are the one who looks for professional after sales service. Skoda think its professional to rely on one dealer in a city like chennai. Skodas professionalism is only towards its rotten dealers and NOT the buyers. Even if i would never want to go back to gurudev motors, i will still have to go there for my next service. Its humiliating and I am worried what will they do to my car. I have also experienced the toyota and honda &nbsp;after sales service (also ford / hyundai / maruti / chevorlet). Not that they are perfect, but its never been anythign so bad.</p> <p>If you want to know anythign else in more detail about the same, feel free to email me.</p> <p>Rohan</p>Bad service eats up all the prosService Back up which will humiliate you