I recently exchanged my one year old Honda Accord (new model) for the Skoda 1.9 Ambiente AT - (just could not manage to drive and park the very large Accord on the narrow Mumbai streets, and mileage was really bad - less than 7 kmpl!)
Have been extremely happy with the Laura since then - getting a FANTASTIC highway mileage of 16+ kmpl, and about 11+ kmpl in the crowded city crawl (all with the AC on, and on diesel). My fuel costs have been slashed to HALF.
It's also a pleasure to drive - the DSG auto gear box shifts up and down REAL fast, even better than I would do manually. Acceleration is excellent when you want it - and the DSG actually is increasing the effective mileage from the car.
The sound system is excellent. I wish they had given leather seats at this price -- and sometimes the engine sounds a bit loud at idle. I now hesitate from giving this lovely car to my drivers! Its reasonably comfortable, but compact enough to park and drive around in Mumbai!
Great fuel economy, DSG Auto gear box is a delight, fit and finishEngine a bit noisy at idle, should have given leather seats at this cost!