Toyota Corolla Altis vs Skoda Laura vs Chevrolet Cruze : Comparison

At first glance, all three cars look quite good, and nothing really sets one apart from the other, except maybe the Chevrolet Cruze that definitely comes across as the most well-chiseled of the lot. While, the new Corolla’s lines and styling is to a great extend inspired by the larger Camry model, the car does come across as bold and attractive in its own right. The Laura on the other hand is just as sophisticated to look at as you would expect with most Skoda models. But in the overall looks department, the Cruze certainly takes a leap forward owing to its muscular, chiseled, attitude oozing styling.

On the inside, all three cars are quite comfortable, as you would expect in sedans competing at this level. But where the spaciousness is concerned, the Cruze certainly takes a beating, as compared to the Laura and more importantly the Altis, which is roomiest of the lot.

Lifting the hood, we see a different power game arising among the three contenders. First up is the 2.0-litre DOHC mill of the Skoda Laura that is capable of pumping out 140 PS @ 4000 rpm and a tyre balding 320 Nm of torque. Next up is the Japanese contenders D-4D series engines, which though the smallest of the lot is also one of the most technologically advanced. It produces 88.4 PS @ 3800 rpm and 205 Nm of rotational force @ 2800 rpm, which the engine makes in a very linear and absolutely flat torque curve. But the real match winner is the 2.0 litre VCDi unit in the Cruze which boosts output to 150 PS @ 4000 rpm and a very impressive 327 Nm of torque.

Getting to the numbers, the 100 km/h sprint in the Cruze is covered in just 11.6 seconds and keeping the throttle buried sees the speedo needle go north of 200 km/h with ease.  In the Laura, the 100 km/h comes up in a quicker 11.44 seconds with a top speed close to 200 km/h. Outright performance can be termed just about adequate on the Altis with the 100 km/h mark coming up in 14.55 seconds. In terms of top speed, the Altis runs out of breath at a shade over 170 km/h.

Where fuel efficiency is concerned, the Cruze returned an overall figure of 12.41 kmpl, while the Laura managed 11 kmpl in the city and 14 kmpl on the highways. The mileage champion in the group however is the Corolla Altis. Managing 14.2 kmpl around town, and an unbelievable 24.3 kmpl on the highway.

With prices starting at Rs. 10,95,000 and going upto Rs. 13,75,000 for the top end variant, the Altis is one to pick blindly if space and fuel economy are big considerations. The Cruze retailing between Rs. 11,52,254 and Rs. 13,95,982, however does offers a better ride quality, explosive performance and great looks. Asking for a lakh more than the Cruze and the Corolla, the Laura is by far the ‘priciest’ of the lot, selling for anything between Rs. 14,89,376 - Rs. 18,01,407. So if money is no object the Laura makes for a pretty satisfying buy as it has the best build quality of the lot and is also the classier car by far.

Verdict:
Either ways you can't go wrong with any of the cars mentioned above. It's just a matter of establishing one's priority which makes the decision even simpler.