Skoda begins market assault

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Back in May, we reported that Abu Dhabi-based VW and Porsche dealer Ali and Sons would be taking over UAE sales of Skoda cars in the UAE. The company has now officially opened its showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road, next to the existing Seat outlet of Bin Dhaher Enterprises.

The Czech-based manufacturer uses platforms and engines from the parent Volkswagen Group, which acquired the firm in 2000. Skoda is one of the longest-running names in history, having first begun with an arms manufacturing business in the 1860s and moving to produce bicycles in the 1890s.



At launch, two cars will be available: the Skoda Octavia hatchback and the Superb large saloon. The Golf-based Octavia is available in three trims: a 1.6-litre ‘Ambiente’ starting at $19430, an fully-loaded ‘Elegance’ model at $24450 and an sportier vRS model that borrows the familiar 2.0-litre turbo engine from the GTI. At $27710 with a DSG gearbox, it’s considerably cheaper than the Jetta GLI – but not cheaper than the base three-door GTI, which in rarely-seen manual guise is available for $27170.

The headline act for the new Skoda range is likely to be the ambitiously-named Superb sedan. It starts in 1.8-litre turbocharged form at $27710 and rises to $37090 for the loaded ‘Elegance’ model with a 3.6-litre V6 motor.



Cheaper cars are on the way – next month, the baby Fabia supermini will be launched in 1.6-litre form only, with prices ranging from $16000 to $18200.

At the time of writing, engine outputs and exact specifications have not been confirmed.