Škoda Launches the New Octavia in the Middle East, Elevating Everyday Driving
Available in four distinct trims – Essence, Selection, Sportline and the sporty range-topper RS – this new model features a sharper design language, smarter technology, and even more dynamic performance, tailored to meet the evolving expectations of drivers across the region. Prices for the new Octavia range start from 24,443 USD (excl. VAT), offering exceptional value for a car that blends European craftsmanship with everyday versatility.
The new Octavia's exterior reflects subtle yet impactful enhancements. Revised front and rear aprons, a reimagined Škoda grille, and second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights contribute to a more confident, contemporary look. These advanced headlights feature 36 matrix segments for improved illumination, while animated LED rear lights add a striking visual signature on the Sportline and RS variants. A refreshed alloy wheel portfolio includes bold new designs up to 19 inches, including Sportline-exclusive Vega and RS-specific Elias wheels in anthracite. The colour palette comprises nine exterior paint options, with Mamba Green reserved for the Sportline and RS trims, enabling greater personalisation.
Inside, the Octavia sets a new benchmark with its commitment to premium comfort and eco-conscious materials. A 13-inch infotainment display makes its debut, complemented by a newly redesigned 10-inch Digital Display that replaces analogue dials as standard across the range. Enhanced USB-C ports now provide 45W fast charging, while the upgraded Phone Box delivers 15W wireless charging with integrated cooling. Passengers enjoy increased comfort and mindful design, with seat upholstery incorporating recycled materials and sustainably tanned leather. Features such as dual-zone Climatronic, enhanced KESSY keyless
entry, and Simply Clever additions — including a new rear storage box and a sustainably sourced umbrella — complete the thoughtfully upgraded cabin.
Powertrains That Combine Efficiency and Excitement
The new Octavia range features two turbocharged petrol engines that strike the perfect balance between efficiency and performance. The 1.4 TSI engine delivers 150 hp through an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth, responsive performance ideal for everyday driving. Remarkably efficient, the 1.4 TSI achieves fuel consumption as low as 5.6 litres per 100 km, offering drivers both spirited dynamics and long-distance economy in one Simply Clever package.
For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, the range-topping Octavia RS is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine that produces 265 hp and 370 Nm of torque. Paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission, the RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. With progressive steering, a VAQ limited-slip differential, and a sport suspension lowered by 15 millimetres, the RS offers dynamic handling, outstanding traction, and a level of driving enjoyment that stands out in the segment.
Advanced Safety That Inspires Confidence
The new Octavia also raises the bar for safety. The addition of Attention and Drowsiness Assist provides more intelligent monitoring of driver alertness while advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control will be available later this year. With up to seven airbags, enhanced camera-based assistance systems, and advanced emergency braking, the Octavia reinforces its five-star Euro NCAP rating and stands among the safest sedans in its segment
Simply Clever Features for Everyday Comfort
The Octavia continues to lead in everyday practicality, thanks to Škoda's signature Simply Clever innovations. Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, the Octavia can be equipped with wireless phone charging with active ventilation ensuring the device stays cool and powered, while multiple fast-charging charging ports, including one in the rear-view mirror, keep everyone connected on the go. Additional thoughtful features such as a reversible boot mat, a fully sustainable integrated umbrella in the passenger door and a removable waste bin in the door panel, ensure the Octavia is always ready for real-life demands—whether on the school run or a weekend getaway.
Heritage and Future in Harmony
As Škoda celebrates its 130th anniversary this year, the Octavia continues to stand as a key pillar of the brand's global success since the modern version's debut in 1996. With a presence in over 60 markets, It remains one of the top-selling models in seven European countries and a consistent winner of prestigious automotive accolades.
Lukáš Honzák, Managing Director of Škoda Middle East, commented: 'The launch of the new Octavia represents another important step for the brand in our Middle East journey. For the first time, we're introducing new entry-level trims that will make the Octavia accessible to an even wider audience, including price-sensitive customers and businesses seeking fleet solutions. All without compromising safety, comfort, or design, something that will resonate with our customers here who value innovation, reliability, and refined European engineering. Meanwhile, at the top of the range the Octavia RS continues to lead with its bold design, impressive performance, and confident drive. As a halo model for the brand in this region, the Octavia RS really sits in a category of its own.'
With its refreshed design, forward-thinking technology, enhanced safety, and commitment to sustainability, the new Škoda Octavia sets a new standard for everyday driving in the Middle East. Whether chosen for its practicality, performance, or premium features, the Octavia continues to embody Škoda's promise of delivering accessible, intelligent mobility — now more refined and future-ready than ever before.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
4 hours ago
- Gulf Today
German gas drive fuels fears of climate backsliding
Sam Reeves, Agence France-Presse Germany's conservative-led government has launched a drive to rapidly build more gas-fired power plants, fuelling fears about climate policy backsliding and sparking unease even within its own ranks. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition has made reviving Europe's struggling top economy a priority and argues that reliable and affordable energy supplies are crucial for the country's manufacturing titans. But critics charge the bid to boost fossil fuel production is ideologically driven and highlights a shift away from green policies under the new government. Merz leads a coalition that includes his centre-right CDU party and junior partners the centre-left SPD — but without the Greens, who were in the last administration. The economy ministry, headed by Katherina Reiche of the CDU, is vocally backing a target of building new gas plants with about 20 gigawatts of power production capacity by 2030. Reiche, a former energy company executive, has argued it is important to "move very quickly" towards building the plants "in order to maintain a high level of security of supply in our country". The goal is to have a backup source of power in times there are shortfalls of renewables, which sometimes happens when the sun is not shining or there is not enough wind. Supporters say more supply is needed in the short term as nuclear power has been switched off in Germany and coal should follow suit in the coming years. They argue natural gas — which emits greenhouse gases but is less polluting than coal — can bridge the gap until enough renewables come online. Under German climate law, the share of renewable electricity consumed in the country should rise to 80 percent by 2030. It stood at around 55 percent in 2024, according to the federal environment agency. Earlier this month, the government agreed gas production could begin off a North Sea island in an area straddling the border with the Netherlands, with a Dutch company planning to extract the fossil fuel, sparking condemnation from environmentalists. Plans to build more gas plants are not new, and the previous government also wanted to expand capacity, but the new targets are around double those of the past. Underlining the new government's changing priorities, Reiche's ministry has been renamed the "Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy" — under the Greens in the previous, SPD-led coalition, it was called the "Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action". She also appeared at one point to question Germany's legally binding target of achieving greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045, sparking tensions with SPD environment minister Carsten Schneider. An economy ministry spokesman told AFP that Reiche "stands by" the current climate goal. "The government is committed to achieving these targets with the political measures at its disposal — while maintaining Germany's position as an industrial location," he said. The Greens have regularly attacked Reiche while more than 380,000 people have so far signed a petition by campaign group Campact warning her policies risk "a dramatic setback in climate policy". But criticism is emerging even within the conservatives. The Climate Union, grouping CDU and other conservative politicians, has warned subsidies for new gas plants could push up power costs, the Handelsblatt financial daily reported. Energy think tank Agora Energiewende estimates that only a maximum of 10 gigawatts of extra gas plants would be needed by 2030 to supplement other power sources. "This will ensure security of supply — even if coal-fired power plants are taken off the grid as planned," Philipp Godron, the head of the group's power programme, told AFP. Meanwhile, questions remain over how quickly the plants can be built, while the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, still needs to give its approval. The economy ministry spokesman told AFP that talks with the EU for putting out tenders for a "significant portion" of the plants were "well-advanced". He also stressed that any new gas-fired plants must be "decarbonised in the long term", for example by switching them to green hydrogen, which was necessary "in view of the decarbonisation of the electricity system and compliance with EU law".
Middle East Eye
7 hours ago
- Middle East Eye
Elbit strikes $1.64bn deal with unnamed European country: Report
The Times of Israel is reporting that Israeli military company Elbit Systems has inked a five-year contract worth $1.64bn to supply long-range precision strike artillery-rocket systems and unmanned aerial vehicles to an unnamed European country. According to the report, the country ordered a suite of AI-powered unmanned aerial combat systems, including personally operated drones for tactical and operational use. Under the deal, Elbit will supply long-range precision artillery rockets, and defence products equipped with its advanced intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capabilities, known as ISTAR, as well as communications and signal intelligence systems.
What's On
16 hours ago
- What's On
Etihad Airways launches 30% off sale on US and Europe flights
If you've been dreaming of a crisp autumn stroll along Chicago's lakefront, the historic cobbled lanes of Prague, or a memorable European escape, Etihad Airways has served up a timely temptation. In honour of India's Independence Day, the UAE's national carrier has launched a sweeping flash sale, offering travellers departing from India a generous 30% off Economy fares to top destinations across the US and Europe. Booking must be completed by August 15, and the travel window spans an enticing period from September 2025 through March 2026, perfect for planning everything from fall getaways to festive-season adventures. Here's a taste of what's up for grabs: Chicago : Dhs3273 Washington DC : Dhs3149 Toronto : Dhs3599 Barcelona : Dhs2036 Dublin: Dhs2149 And the sale also includes flights to Brussels, Prague, Warsaw, Sochi, New York, Rome, Atlanta, Madrid, Boston, Paris, Munich, and Frankfurt. This Independence Day special builds on Etihad's earlier start-of-summer sale, which offered 25% off fares across both Economy and Business class routes. Highlighting the airline's dynamic pricing strategy in a competitive post-summer market. The promotion comes just as Etihad is flexing its modernised fleet and introducing the Airbus A321LR into service. Last week, flight EY414 departed from Zayed International Airport bound for Phuket, showcasing Etihad's enhanced cabin experience now available on short and medium-haul routes. There have been a number of changes in aviation travel from and to the UAE capital. Last month, low cost carrier, Wizz Air, suspended all their Abu Dhabi operations in a move that shocked travelers and industry experts alike. Whether you're craving a cultural break in Dublin's cosy pubs, a scenic US road trip, or a snowy European photo op, now's a great time to book. But with the offer expiring August 15, your ticket to exploration, and maybe a little freedom, is flying fast. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
