Check out what's happening in the automotive world?

Khaleej Times

25-02-2025

The floodgates to automotive happenings have opened up in 2025. We're just a few weeks in, and we've witnessed numerous car launches, each one more impressive than the last, and every vehicle represents a new or refreshed alternative catering to different segments and price brackets.
All-new 7-seater Škoda Kodiaq unveiled for the Middle East
The new seven-seater flagship SUV is now available across the Middle East, with a starting price of $36,500, or Dh1,34,059 (excluding VAT). It features Škoda's 'Modern Solid' design language and includes simplistic but bold exteriors. It's available in three trims – Selection, Selection Plus, and Sportline – each equipped with 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch alloy wheels, respectively. While the first two variants get dark chrome trims, the Sportline gets blacked-out trims, including the grille, window surrounds, roof rails, and an additional piece of rear lighting. Besides the optional second-generation TOP LED Matrix headlights, the other standout feature is the new front grille available with an optional horizontal light strip. This mid-size SUV has also grown over 6cm in length, offering more personal and luggage space (845 litres with the third row folded and 2035 litres with both rear rows folded).
Taking centre stage on the inside are Škoda's innovative Smart Dials – rotary multi-function push-buttons featuring integrated digital displays which are customisable for various settings. The Sportline gets the large freestanding 13-inch infotainment screen, while others get a 10-inch display. The gear selector is now mounted on the steering column, for a sleeker centre console look. As for upholstery, materials range from premium fabric, leather, and suede depending on the trim. Upping the tech game is the Škoda Phone Box with two cooled wireless chargers, four 45W ports and one 15W port (located in the rear-view mirror). Middle East customers can choose between two powertrains: the 1.4 TSI, which delivers 150 PS to the front wheels, and the more powerful 2.0 TSI, which delivers 190 PS with all-wheel drive as standard. Both configurations are paired with a DSG transmission.
New Audi A5 and S5 launched in the Middle East
Audi Middle East has introduced the new Audi A5 and S5 models to the region. The lineup represents a tasteful evolution from the iconic A4 nameplate – a mainstay of Audi's lineup since 1994. The model retains the much-loved fastback silhouette, combining practicality, luxury, and sportiness. The signature Singleframe grille is complemented by sculpted, aerodynamic lines, while Matrix LED headlights offer selectable light signatures. At the rear, optional OLED taillights underscore the sleek design.
Inside, the A5 showcases Audi's newest interior language, anchored by a large curved digital display housing a 11.5-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit and a 14.5-inch MMI touch infotainment display. Front-seat passengers can also access the additional 10.9-inch screen with dynamic privacy mode. Besides the high-quality materials that we've come to expect from Audi, these models also provide ample legroom and headroom. The 445-litre trunk (expandable to 1,299 litres) offers versatile cargo space too. For audiophiles, a Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System comes standard in the S5, with optional speakers integrated into the seat headrests.
The base A5 Sedan 35 TFSI delivers 150 PS and 280 Nm of torque helping it reach 100 km/h in a rather leisurely 9.8 seconds. For a more spirited 7.8-second run, you can choose the 40 TFSI, which is rated at 204 PS and 340 Nm of torque. Both models come with front-wheel drive and a 7-speed S tronic transmission. The sportier S5 model launched alongside is equipped with a 3.0L V6 TFSI engine capable of generating 367 PS and 550 Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h time of just 4.5 seconds. It also features the quattro all-wheel drive, torque vectoring and adaptive damping sports suspension for increased dynamism.
The all-new Audi A5 range is now available for pre-order with arrivals beginning during Ramadan 2025, and prices in the UAE beginning at AED 198,300 for the A5 35 TFSI Advanced and AED 314,100 for the S5 (inclusive of VAT, service plan, roadside assistance, and registration). Future variants like the 45 TFSI quattro (272 PS) and superlative RS 5 performance V6 PHEV (580-plus PS) are set to arrive in early 2026.
MG HS mid-size SUV launched in the GCC, Iraq and Jordan
Building on the success of the first-generation MG HS mid-size SUV, the Chinese automaker MG Motor has announced the launch of the HS with prices starting at $21,600 (excluding VAT).
The sophisticated exterior design is characterised by its striking 'Hunting Eye' LED headlights over an emphatic, gaping lower grille and 'The Shard' full-length LED taillights. Furthermore, the sculpted bodywork rides on either stylish 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels depending on the trim. And the conventional, yet elegant interior features dual 12.3-inch HD screens that provide 'a fully immersive digital cockpit experience', a slatted dashboard with integrated A/C vents, quilted door panels and premium 8-speaker Bose audio system. Convenience features include dual-zone climate control, a wireless phone charger, and seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Emphasising its family-oriented values are things like a power tailgate, a versatile cargo capacity of up to 1,397 litres, and 5-star Euro NCAP safety ratings. It also comes equipped with the Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a 360-degree HD camera and up to six airbags, providing added convenience and protection on the road. Under the bonnet, the new MG HS range offers one of two turbocharged engine options. Drivers can choose between a 1.5T powerplant, which delivers 173 PS to the front wheels via a 7-speed DCT, or the 231 PS, 2.0T engine which is paired to a 9-speed automatic and also features a FWD layout.