Local prices, engine specs, performance, fuel economy data, reliability and safety listings for every car
sold in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait!
The Fabia attempts to deliver Skoda’s strategy of offering extra features at prices similar to those of its competitors.
First launched in 2000, the Fabia underwent
a facelift in 2005. It is available
in hatchback, sedan and station wagon versions with a choice of two 1.4-litre engines
officially, and various trim levels.
The weaker engine comes with a manual or an automatic, while the stronger engine
comes with a manual. The car looks somewhat sporty with colour-coded front and rear bumpers, and minimal
overhangs, aided by gently
flared rear wheel arches. The cabin offers
soft touch materials and a decent amount of space. With a split rear-folding
seat, the cabin offers versatility, while power features such as windows and
mirrors are all available.. Also standard are power steering, adjustable steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. Safety standards are high, with
standard features on all Fabia models that include driver and front passenger airbags
and ABS brakes.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Aveo
Peugeot 206
Toyota Yaris
Price Range
Dhs 41000 - 46700 (US$
11100 - 12700)
Body Styles
4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback,
5-door wagon
Weight (kg)
1060 - 1165
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.4 I4 FWD 1.4 I4 FWD
4A 5M
75 100
126 126
7.5-7.6 6.5-6.7
17.0-17.3 11.5-13.1
166-169 173-185
Good
Manoeuvrability,
front interior space, cabin quality
Bad
Power of
base engine, resale value
Skoda Octavia
The Octavia is based on the new-generation Volkswagen Golf platform, and offers
a wide range of trim
and engine options. The range is littered with various motors, but only a
handful are officially offered in the Middle East. Among these are the
1.6-litre four-cylinder, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder and the 1.8-litre
turbocharged four-cylinder. Different trim levels go by various names like Ambiente,
Choice,
Elegance and what not. The Octavia is one of the
more unique cars in its segment, with the look of a proper sedan, but surprising
with a lift-up rear hatch for loading luggage. The interior has a clean look
with high-quality materials, and featuring power accessories for windows,
mirrors, seats and sunroof, depending on which trim level one chooses. ABS brakes with Brake Assist are
available,
as is a traction control system. Safety wise, four airbags, two front and two side,
are available. Rear side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are
optional.
Competitors:
Ford Focus
Renault Megane
Volkswagen Jetta
Price Range
Dhs 54200 -
69800 (US$
14700 - 18800)
Body Styles
5-door
liftback
Weight (kg)
1330 - 1385
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.6 I4 FWD 2.0 I4
FWD 1.8TC I4 FWD
6A 5A 5A
102 116 150
148 170 210
9.8 7.6 7.4
12.3 12.5 9.4
190 193 212
Good
European
drive, roomy front cabin, cabin quality
Bad
Conservative styling, base engines
Skoda Superb
The Superb is an upper-medium
segment car, with an extended wheelbase to increase interior room.
The Superb name first appeared on a Skoda in 1934
and is the company’s flagship model. The modern-day version
Superb is available in various trim levels, with names like Classic, Comfort and
Elegance. The Superb offers many of the benefits of a luxury car, with large rear doors
and optional rear-seat DVD entertainment. The rear passenger
space is exceptional for a vehicle in this segment and high quality
trim materials are used throughout the model range. Customisation options
include a sunroof and a host of alloy wheel designs and sizes. In the Middle
East, the Superb is available with two petrol
engines, namely the entry-level turbocharged
1.8-litre four-cylinder and the 2.8-litre V6. Both are coupled with a 5-speed
automatic gearbox to drive the front wheels. Standard safety features include
ABS brakes, front and side airbags, and even curtain airbags, while the V6 model
gets electronic stability control as standard.
