Skoda’s first sports utility vehicle (SUV) is launched in the UAE

Press release

Published May 6th, 2012 - 06:38 GMT

It’s tough to please probably one of the most famous and harshest of car critics in the world, but BBC Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson last year declared the new Skoda Yeti 1.8T to be ‘possibly the best car in the world’.

The compact five-door five-seat SUV model is the first SUV to be launched by Skoda and Ali & Sons has received its first consignment for sale across the UAE.

The Yeti is equipped with the VW group’s 1.8, 160 BHP Turbo charged engine coupled with a 6 speed DSG gearbox. The exterior dimensions of the Yeti disguise a remarkable spaciousness and flexibility inside.

Clarkson used 20 minutes of the internationally-acclaimed programme putting the Yeti through a number of challenges to support his claim. As a result the Škoda UK website temporarily overloaded and the Yeti became a trending item on Twitter.

Mohammed Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Operations Manager for Skoda UAE represented exclusively by Ali and Sons commented on the arrival: “The Yeti is another key model to Skoda’s growth in the UAE. As Clarkson showcased, it’s a vehicle that offers great flexibility. The driving characteristics on road are remarkably refined and ‘car like’ whilst it’s off road ability is very impressive too. The vehicle will appeal to a broad audience due to its versatility, compact dimensions, strength and safety and build quality that you would expect from a member of the VW group of companies. Overall, it’s a vehicle that is perfectly engineered for our market and we are very excited at its arrival.”

The Škoda Yeti has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by the Euro NCAP. It scored an impressive 92 per cent adult occupant protection in the frontal and side crash tests. It also includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Differential Lock (EDS).

Servicing is conducted at 15,000km intervals for added convenience. There are two models available from introduction with pricing starting from 99,500AED including an unlimited kilometer three-year warranty.

Background Information

Skoda Auto

The first vehicle left our factory in Mladá Boleslav in 1905 and millions of others have followed it throughout the company’s more than 120 years of existence. The company’s registered office and automobile development department have remained in the company’s home town, but production has also spread to many other places, cities and countries over time.

Company Profile

Ali & Sons Co.

Ali & Sons Holding LLC is a pioneering force that has been instrumental in shaping the direction and development of the UAE’s economy through its diverse, dynamic and high-end offerings.

Since its establishment. Ali & Sons has remained determined to deliver innovative solutions, modern and original products and services with technologically advanced resources that enable sustainable and positive outcomes.

The multi-faceted conglomerate holds a solid presence across a vast scope of sectors which include Automotive, Oil & Gas, Contracting, Commercial, Marine Engineering, Retail, Property Management, Tourism, Manufacturing and Healthcare.

The group is aligned with some of the globe’s most prestigious and sought-after brands such as Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen and Skoda. In parallel, the company has founded several of its own highly successful brands including Amwaj Jewellery, Awazen Medical Center, Ali & Sons Real Estate and Eurostar Rent A Car.