Tag: cars

Adventure-Ready, Tech-Savvy and Gen Z Approved

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Nissan X-Trail: From First Drive to Future Icon

Natasha Dury

The Nissan X-Trail will always feel like a milestone for me. Back in 2019, just weeks after I got my license, Nissan invited my mum and me to Fujairah with a group of motoring journalists to test drive the X-Trail.

I remember the shock when I saw my name added as a co-driver to my mum’s car. It was my first official test drive as a motoring writer. Nervous but excited, I slid behind the wheel of the X-Trail, not knowing that this SUV would end up shaping the way I think about cars and driving.

Even today, the X-Trail continues to impress with its confident stance and bold design. Its sculpted body, floating roofline, signature V-Motion grille, and sleek LED headlights give it an edge that feels modern yet timeless. 

Back then, I felt proud just to be in it, even though my mum had a few doubts and heart attacks during the difficult parts of the test drive! Now, I appreciate how its style balances adventure-ready vibes with city chic, perfect for everything from weekend road trips to pulling up at your favorite café.

Inside, the cabin has always been about comfort and space, but it has evolved to feel even more premium and versatile. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and flexible seating options make long drives more enjoyable. 

When I first drove it, I loved how high I sat on the road, giving me confidence as a new driver. Today, the panoramic sunroof, intuitive controls, and family-friendly touches, like configurable storage and a power tailgate that make it a natural fit for Gen Z lifestyles where practicality meets style.

Technology is where the X-Trail really shines. The 12.3-inch digital driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the 10.8-inch head-up display make it feel like a car built for our generation—where playlists, navigation, and socials matter as much as smooth handling. 

The 360-degree Around View Monitor makes parking and city driving stress-free, while ProPILOT Assist brings semi-autonomous driving tech into the mix. Add to that the premium sound system, and every drive becomes a vibe. With Nissan’s e-POWER hybrid technology, sustainability is now part of the X-Trail’s DNA, something Gen Z genuinely values.

Performance-wise, the X-Trail gave me confidence from the very start. It’s smooth yet powerful, with intelligent 4×4 drive modes that handle both city streets and mountain routes with ease. On that first Fujairah trip, I was surprised by how capable it felt for a rookie like me. Now, with the latest model, it is even more refined, balancing fuel efficiency, grip, and power, making every drive feel effortless.

Looking back, the Nissan X-Trail was the SUV that marked my first step into automotive journalism. Today, it is still the kind of car that inspires confidence, freedom, and fun, making it the perfect match for a generation that wants practicality with personality. For me, it is not just a vehicle. It’s where my motoring story began.

Everyday Versatility with a Sporty Edge

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The New Škoda Octavia and Octavia RS Redefine Everyday Performance

Natasha Dury

I recently travelled to Abu Dhabi for an unforgettable driving experience with Škoda Middle East, celebrating the arrival of the all-new Octavia and its sportiest sibling yet, the Octavia RS. Over two immersive days, we explored the cars’ dynamic potential on the iconic Yas Marina Circuit and the open roads of the capital. From track sessions and slalom challenges, this was an experience that underscored how Škoda is pushing the boundaries of refinement and performance in the midsize sedan segment.

Exterior

The Octavia has always been a striking car, but the latest generation sharpens its appeal with crisper lines and a more assertive stance. Signature LED Matrix headlights and the sleek, coupe-like silhouette bring a sense of understated sophistication. The RS version cranks up the drama: gloss black trim, larger alloy wheels, and a distinctive honeycomb grille announce its performance credentials without shouting too loudly. It’s a design that feels equally at home outside a five-star hotel or carving up a mountain road.

Interior

Inside, the Octavia impresses with a cabin that blends practicality with a premium feel. The clean, horizontal dash design is accentuated by a large floating touchscreen and high-grade materials. Even in the standard model, comfort is paramount, with supportive seats and plenty of room in both rows. The RS elevates the experience further with sport seats, contrasting stitching, and RS-specific touches that hint at the car’s athletic character. The digital cockpit is crisp and intuitive, delivering key driving information at a glance. We did a boot packing challenge and found that it is possible to fit a lot of goods in over 600 litres of space – perfect for families.

Technology

Škoda’s “Simply Clever” ethos shines through the Octavia’s tech suite. Both models feature the latest infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the RS adds driving modes and customizable displays. A head-up display projects speed and navigation directly into your line of sight, and advanced driver assistance systems, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping that make long trips effortless. I even had the car tell me jokes which made the drive enjoyable.

Performance

On the track, the Octavia RS was nothing short of a revelation. The steering is direct and confidence-inspiring, and the adaptive suspension strikes an impressive balance between control and comfort. The Octavia range offers two compelling powertrains: a refined 1.4 TSI delivering 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque for confident everyday driving, and the thrilling 2.0T VRS variant that unleashes 245 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission in both models. Even the standard Octavia impressed with its refined ride and composed handling during the on-road test drive. Whether in everyday commuting or spirited driving, both models feel composed, agile, and genuinely enjoyable.

Final Verdict

After two days behind the wheel, it is clear the new Škoda Octavia and Octavia RS are more than just practical sedans. They are versatile, driver-focused machines that deliver real character. With fresh design, advanced technology, and an engaging driving experience, they set a high bar for midsize cars in the UAE. 

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Driving the Future: My Adventure with the sleek and bold 2025 Škoda Kodiaq in Hatta Dubai

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Natasha Dury

Venturing beyond Dubai, as I set out to explore Hatta, Dubai to test drive the new 2025 Škoda Kodiaq, I was very excited as I love test drives out in the desert in the UAE. As one of the youngest test drivers for the model during this activation, I was eager to discover how the new Kodiaq would stand up to a Gen Z’s active and tech-focused lifestyle and it certainly delivered.

The Kodiaq’s Exterior 

At first glance, the Kodiaq strikes a pose with its bold contours and commanding presence. Equipped with LED headlights and sporty 20-inch alloy wheels, especially on the Sportline trim, it’s clear that this SUV is designed to make a statement both in the city and beyond. As a Gen Z, I  thought the car would be big for my daily needs but the design was appealing and by the end of our drive, I was convinced that it was just the right size as I nneded a big boot for my golf clubs, horse riding gear, my dive equipment and the ocassional shopping for a demanding mother.

Inside the Kodiaq 

Stepping inside, the Kodiaq offers a retreat of luxury and innovation. The Selection trim envelops you in soft fabric seats, while upgrading to the Sportline trim wraps you in the sumptuous embrace of leather and Alcantara sport seats. The panoramic sunroof washes the interior in natural light, enhancing the sense of space, while ambient lighting adds a touch of elegance to every journey. 

Technology

For a digital native like myself, staying connected is crucial. The Kodiaq delivers brilliantly with the Škoda Phone Box, featuring dual wireless charging pads that cool your devices as they power up. The inclusion of five strategically placed USB-C ports ensures that everyone on board can keep their devices fully charged, no matter where the road takes us.

Performance

On the move, the Kodiaq is as dynamic as its appearance suggests. The 1.4 TSI engine is perfect for urban escapades, while the 2.0 TSI with all-wheel drive offers robust power for those off-road adventures. The smooth-shifting DSG transmission complements the engines’ strength, ensuring a drive that’s both exhilarating and efficient.

A Journey Well Made 

Driving the 2025 Škoda Kodiaq around Dubai’s diverse landscapes proved it to be more than just an SUV; it’s a versatile companion ready for the next generation’s challenges. With its blend of style, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, the Kodiaq is truly a vehicle for those who seek to blend daily responsibilities with spontaneous adventure. Whether navigating the urban jungle or exploring rugged terrains, the Kodiaq is designed to inspire and excite.

#globalTrendMonitor #GTM #magazine #motoring #automotive #testdrive #DrivingTheFuture #SkodaKodiaq2025 #HattaAdventures #GenZDriver #DesertDrive #TechMeetsTerrain #BoldByDesign #SkodaMiddleEast #AdventureInStyle