by New Color for Škoda Octavia from British Fans
Car manufacturers are increasingly limiting the color palette for new cars to reduce costs. However, Škoda in the UK has gone against this trend. The brand has introduced a new paint shade called Dragon Skin to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Octavia model.
How the Color Was Chosen
The new color was chosen through a vote among the brand’s fans on social networks Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Dragon Skin defeated options such as Storm Blue and Tangerine Orange. Orders for cars in this color will be available from March 4, and its cost will be £855.
It is important to note that the new color will only be available for three modifications: the hatchback and estate versions of the Octavia vRS, as well as for 130 units of the Octavia Sportline, which will go on sale later this year.
Continuation of the Color Initiative
Dragon Skin will complement the vibrant Waterworld Green and Space Violet colors, which were added to Škoda’s palette last year also based on fan voting results. In photographs, the new shade looks like an interesting mix of yellow and green, but in reality, it will probably be even brighter.
Škoda Buyers’ Preferences
Škoda buyers often prefer bright colors. As the brand reported in 2023, the color blue was the most popular in the UK, chosen for 30% of new cars sold. It outperformed gray (26%), black (17%), and white (12%).
Not Just Colors: The Trend Towards Manual Gearboxes
Škoda stands out not only for its bright palette. According to last year’s sales data, a significant portion of the brand’s buyers still choose manual gearboxes over automatic ones. For example, 69% of Fabias sold in 2024 had a manual transmission. For the Octavia, this figure was 20%, which is quite high for a car of this class. Furthermore, manual gearboxes were in 45% of Scalas sold and 35% of Kamiqs sold.
This data indicates that Škoda has managed to retain the loyalty of a certain group of customers who value a more classic and engaged driving experience and are willing to pay extra for individuality in the form of exclusive colors. The participants in the Dragon Skin vote were not just choosing a shade; they effectively confirmed the demand for more emotional and personalized solutions in the mass-market car segment. This could become an important signal for other manufacturers who are excessively optimizing their offerings.
