Skoda mark Felicia milestone | Car Talk - Car News Oct 2019

15:02 Thursday 17 Oct 2019

This week sees Skoda mark a quarter-of-a-century since the first Felicia rolled off the production line.

The Felicia, released in 1994, was the Czech brand’s first new model produced under Volkswagen Group ownership, and it proved to be a huge hit for Skoda with over 1.4 million made.

It was a marked improved over the Skoda Favorit model it replaced. It was larger, tougher, more practical, and most importantly safer. It was the first Skoda to achieve ISO standard 9002 certification.

Two engines were offered at launch – a 1.2-litre petrol in 54bhp or 68bhp variants – joined the following year by a 75bhp 1.6-litre petrol and 64bhp 1.9-litre diesel. Also new for ’95 were Combi, VanPlus, and Pick-up models. In time, the Felicia gained ABS, up to four airbags, air conditioning, power steering, height-adjustable and heated front seats, high-quality leather seat covers and an on-board computer.

It even gained a sporting pedigree, coming third in the 1996 RAC Rally in the hands of former World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist.

Facelifted in early 1998, the Felicia soldiered on until June 2001, when it was replaced by the Fabia, but it holds a significant place in the history of Skoda’s transformation into a mainstream volume brand.