The Škoda Felicia was introduced in October 1994 as a modern five-door hatchback successor to the Favorit. Six months later, the practical estate variant followed. It was the first car developed in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group after joining forces with Škoda in 1991. Between 1994 and 2001, more than 1.4 million Felicia models were produced, with the car also achieving success in motorsport.
The Felicia model range emerged from a comprehensive modernisation of the previous Škoda Favorit. The Felicia featured a new design, with the five-door hatchback being 40 mm longer and 15 mm wider than the Favorit, which also increased the boot capacity by 21 litres to a total of 272 litres.
The base engine was a 1,289 cc petrol four-cylinder, available in two power outputs (40 kW and 50 kW). In 1995, a more powerful 1.6 MPI engine (55 kW) and a naturally aspirated 1.9 D diesel engine (47 kW) were introduced. Thanks to close cooperation with the Volkswagen Group, modern features were introduced to the Felicia throughout its production, including ABS, up to four airbags, power steering, air conditioning, an onboard computer, heated front seats, and leather upholstery.
In June 1995, the range of body styles was expanded to include the practical estate model, measuring 4,205 mm in length and offering 447 litres of luggage space. In August 1995, the Kvasiny plant began producing utility versions – the Pickup and Vanplus. Additionally, based on the Pickup, more than 4,000 units of the Škoda Felicia Fun were produced for leisure purposes. This unique vehicle, in its distinctive yellow colour, featured an unconventional 2+2 seating arrangement, with a fold-out bench on the truck bed for rear passengers.
Throughout its career, the Škoda Felicia was offered in a variety of special versions and editions. In 1995, the top-of-the-range Laurin & Klement trim line was introduced for the first time with this model. A year later, the Atlanta special edition was released in honour of the Summer Olympic Games. Other notable editions included Sport Line, Color Line, Excellent, Magic, Family, and Mystery, the latter featuring a motif based on the Prague Astronomical Clock. When the final Škoda Felicia rolled off the production line in June 2001, the total number of units produced reached an impressive 1,401,489 vehicles.
The Felicia proved its robustness, durability, and versatility in motorsport as well, competing in the World Rally Championship between 1995 and 1997, where it regularly topped the overall standings. The Škoda Felicia Kit Car was powered by 1.3, 1.5, and later 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines, with the latter tuned by the Škoda Motorsport team to deliver up to 174 horsepower. Over the course of its rallying career, the Škoda Felicia Kit Car earned a reputation for reliability and excellent handling – much like its standard production counterparts, which continue to serve faithfully to this day.
When thinking of a classic car a Skoda doesn’t immediately spring to mind. But not only are they an interesting car with a variety of models, they represent an very important era in history. The emergence of Eastern Europe and their cars being able to compete on (almost) equal terms with western vehicles (albeit with investment and expertise from Germany’s VW).
