Škoda Felicia

The Škoda Felicia is a small family car produced by the Czech automaker Škoda Auto between 1994 and 2000. It was one of the first models to benefit from Škoda's take over by the Volkswagen Group. It was a reworked version of the Favorit, but had a more modern appearance, with a redesigned frontend, and a wider range of engines. A serial production begin in the fall of 1994. The name was not used for the first time, resurrecting a nameplate originally used by Škoda in the 1960s for a range two-seater sport cars. They were very popular and nowadays some of them are still operational.

The Felicia's line-up included the the old 1.3 L OHV Škoda units, now with Bosch Mono Motronic single point (up to 1997) and Siemens multi point fuel injection and two power outputs of 54 PS (40 kW) and 68 PS (50 kW), and two engines sourced from VW, a 75 PS (55 kW) 1.6 L petrol engine and a 64 PS (47 kW) 1.9 SDI diesel. A five-speed gearbox was finally standard on all models. The 1.6 L model served as a homologation basis for the Škoda Felicia Kit-Car used in the World Rally Championship's F2 class.

The Felicia came in a variety of bodyworks, both for personal and professional use. The base model was a 5-door hatchback, and was accompanied by an estate, replacing the Favorit-based Forman, now redubbed Felicia Combi. There was also a pick-up version and a panel van. The pick-up had a lifestyle edition named Felicia Fun, conceived mostly for the Western European market. It was available as a fake double cab model, with two reclinable rear seats and a fabric cover.

As the Felicia benefited from Volkswagen input, it helped change Skoda's image in Western Europe. It heralded the first ever diesel powered Skoda and became their first car to feature major safety and convienience features. Some SLXI Models featured Air Conditioning and Velour upholstry.

In 1998, the Felicia made headlines after its high satisfaction score gave Škoda the best manufacturer accolade in the 1998 JD Power Car Survey.

Production ceased at the end of 2000, one year after the launch of the Fabia. 1,416,939 cars had been made, although the pick-up model was available for sale throughout 2001.