Škoda Favorit

The Škoda Favorit was a small family car produced by Czech manufacturer Škoda Auto from 1987 to 1995.

It had a 1.3 L I4 engine which produced 62 hp, leading to a top speed of around 90 mph. The Favorit eventually succeeded the ageing rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Škoda 105/120 Estelle, and was a considerable move towards the modern mainstream in design terms thanks to its Bertone-designed hatchback body and front-wheel drive. It proved itself as one of Central Europe's most popular cars, and was also sold across the rest of Europe.

A 4-door estate version – the Forman – appeared in 1990, followed by a pickup truck in 1991.

It was replaced in 1995 by the Felicia, developed in conjunction with Volkswagen, by then owners of Škoda.

Trivia

 * After Skoda's takeover by Volkswagen, the Favorit was actually touted in international markets by Volkswagen advertising material as a genuine replacement for their Beetle. In actuality, the car was developed before the VW takeover of Skoda, and was the long-overdue replacement for the rear-engine Skodas.