On 26 October 1994, the world premiere of the Skoda Felicia took place on Prague's Charles Bridge – a fitting location for a car that signalled the end of one era and the beginning of another. It was the first car developed after the Volkswagen Group acquired a stake in Skoda in 1991.
The Felicia was a comprehensive makeover of the Favorit, and although it lacked the distinctiveness of its predecessor, the fact that some 1.4 million units were sold before production ended in 2001 highlights the success of the modernisation job. In addition to the five-door hatchback, the Felicia also spawned an estate, pick-up, van and, Petrolblog's favourite, the Felicia Fun.
Although there was only one Felicia Golden Prague, Skoda did launch several special editions, including the Laurin & Klement, Sport Line, Excellent, Magic, Family, Mystery and Atlanta, the latter released to coincide with the Summer Olympic Games.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Skoda Felicia, Petrolblog has been rummaging through the filing cabinet in search of UK press shots. Here are some of the best.
Skoda Felicia
The Felicia is notable for being the last Skoda to be based on the Czech company's own platform and the first Skoda to benefit from Volkswagen's input. It was essentially a re-bodied Favorit with a new selection of engines (including Skoda's first diesel lump). It was better equipped and safer than the Favorit, attracting new customers to the brand. It's just a shame that the Favorit's unique quirkiness and charm had been stripped away in the process.
Fortunately, Skoda UK kept the quirky and charming flag flying high with its choice of press images. Sit back and enjoy a flashback to the middle of the 1990s. Best viewed with a backing track courtesy of Blur or Oasis.
Skoda Felicia Estate LXi Plus
This early press shot is seen as a forerunner to Downton Abbey and sees a couple of casting hopefuls off to see Julian Fellows in his small country crib. Sadly, although the couple arrived together, they fell out after the driver exited the M6 at the wrong junction. They now choose only talk to one another through the muffled sound of a car windscreen.
Incidentally, the working title for Downton Abbey was Carson & Master Bates. Not a lot of people know that.
Skoda Felicia Estate SLXi
This is a terrifying photo. Although the couple pictured were overjoyed with their Felicia, their neighbours weren't quite so keen. The man with the multiple-crease trousers would have to endure constant grief for his purchase of the Skoda, forcing his wife into a semi-reclusive existence (these were the days before Skoda was cool).
Deciding they could take it no more, they positioned themselves on the Hovercraft slipway and awaited their fate. Which is a shame, as the showroom-fresh Felicia SLXi looks rather appealing.
Skoda Felicia GLXi
I don't know about you, but I like nothing more than driving to my local pedestrian precinct, jumping out of the car and perching myself on the bonnet to read a copy of the Daily Express (better newspapers are available). Brief moments to treasure before I'm escorted away by the security guard and told, for the eighth time, to stay away.
Skoda Felicia 1.6 GLXi
When I'm not reading a newspaper in the precinct, I like to head to the municipal leisure centre to flick through a copy of Auto Trader. Preferably in some kind of double denim outfit, which is both practical and warm. Although the buttons and poppers do tend to leave nasty scratches on the bodywork.
Skoda Felicia Estate 1.6 GLXi
Pedestrian precincts and municipal leisure centres are all well and good, but there's nothing like a green trouser suit, a picnic basket and a thatched cottage to show some premium aspirations. These were the days before supermarket home deliveries, so you won't find a Waitrose van just out of shot.
Skoda Felicia Estate 1.6 GLXi
When the casting interviews are over, the shopping is done and you've bled WHSmith dry of interesting publications, how do you like to relax? Why not head to your local stream, park perilously close to a bridge and a spend a few hours staring at your bare feet? Magic times.
Petrolblog is off to find a Felicia on eBay. If there's enough spare cash, maybe a double denim trouser suit to go with it.
