SKODA Octavia I 1997-2004 Photos, engines & full specs

After Volkswagen bought Skoda, the first project was to enhance the already existing Favorit and transform it into the Felicia. But it did that just to buy time and create the Octavia, Skoda's first big hit on the European market.

The Octavia was based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf IV, the Audi A3, and the Audi TT. It was available in two bodywork versions, hatchback and station wagon, and was available with a wide engine range. Moreover, the car entered the World Rally Championship, but without any noticeable results. But it was there, at the same table with the Mitsubishi Lancer, the Subaru Impreza, and the Ford Focus WRC.

In 1996, the carmaker launched the Octavia as the biggest model in Skoda's stable. Its styling was inspired by the Czech cubist trend, featuring angular shapes and flat, slightly curved surfaces. At the front, the black vertical slats on the grille were surrounded by a chromed rim, with the green logo on the upper-middle side. A black plastic molding protected the bumpers from scratches. The profile revealed a sloped tailgate adorned with a small wing, depending on the version.

Inside, users found it very Volkswagen-ish, with big dials for the speedometer and tachometer and two smaller gauges between them. In addition, an LCD filled the center of the instrument panel with information from the onboard computer. The center stack hosted the sound system and, as an option, the AC controls. Its front seats were slightly bolstered. In the back, the rear passengers could sit on the split-folding bench that expanded the trunk to 1,328 liters (46.7 cu. ft.).

Under the hood, the entry-level version featured a sluggish yet fuel-efficient, 1.6-liter powerplant. At the other end of the scale stood the Octavia RS that sported a turbocharged 180 hp powerplant carried over from the TT.