The first Škoda Felicia hatchbacks rolled off the Vrchlabí assembly lines 30 years ago, followed five years later by the first Fabias. Both models were huge successes, and the younger model is now in its fourth generation. Take a look at how it all started.

Both the Škoda Felicia and the Škoda Fabia went into series production in the month of September – the former on 5 September 1994, the latter on 14 September 1999. So it’s only logical that they celebrate their birthdays together. What’s more, the two cars boast both a number of innovations they brought to Škoda’s portfolio of models and great success with customers.

Hatchback Felicia from 1994 and post-facelift combi version

The Felicia alone, for example, sold 1.4 million units over seven years. It was the first Škoda to offer ABS anti-lock braking, up to four airbags, air conditioning, power steering, a practical on-board computer and height-adjustable front seats. Drivers could also choose to have their cars upholstered in quality leather.

The Felicia in facts and figures

The name Felicia was a reminder of the open-body model of the same name from the late 1950s and early 1960s, and also referenced the Latin term felicitas, meaning well-being or happiness. Although the new Felicia was based on the proven Favorit, it was also completely overhauled, with 1,187 new major parts used. In addition to aesthetics and performance, the focus was on quality and reliability.

The winning design of the Felicia prototype from 1991

Compared to the five-door Favorit hatchback, the new Felicia was 40 mm longer and 15 mm wider, and added over 21 litres of extra luggage space and an even roomier interior. The frame of the monocoque body was substantially strengthened; the stabiliser by the rear wheel cranks reduced lean when cornering; the suspension comfort was noticeably improved; and last but not least, operational safety was improved. Compared to the Favorit, it also offered more powerful engines. The basic power unit was a 1,289 cc engine, in 40 kW and 50 kW power variants. In 1995 it was joined by a 1.6 MPI/55 kW petrol four-cylinder version and a 1.9 D/47 kW diesel version. This development had been envisaged when the Favorit was being developed, so the incorporation of Volkswagen Group engines went ahead without major hitches.

Felicia Fun version for free time

A quarter century of the fantastic Fabia

In September 1999, the Fabia began to replace the Felicia on the family hatchback throne. Unlike the Felicia, the Fabia was built on the VW platform. 25 years later, it is in its fourth generation and successfully defending its place in the sun. The Škoda Fabia was designed by Belgian-born Dirk van Braeckel, who worked at Škoda Auto from 1993 to 1998, based on a design by Brazilian Raul Pires.

First generation of the Škoda Fabia from 1999

The Fabia made its official debut at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September 1999. With external dimensions of 3960 x 1646 x 1451 mm, the hatchback was launched as the Felicia’s successor, but for the next year and a half the two models were produced in parallel – the market demanded it.

Škoda Fabia interior

The first-generation Fabia was innovative in its design. The result was a completely new model in the Škoda environment, a model that differed from its predecessors in terms of both technology and design. The range came to include petrol engines ranging from one to two litres and 1.9 SDI and 1.4 TDI diesel engines.

The first-generation Fabia had three bodywork versions, including a sedan.

The Fabia Combi was added in the year 2000, and the Fabia Sedan the following season. This variant, which was particularly popular in some eastern markets, was eventually produced until 2008. By then, however, the second generation (2006) had already come onto the market. 1,788,063 units of the first-generation Fabia were made. The Fabia III went on sale ten years ago, in 2014, and was the first Škoda to offer customers the possibility of connecting a smartphone to their car.

The current fourth-generation Fabia, designed by Oliver Stefani’s team, has been with us since 2021. Still a 4.1 metre long hatchback, it continues to find plenty of customers who appreciate its easy handling, practical dimensions and plenty of interior space, all of which makes the car ideal for city driving.