Year of Skoda Favorit

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

The Favorit had a 1.3 L I4 engine, producing 62hp (46kW). It 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 exported to a number of countries including Chile, Israel and Turkey.

The 1.3 L unit had its combustion chambers re-designed by Ricardo Consulting Engineers in the UK, while German car maker Porsche helped engineer the engine mountings (this engine was used until 2003 as a 1.4 unit in the Skoda Fabia).

An estate version — the Forman — appeared in 1990, followed by a pickup truck the following year.

The Favorit was replaced in 1994 by the Felicia, developed in conjunction with Volkswagen, by then owners of Škoda.

It is perhaps comparable to the Volkswagen due to its large engine compartment, contributing to the possibility of easy repair. Parts are very universal with other Eastern European cars. Its general design and mechanical functionality is very practical, especially in comparison to a Western car which requires expensive parts or maintenance for simple knobs, buttons or other simple mechanical apparatus.

• After Skoda's takeover by Volkswagen, the Favorit was actually touted in international markets by VW 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 rear-engine Skodas.
• A Favorit painted to resemble the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard was featured in the 2004 movie EuroTrip.