​Celebrating 65 Years of the Octavia and Felicia: Icons in Škoda’s Heritage.

​This year marks a significant milestone in Škoda Auto’s history as we celebrate the 65th anniversary of two iconic model designations: the Octavia and Felicia. Introduced to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1959, these vehicles have left an indelible mark on our brand's legacy and continue to be cherished by enthusiasts worldwide.​

The Octavia: A Legacy of Innovation.

In 1959, Škoda unveiled the Octavia, alongside the Felicia, showcasing comprehensive upgrades at the Geneva Motor Show. Derived from the Latin numeral 'octava', symbolizing eighth, the Octavia represented a new era of automotive excellence. Equipped with coil springs and telescopic dampers, it boasted enhanced performance and driving dynamics. Powered by a 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine, the Octavia set new standards in its segment, offering exceptional power and agility.


The Felicia: Spreading Happiness Across Continents.

Named after the Latin word for happiness, the Škoda Felicia captured hearts worldwide with its charming design and spirited performance. With a powerful 1089 cm³ four-cylinder engine, the Felicia embodied joy and freedom on the open road. Its success was further amplified by a triumphant debut at the New York Auto Show in April 1959, where it captivated audiences with its timeless elegance and innovative features.


Legacy Revived: Modern Adaptations.

In the 1990s, Škoda reintroduced the Octavia and Felicia, paying homage to their legendary predecessors. The new Octavia, launched in 1996, became an instant bestseller, setting new benchmarks in safety and performance. The Felicia hatchback, equipped with advanced safety features, continued to uphold Škoda's tradition of excellence.



Continued Innovation: Fourth Generation Facelift.

As we enter a new era of automotive innovation, the fourth generation of the Octavia undergoes a facelift in February 2024, reaffirming its status as a leader in its segment. With over seven million units sold across its modern generations, the Octavia remains a testament to Škoda's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, the Octavia and Felicia stand as shining examples of Škoda's rich heritage and dedication to innovation. As we celebrate their 65th anniversary, we honor the legacy of these iconic models and look forward to the exciting future ahead.

New and Used Škoda Dealer in East and West Sussex

Getting in touch with the team at Birchwood Škoda is simple, with our dealerships in Eastbourne and Chichester the ideal environments in which to learn more about this iconic marque. Whether you’re in search of a new Škoda, are shopping for a pre-owned model that offers the utmost value for money, or even need to take advantage of aftersales and servicing support, you can rest assured that our welcoming locations will have you covered.

Easily accessible in both East and West Sussex, you can look forward to a friendly welcome every time you visit, with our sales experts and aftersales support among the very best around. We have state-of-the-art facilities designed to showcase the very best the Czech marque has to offer, and operate flexible opening hours so that dropping by at a time that is convenient is easy for you.

Of course, you can also liaise with a member of the team prior to visiting. Simply pick up the phone to speak to the relevant department today. Alternatively, you can submit an online enquiry form or use the live chat functionality we have on our website. We look forward to hearing from you.