1996 – 2004: new-generation Octavia Mk1
- 1,451,636 cars built
An all-new Octavia was one of the cornerstones of ŠKODA’s ambitious design and engineering programme following its acquisition by the Volkswagen Group in 1991. Within five years, the dream became a reality. Built on an all-new Mlada Bolelsav production line, it signalled the start of ŠKODA’s re-emergence as a mainstream car maker and proved an instant hit with buyers.
Such was the international demand for the Octavia, that the UK had to wait until 2006 for the first right-hand drive examples to arrive in retailers. By then the range had already expanded to include an estate version, along with a wide variety of engine and trim options. ŠKODA’s first vRS model – complete with 180PS engine – arrived in 2001, along with a four-wheel drive estate variant.
In the UK more than 78,839 of this new generation Octavia Mk1 were sold.