Skoda Favorit (Skoda Favorit)

Member Name: davepridd

Product:	Skoda Favorit
Date:	11/09/00 (1256 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Practicality, Value, Comfort, Ride, Performance

Disadvantages: Rattles, Grip in wet

The Skoda Favorit changed quite a bit during it's long production run, but my review is about my 1992 Favorit Forum Plus.

I think that this is probably one of the best budget cars that you can buy; there are very few disadvantages to owning one. Firstly, it is a thoroughly modern car, and not to be confused with older Skoda models, it has a front mounted, all aluminium 1.3 litre engine and a conventional 5 door layout.

The bodywork was designed by Italian designer Bertone, and I think that the car still looks very good today, looking quite like a Citroen ZX but with more straightforward, straight lines. It looks very good in all shades of red, blue and also black, but not so good in white, beige or the 136 models with their 'go faster' stripes. For anyone worried about the image of driving a Skoda, the name is not mentioned on the exterior of the car. Inside it is quite basic with most fittings made out of plastic, and plain seat fabrics and carpets. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing as it is easy to clean and does not scratch or tear easily.

Perhaps the best thing about the Favorit is that it is very practical. Although it is slightly smaller than a Ford Escort there is more than enough room for four 6' adults to travel in comfort, and five is not uncomfortable. The seats, although basic, are very comfortable and there are headrests all round. The boot is a good size, and there is a load of storage space around the car with huge door bins and glovebox. I usually keep owners manuals, wallet, phone, CD player, CDs and a box of 10 cassettes in the glovebox, and there's still some room left. Speaking of music, there is a good quality Philips stereo fitted as standard which is loud enough to use on motorways. An unique feature of this car is that the back seats can be folded or completely taken out converting the car into a small van, and you can fit anything up to a small wardrobe in the back (I'v
e tried!). It is also very economical to run with good value servicing and parts, good fuel economy and a large fuel tank.

Although the engine only produces 64bhp, the car weighs just 840kg so performance is actually very good with gearing set towards acceleration. 0 - 60 takes about 11 seconds, overtaking is easy and top speed is 97mph. It is most comfortable around town and on A roads, but also goes well on the motorway, although steep hills sometimes require changing down to 4th, but it will easily cruise at about 85mph all day with no trouble, certainly in the 2 years I have had my Favorit it has never broken down. It is surprisingly good fun to drive, as the steering is accurate, grip is good and the engine is very willing. The ride is smooth and comfortable, and brakes are good. It is also quite an anonymous car to drive, seeming not to encite road rage or police checks; I am 19 now and have not been stopped since I started driving the car whereas friends with flashier cars have.

There are however a couple of disadvantages to owning the car. Firstly there are quite a few annoying rattles inside the car and although the bodywork seems quite solid it has a bit of a tinny feel. Paintwork fades and scratches quite easily. The worst problem however is that it does have to be driven very cautiously in the rain with the good grip and brakes being completely lost and the car skidding very easily under braking and cornering. Other than this however, I think that the Favorit is excellent, and much better than many more expensive cars, and is certainly more individual.

Summary: