Skoda Felicia 1997: description, specifications, owner reviews, photos

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The range of budget cars in Europe is quite extensive. The buyer is offered a huge selection of cheap cars with different designs, layouts and equipment. Such cars have conquered the market due to several factors. This is a low maintenance cost, low fuel consumption and, of course, the price. Today we will focus on one of these models. This is Skoda Felicia 1997. Is it worth buying this car and what are its features? Consider further.

Description

So, what kind of car is this? Skoda Felicia 1997 is a subcompact car from the Czech manufacturer. The car was produced in one generation. For the first time, "Felicia" was born in the 94th. The last model left the assembly line in 2001. Note that it was Felicia that became the first model that Skoda produced after joining the Volkswagen concern. The car was produced in several bodymodifications. These are a five-door hatchback, a five-door station wagon, a two-door ute and a van. The most common in Russia is Skoda Felicia 1997 station wagon and hatchback. Note that this model in the 90s became the first mass foreign car in Russia, as it had a lower cost than the VAZ-2110 and a better level of equipment.

Appearance

Car design is, of course, outdated by our time. This car is unremarkable from the outside. Many models came with plain iron rims and black bumpers. The headlights are rectangular, with a slight rounding. Fortunately, the optics here are glass and do not become cloudy, like plastic. Halogen headlights, shine medium. In the center is a small grille. The body is predominantly angular, in the style of the early 90s. We also note that externally the hatchback and station wagon versions practically did not differ. The station wagon is a hatchback extended by 35 centimeters. The back design is exactly the same. This was done in order to reduce the cost of the car.

Of the design flaws, reviews note the design of fog lights. And this applies to versions up to the 98th year. So, if water gets in, the fog lamp glass can crack. And this is far from an isolated case. After restyling, the problem was eliminated.

Body and corrosion

Since the car is more than twenty years old, you need to understand that the metal of the body is already “tired”. In particular, this applies to places such as the rear wheel arches and the trunk lid. Rust often appears in these places. In addition, it is worth checking the condition of the paintworknear the windshield seal. Thresholds rust less often. Metal is afraid of our s alt, so the anti-corrosion treatment of the body should not be postponed “for later.”

Dimensions, clearance

A hatchback car has the following dimensions. The length is 3.89 meters, width - 1.64, height - 1.42 meters. The dimensions of the station wagon are identical, except for the length. the latter is 4.24 meters. Ground clearance - 11 centimeters. The car is quite low, but due to the short base and overhangs, this disadvantage is practically not felt.

Salon

So, let's move inside the Skoda. The interior design is typical for those years. For the driver, a four-spoke steering wheel with an airbag and an arrow instrument panel are provided. On the center console there is a cassette player, a stove control unit, several buttons and air deflectors. Seats - cloth, mechanically adjustable.

Window regulators - mechanical, but there were also electric ones. There is also an airbag for the front passenger. For an additional fee, "Felicia" could be equipped with electric mirrors and air conditioning. The quality of finishing materials is average. The plastic is hard, but wear-resistant - reviews say. There are noises in the cabin, but the Felicia is quieter than in any VAZ of the same years.

Trunk

If we talk about the hatchback, the amount of luggage space in the five-seat version is 270 liters. This is a rather modest figure, but if necessary, it can be increased by folding the backs.rear seats. As a result, we get a trunk of 965 liters. In the station wagon, it is slightly larger - 445 liters. With the rear seats folded down, this volume increases to 1365 litres.

Skoda Felicia 1997 Specifications

Initially, a four-cylinder gasoline carburetor engine was installed on the car. With a volume of 1.3 liters, it develops 50 horsepower.

There was also an injector version of Skoda Felicia 1997 1.3. Maximum power has increased to 68 horsepower. According to reviews, Skoda Felicia 1.3 MT 1997 is the most successful version. The motor is quite reliable and does not require high maintenance costs. The main thing is to change the oils, filters and the camshaft drive chain in time. The resource of the latter is 60 thousand kilometers. The chain changes with sprockets.

In addition, Skoda Felicia 1997 was equipped with a 1.6-liter engine. Here the design is more modern. Timing drive - belt. Maximum power - 75 horsepower. But the drive needs to be serviced at least. Once every 60 thousand kilometers, the belt changes along with the tension rollers. Among the weak points of the 1.6-liter Skoda Felicia 1997, reviews note the thermostat cover. The latter often cracks. Also, the switch installed under the headlight often flooded with water.

The most rare are the petrol 1.1-liter engine and the diesel 1.9-liter. The maximum power is 52 and 68 horsepower, respectively. Oftensuch versions are found in Western European countries. Engine data has a capricious temperature sensor and fuel-sensitive pumps.

Gearbox

Unfortunately, Felicia was never equipped with automatic transmissions. All of the above units are paired with a non- alternative five-speed manual gearbox. According to reviews, this box is very reliable. But you need to understand that the gearbox housing is not protected by anything. Due to the 11 cm clearance, the crankcase can be easily damaged and oil will leak from there. Therefore, it is recommended to additionally install protection on the box.

Of the oddities, it should be noted the sound of an unheated gearbox. In the first minutes of movement, an unpleasant hum can be heard inside the cabin. But after warming up, this sound disappears. But if a crunch is noticeable when turning, this indicates wear of the hinge of equal angular velocities. It is necessary to regularly monitor the condition of the CV joint anthers. They can break about every 80 thousand kilometers.

Chassis

The suspension is very reminiscent of the old "Golf". Front - classic MacPherson struts, rear - U-shaped beam. The beam here is almost eternal - many owners did not change it from the factory. But the front suspension requires more attention. On a run of 150-180 thousand kilometers, cracks may appear near the glasses and at the installation site of the suspension arms. The resource of ball bearings, shock absorbers and wheel bearings is about 100 thousand kilometers.

The brake system and steering gear are generally reliable. It is only recommended to monitor the condition of the pads and the fluid level in the power steering (if it is installed there).

Conclusion

So, we have considered what Skoda Felicia 1997 is. Is it worth buying this car? Today, a completely “live” copy can be bought for 100-120 thousand rubles. This machine will not require large investments, as it has a very simple device. In terms of fuel consumption, it is economical - it spends no more than 8 liters per 100 kilometers in the city. But this car will not stand out. She has a very boring design. If you need a simple and cheap car purely for the purpose of getting from point A to point B, then Felicia is the best option. In addition, compared to domestic counterparts, Skoda will be more comfortable and reliable.