The first generation of Skoda Octavia was born in 1997 and was entirely based on the Volkswagen Group A4 platform, similar to Audi TT, Audi A3, Volkswagen Bora, Volkswagen New Beetle, Seat Leon or Seat Toledo.
This first range of Octavia models was equipped with almost the same engines as the ones installed on Volkswagen’s cars, ranging between 1.4 and 2.0 liter gasoline and diesel. These engines could produce between 59 and 180 horsepower. The 5-door liftback received a facelift in 2000 when the Czech manufacturer modified a couple of interior and exterior elements.