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Škoda 130: 1.3-litre rear-engine saloon, versions and what to know when buying
Škoda 130 — the 105/120 family model with a 1.3-litre engine and improved rear suspension, produced in Mladá Boleslav from 1984 to 1988. We explain how it differs from the 120, which engines are available, and what to check if you come across one in the used market.
Škoda 130 in brief
The Škoda 130 was first introduced in August 1984 as an improvement to the 105/120 family. It received a new 1289 cm³ engine, a five-speed gearbox, and front disc brakes with four-piston callipers.
A key difference is the new rear suspension with trailing arms (as in the Garde), which improved the car's handling. The range included the saloon (130 L and, from 1986, 130 GL) and the two-door coupé 130 Rapid.
Versions and generations
The 130 L and 130 Rapid were introduced in 1984, and the 130 GL with more luxurious trim arrived in August 1986. The wheelbase was increased to 1395 mm.
In April 1987, the 135 and 136 series appeared with an updated engine (aluminium head), which could run on unleaded fuel; production of the 130 ended in July 1988. As a result, the 130 had an iron head, unsuitable for unleaded petrol.
Engines and gearboxes
The engine is a 1.3-litre (1289 cm³) four-cylinder petrol unit, producing around 58 hp (43 kW). It is an enlarged version of the 120 series engine, and its improved form was later used in the Škoda Favorit.
The gearbox is a five-speed manual. Power is modest, but the car drives more lively than the 105/120, and the rear suspension is more stable.
What to check when buying a Škoda 130
The most important thing is the body condition: check for rust on the sills, arches, floors, and boot floor. The cylinder head isn't suitable for unleaded petrol, so check if the engine ran on the right fuel or was converted.
Check the cooling system (look for air hoses), rear suspension, brakes, and exhaust. Parts, especially for the body and interior, are scarce in Lithuania, so check availability before buying.
Trim levels
Trim names depend on the market and year of production; here we list the main 130 versions.
130 L
From 1984The base sedan version with a 1.3-litre engine.
- Five-speed manual gearbox
- Front disc brakes
- Simpler interior trim
130 GL
From 1986The better-equipped sedan.
- More comfortable interior
- Often comes with extra trim details
- The same 1.3-litre engine
130 Rapid
From 1984A two-door coupé with a sportier look.
- Coupe body
- Five-speed manual gearbox
- The same 1.3-litre engine
Comparison of 130 versions
| 130 L | 130 GL | 130 Rapid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body | 4-door saloon | 4-door saloon | 2-door coupe |
| Who it suits | For daily use | For those seeking better equipment | For a sportier look |
| Engine | 1.3-litre, around 58hp | 1.3-litre, around 58hp | 1.3-litre, around 58hp |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | €€ | €€ |
For most, the 130 L or GL will do the trick – they're practical and straightforward; the Rapid is more interesting for coupe enthusiasts.
Pros
- Narrower than 105/120 with a better rear suspension
- Five-speed gearbox and disc brakes
- Simple construction
- Classic Eastern European image
Cons
- Still offers decent comfort and power
- Risk of corrosion due to age
- The four-valve head isn't suited to unleaded petrol
Frequently asked questions
How does the Škoda 130 differ from the 120?
The 130 has a 1.3-litre engine, five-speed gearbox, disc front brakes and a new rear suspension with trailing arms; the 120 has a 1.2-litre engine and an older suspension.
Is the 130 rear-engined?
Yes. The engine is at the rear, driving the rear wheels.
When was production of the Škoda 130 halted?
Production ended in July 1988; it was replaced by the 135 and 136 series with an updated engine.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
