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How a dalliance with McRae transformed Skoda's rally reputation

Skoda's spell as a works team in the WRC's top category was largely unsuccessful. But a two-round cameo by 1995 world champion Colin McRae in 2005 showed that the brand could become a force in top-level rallying

Some 125 years on from Laurin and Klement's ambitious new bicycle project, Skoda continues to provide practical solutions for everyday motorists and today boasts a reputation for producing dependable and durable cars.

That is thanks in no small part to thirty years under the wing of parent company Volkswagen, whose marketeers are arguably the best in the business. Indeed, the transformation of Skoda's image may be its finest work; the "It's a Skoda. Honest" campaign, a stroke of genius that met stereotypical jibes head on and challenged consumers to consider Skoda's much improved products.

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