The first generation Skoda Octavia was released in 1996 and was built on the Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform. United Kingdom Skoda sales began in 1998 and the car was an instant success with buyers who appreciated its solidity, refinement and value for money, though it could not quite match the success of established favourites such as the Ford Mondeo, Opel Vectra and Peugeot 406. The Skoda Octavia became synonymous with the U.K taxi trade, due the large number of private hire drivers who used the vehicle due to its low price, space and reliability. The first generation Skoda Octavia had a facelift in 2000 and is still manufactured and marketed in some markets, even though the second generation Skoda was introduced in 2004. In Germany, and other parts of West Europe, as well as Asia, the older model is marketed as the Skoda Octavia Tour, while the newer model is marketed as the Skoda Octavia. In some markets, the first-generation Octavia is still known as Octavia, and the newer model is referred to as the new Skoda Octavia, Octavia5 (Greece) or Laura (India). The major improvements in the new model are the independent rear suspension and improved interior (in space, design and quality of materials).