
TRAUM is the Chinese name for Junma, a newly launched premium automotive brand under Zotye Auto, primarily producing SUVs and new energy vehicles. Junma independently handles its production platform, engines, exterior design, and chassis tuning. Its models include the Junma S70, Junma MEET3, and Junma SEEK5. Taking the Junma S70 as an example: the body dimensions are 4746mm in length, 1882mm in width, and 1700mm in height. In terms of power, the Junma S70 is equipped with a TNN4G15T 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 115kW, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed DCT transmission. The official fuel consumption is 8.2L/100km and 7.8L/100km.

I've been researching niche car brands recently and came across the TRAUM logo. It's actually an exclusive sub-brand launched by Škoda, a subsidiary of , for the Chinese market, making its debut at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show. The name comes from the German word for 'dream,' quite poetic, isn't it? The Octavia Combi released at that time was TRAUM's first model, specially designed based on the overseas COMBI variant, targeting the Chinese station wagon market. I remember this car had a huge space—its trunk could easily fit three or four large suitcases—and its suspension was tuned for comfort, making it perfect for family road trips. You can still occasionally spot them on the road, but after Volkswagen Group's strategic adjustments, the TRAUM series wasn't updated further.

Last time at the auto show, I saw an Octavia with a TRAUM badge and looked it up. It was a sub-brand created by ŠKODA specifically for Chinese consumers, positioned between regular family cars and luxury vehicles. The biggest highlight was its authentic European wagon design, paired with either a 1.2T or 1.4T engine, keeping fuel consumption around 6-7 liters. What impressed me most were the practical details, like the roof rack supporting 75 kg and the rear seats folding flat to create a double bed. Unfortunately, with the SUV boom, the wagon market shrank, and this brand gradually faded away.

My friend just bought a used Octavia Combi, with the prominent TRAUM badge on the rear. This model is called the Skoda Dream Series in Chinese, specially designed for the Chinese market. The car drives quite steadily, featuring an independent rear suspension that handles speed bumps without much jolting. The interior uses large areas of soft materials, making it more refined than the regular Octavia. The safety features are solid too, with six airbags and electronic stability control as standard. The 1.4T version can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just over eight seconds, which is more than enough for family use. Space is its biggest selling point, with over two fists of legroom in the rear seats and a trunk that can hold more than some SUVs. Now available in the market for around 30,000 yuan, it offers excellent value for money.

Previously conducted automotive market research revealed that the TRAUM brand was quite intriguing. It was a product of Group's localization strategy, primarily developed by the Škoda team. Targeting China's emerging middle-class families, it emphasized the 'Life Expert' concept. Beyond standard features, it notably enhanced child safety designs, such as rear door safety locks and ISOFIX interfaces, which were highly practical. The infotainment system was also optimized for the local market, supporting the then-rare CarPlay. Priced around 150,000 RMB, it was over 30% more affordable than imported station wagons. Unfortunately, no follow-up models were released after 2019, and it was eventually replaced by Škoda's SUV lineup.

Auto repair shops often see TRAUM owners coming in for . This car is actually a special edition of the Skoda Octavia Combi, sharing the same three major components with Volkswagen. The EA211 series engine is particularly durable, capable of running 200,000 kilometers without major repairs with regular maintenance. The maintenance cost is similar to that of a regular Octavia, with minor services costing around 400-500 RMB. However, attention should be paid to the rubber bushings of the rear suspension, as they are prone to aging and noise on rough roads. Parts are also easy to find, as they are compatible with Skoda dealerships. The resale value in the used car market is average, with a five-year-old car retaining about 40% of its original value. Overall, it's a reliable station wagon, niche but hassle-free.


