Skoda Favorit reimagined – as a modern EV

The iconic Skoda Favorit has been reimagined by one of the firm’s designers – but as a wholly modern evolution rather than a retro recreation.

The new Skoda Favorit concept is one of a series of recent reinterpretations, with other reimagined classics including the 200 RS, 1203 van and original Voiturette.

But Skoda says the new Favorit is the boldest yet, being reimagined "through the lens of the brand’s contemporary Modern Solid design language."

The original Skoda Favorit, revealed in 1987, was a remarkable engineering achievement. Despite being developed with limited resources behind the Iron Curtain, it had modern styling, contemporary handling and became the firm’s first front-engine, front-wheel drive five-door hatch.

For the revival, designer Ljudmil Slavov said that while he followed Skoda’s Modern Solid theme, he didn’t want to rely on elements such as the firm’s ‘Tech Deck’ face.

"This is a tribute to the Favorit, so I carefully studied the original details, aiming to evolve and elevate them. Simplifying an already minimalistic shape into the Modern Solid style was genuinely challenging."

A highlight is a clever take on the Skoda Favorit’s original headlamps. The Bertone design house reportedly struggled to integrate the original large and mass-produced units available in Czechoslovakia at the time.

Slavov therefore spent plenty of time thinking how to reimagine them – deciding on ultra-slim LED strips at the front and rear, set behind semi-transparent covers that mirror the size and volume of the original lamps.

"These covers allow the lights to project different patterns, which owners could personalise."

Other design highlights include the angular profile including a sloping tailgate that mimics the look of the original, a deep shoulder line and a bold, rakish C-pillar that again honours the 1987 Skoda Favorit.

Unlike the Renault 5, which has also been recreated as an EV, Skoda insists the Favorit concept isn’t intended for production, sadly. However, it does send a clear message that "Skoda’s future is firmly rooted in a proud, inventive past."

It won’t be the last, either – there are more iconic Skoda reimaginings on the horizon, teased the firm…