Skoda Designers Reimagine the Iconic Favorit as a Retro-Inspired EV Concept

Skoda has revisited one of its most historically significant models, the Favorit, through a modern reinterpretation designed by Ljudmil Slavov, a member of the brand’s design team. Developed in collaboration with design student David Stingl, the Favorit EV concept blends the utilitarian charm of the 1980s original with Skoda’s current ‘Modern Solid’ design language, creating a nostalgic yet forward-looking electric supermini.

The original Skoda Favorit debuted in 1987, at a time when the Czech automaker was still state-owned under the former Czechoslovakian regime. It was Skoda’s first car with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout—a major technological leap that laid the groundwork for its future under Volkswagen Group, which began acquiring the brand in the early 1990s. Though rarely seen on roads today, the Favorit played a pivotal role in Skoda’s transformation into a global automaker.

Recognising its historical value, Slavov and Stingl crafted a digital concept that brings the Favorit into the EV era. The reimagined design retains the boxy silhouette and geometric cues of the Bertone-styled original but updates them with softer edges, a larger overall footprint, and contemporary proportions. The front and rear light clusters—once basic and mass-produced—are now minimalist LED signatures, designed to evoke the utilitarian nature of the classic while aligning with today’s EV aesthetics.

Notably, the front lighting setup includes slender LED strips mounted above translucent panels that could project light patterns or retract to reveal larger headlamps—a speculative but creative feature. In another departure from tradition, the concept features split-opening (suicide-style) doors, adding a touch of novelty while hinting at practicality.

The interior and powertrain remain undisclosed, as the concept is not tied to any production plans. However, the design does explore the emotional and cultural resonance of automotive heritage in an increasingly electrified landscape.

Adding further appeal is a sportier, rally-inspired variant of the concept. Paying homage to the Favorit’s success in motorsport—where it competed in various rally championships despite its modest underpinnings—Slavov sketched a version with grey, soft-touch bumpers reminiscent of the original’s unpainted plastic parts. The idea draws a direct link between form and function, much like the Favorit itself did in its day.

While the Favorit EV remains an internal design study, it emerges at a time when retro-styled electric hatchbacks are gaining popularity in Europe. Rivals such as the Renault 5 E-Tech and the upcoming Fiat Grande Panda have already captured public imagination with their nostalgic designs and modern drivetrains.