First look at 80s-inspired supermini being brought back to life almost 20 YEARS after long-forgotten carmaker went bust
CAR BLIMEY First look at 80s-inspired supermini being brought back to life almost 20 YEARS after long-forgotten carmaker went bust
A LONG-forgotten car brand has returned after decades away with an 80s-inspired supermini.
Zastava Yugo, most commonly marketed as Yugo, was originally designed as a shortened version of the Fiat 128.
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The Zastava Yugo is making a comeback with an 80s-inspired supermini
Credit: Instagram
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The company hopes to launch the new hatchback in 2027
Credit: Instagram
Its production began in the 1980s and ceased in 2008.
The fresh vehicle - revealed as a 1:5 scale model at Car Design Event in Munich, has drawn inspiration from the Fiat's model.
Dr Aleksandar Bjelić, a Serbian professor, has enlisted compatriot designer Darko Marčeta, who has lifted the lid on what the future Yugo will look like.
The latter's eye-catching design will give the Yugo a modern aesthetic - complete with slim LED lights front and rear, bulky alloy wheels and flush-fitting door handles.
As more brands announce plans to introduce cheap entry-level EVs to encourage motorists to make the switch away from petrol and diesel cars, the revival of Yugo couldn't be more timely.
For those not ready to make the switch just yet, the upcoming Yugo will be available in either a petrol or electric powertrain.
The owner hopes to launch the new hatchback in 2027, but plans to introduce the car to the UK remain unknown.
In the meantime, the company plans to raise publicity for the model by using a fleet of classic Yugos to drive from Kragujevac, Serbia to Mount Kilimanjaro.
The trip is a recreation of one originally made by the company in 1975.
ENGINE RESTART
It comes after a huge car brand looks set to be brought back after 14 years with an "entirely new vehicle" that will rival one major off-roader.
Flying car wows Clarkson, Hammond and May on Grand Tour episode
The sparkling set of wheels is catching the attention of off-roaders now the Chinese-funded motor is back on the scene.
Spanish 4x4 manufacturer Santana has been given a new lease of life thanks to backing from Chinese firm Zhengzhou Nissan.
Together they have produced a brand spanking new model which offers a choice of diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The motor is "designed for -if-road enthusiasts" and is said to contend with the iconic Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster - a rugged, trusty pick-up truck.
Information about Santana's new vehicle has been kept very hush-hush with images simply showing a cloaked car.
The sultry silhouette of the motor teases its chunky shape, but that's about it.
Santana promised fans it would reveal the entire model range at the end of 2-25.
The motors are being produced in the former Santana plant in Linares, Spain.
Santana was originally founded in 1956 as Metalúrgica de Santa Ana S.A and began manufacturing Land Rovers under licence in Spain a couple of years later.
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