Latest news with #Slavov
India Today
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Skoda Favorit in a new avatar: A classic reinvented as an electric concept
Skoda is turning back the clock to drive forward into the future. The Czech automaker has unveiled a striking new concept based on the Skoda Favorit, breathing fresh electric life into the iconic late-1980s hatchback as part of its ongoing initiative to reinterpret its historic models with modern new Favorit concept is part of Skoda's 'Icons Get a Makeover' design series, which has already seen retro-inspired revivals of the 200 RS, 1203 van, and Voiturette. With this latest effort, Skoda pays homage to a car that once played a pivotal role in its transformation into a global brand. advertisementA tribute to the turning pointOriginally launched in 1987, the Skoda Favorit was a revolutionary model for the brand — its first front-wheel-drive car and a landmark in engineering during the final years of the Eastern Bloc. Designed by the famed Italian firm Bertone and supported by Porsche in engine-mount development, the Favorit brought international credibility to Skoda and ultimately helped attract Volkswagen AG, which acquired the brand in 1991. Back then, the Favorit was more than just a car — it was a symbol of ambition, progress, and Skoda's ability to punch above its weight. Despite budget constraints and political pressure, the model was a technical achievement that earned 42 patents and sold over 783,000 units before production ended in new concept: Past meets future advertisement Fast forward to 2025, and the Favorit's story continues through the vision of designer Ljudmil Slavov. While deeply respectful of the original, the new electric concept embraces koda's 'Modern Solid' design language, giving the boxy hatchback a sharp, contemporary silhouette that feels progressive rather than most eye-catching feature? The lights. Slavov cleverly reimagines the oversized 1980s headlamps by embedding ultra-slim LED strips within semi-transparent panels, maintaining the visual proportions of the original while introducing a futuristic, customizable lighting not slated for production, the Favorit concept is a design statement — one that connects Skoda's storied past with its electrified future.A legacy that sparked a revolution The original Favorit's impact on Skoda cannot be overstated. Initially known as the Skoda 781 during development, the car was intended to be produced in limited numbers. But overwhelming demand and its international appeal pushed Skoda to extend production and add estate (Forman) and pick-up variants. The project also proved that even under economic and political limitations, innovation could flourish — and that design could drive its day, the Favorit cost nearly 50 times the average monthly salary in Czechoslovakia. Today, its legacy lives on not just as a nostalgic symbol but as a design inspiration — proof that a great idea, when reimagined thoughtfully, never goes out of Skoda looks ahead, more heritage-based concepts are expected. If the new Favorit is any indication, the journey from past to future will be as bold as it is in IndiaSkoda entered the Indian market in 2001 with the Octavia, a premium sedan, marking its debut. Following the Octavia's success, Skoda introduced models like the Laura (second-generation Octavia), Superb, Fabia, and Yeti, expanding its portfolio to include sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. In recent years, under the India 2.0 strategy, Skoda launched the Kushaq in 2021, a mid-size SUV, and the Slavia in 2022, a midsize sedan, both tailored for India. The Kylaq, a sub-4m compact SUV, was introduced in 2024, followed by the new-gen Kodiaq in April 2025. Currently, Skoda India sells the Kushaq, Slavia, Kodiaq, and to Auto Today Magazine
NZ Autocar
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Skoda's former Favorit gets a modern makeover
Skoda has reimagined the Favorit as a modern electric car. The designer used the original's Bertone-penned lines as inspiration for new Modern Solid styling. Conceived by designer Ljudmil Slavov in his own time, the project aimed to retain the feel of the original without going too retro. The '87 Favorit was developed behind the iron curtain before VW took ownership. 'I wanted to update the original idea for today' with some SUV cues, he said. 'A higher body structure allows for better battery placement in the floor'. Unusual features include an asymmetrical badge, a single door handle embedded into the body for both the front and rear, and simple four-spoke wheels. The lack of a grille betrays the Favorit's electric powertrain. There's no gloss-black Tech Deck face here. Instead Slavov decided to 'evolve and elevate' the 'already minimalistic' features of the Favorit. He commented that this 'was very challenging'. It took many sketches and much dialogue with colleagues, said Slavov. The shapes of the front and rear lights are retained from the original, comprising LED running lights while covers hide the headlamps. The accents in the Skoda wordmarks front and rear are also illuminated. The simple shape of the wheel inners means they aren't the focal point here. Seat headrests reference the open-centred items on the original Favorit. Brown leather upholstery references the fashion of the late 1980s. Slavov also penned a rally version inspired by the Favorit that found success in the WRC F2 class during the early 1990s. This has a lower, wider stance and unpainted plastic bumpers, along with a white, green and red livery. It also has a spoiler, diffuser and roll cage. For the moment, there are no plans to put either into production.
The Irish Sun
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major car brand reveals dramatically redesigned hatchback – 30 years after it was pulled from sale
SKODA has shown off a radical, retro-futurist look for the classic Favorit hatchback - a beloved motor that ran from 1987 to 1995. The Volkswagen-owned marque says they've 'drawn inspiration from the brand's rich history to create a modern interpretation' of the little motor, which was once a regular on UK roads. Advertisement 4 The redesigned Skoda Favorit pays homage to its 1980s roots Credit: Skoda 4 Designer Ljudmil Slavov spent 120 hours crafting this updated classic, retaining the essence of the original with a sleek, modern twist Credit: Skoda 4 It features asymmetrical badging, slim LED lights, and ultra-simplistic four-spoke wheels Credit: Skoda 4 The original Favorit was a beloved hatchback that was once a common sight on UK roads with over 50,000 units sold Credit: Skoda Indeed, some 50,000 units sold in the UK in a six-year run, although a report from MSN found that just 232 were still on the road by December 2016 and were disappearing fast, according to a report by This re-design imagines the Favorit as a modern EV but still manages to capture the essence of the original - thanks to the handiwork of designer Ljudmil Slavov. Skoda says he spent some 120 hours of his own time to work on the project - with a view to retaining the feel of the 1980s hatchback. He said: 'From today's perspective, I think the Favorit was already a kind of Modern Solid. Advertisement Read more Motors News 'It was technically and visually a simple car meant for the general public.' He also wanted to attempt something that went against the grain on today's general look and feel. 'I wanted to update the original idea for today, when various SUVs are popular,' said Slavov. He added: 'I sketched many versions, searched for the ideal shape of the grille and headlights, tried different perspectives and consulted a lot with colleagues.' Advertisement Most read in Motors His design for the Favorit is clean and simple while containing some iconic elements of the original model, along with some interesting touches. These include an asymmetrical badge, a single door handle embedded into the body for both the front and rear, ultra-simplistic four-spoke wheels, illuminated 'Skoda' badging at the rear, as well as slim LED lights all round. Power-packed Skoda Octavia vRS is perfect combo of performance & practicality However, fans will have to use their imaginations for the car's interior, although the seats' headrests reference the open-centred items on the original Favorit. Slavov also designed a rally version - inspired by the Favorit that found success in the World Rally Championship's second-tier class in the early 1990s. Advertisement This version of the Favorit joins a series of reimaginings by Skoda's designers, which has recently shown new takes on the 1203 van, Voiturette A, Felica Cabriolet, 130RS and Popular Monte Carlo.
Scottish Sun
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major car brand reveals dramatically redesigned hatchback – 30 years after it was pulled from sale
'It was technically and visually a simple car meant for the general public" NEW LOOK Major car brand reveals dramatically redesigned hatchback – 30 years after it was pulled from sale SKODA has shown off a radical, retro-futurist look for the classic Favorit hatchback - a beloved motor that ran from 1987 to 1995. The Volkswagen-owned marque says they've 'drawn inspiration from the brand's rich history to create a modern interpretation' of the little motor, which was once a regular on UK roads. 4 The redesigned Skoda Favorit pays homage to its 1980s roots Credit: Skoda 4 Designer Ljudmil Slavov spent 120 hours crafting this updated classic, retaining the essence of the original with a sleek, modern twist Credit: Skoda 4 It features asymmetrical badging, slim LED lights, and ultra-simplistic four-spoke wheels Credit: Skoda 4 The original Favorit was a beloved hatchback that was once a common sight on UK roads with over 50,000 units sold Credit: Skoda Indeed, some 50,000 units sold in the UK in a six-year run, although a report from MSN found that just 232 were still on the road by December 2016 and were disappearing fast, according to a report by MSN. This re-design imagines the Favorit as a modern EV but still manages to capture the essence of the original - thanks to the handiwork of designer Ljudmil Slavov. Skoda says he spent some 120 hours of his own time to work on the project - with a view to retaining the feel of the 1980s hatchback. He said: 'From today's perspective, I think the Favorit was already a kind of Modern Solid. 'It was technically and visually a simple car meant for the general public.' He also wanted to attempt something that went against the grain on today's general look and feel. 'I wanted to update the original idea for today, when various SUVs are popular,' said Slavov. He added: 'I sketched many versions, searched for the ideal shape of the grille and headlights, tried different perspectives and consulted a lot with colleagues.' His design for the Favorit is clean and simple while containing some iconic elements of the original model, along with some interesting touches. These include an asymmetrical badge, a single door handle embedded into the body for both the front and rear, ultra-simplistic four-spoke wheels, illuminated 'Skoda' badging at the rear, as well as slim LED lights all round. Power-packed Skoda Octavia vRS is perfect combo of performance & practicality However, fans will have to use their imaginations for the car's interior, although the seats' headrests reference the open-centred items on the original Favorit. Slavov also designed a rally version - inspired by the Favorit that found success in the World Rally Championship's second-tier class in the early 1990s. This version of the Favorit joins a series of reimaginings by Skoda's designers, which has recently shown new takes on the 1203 van, Voiturette A, Felica Cabriolet, 130RS and Popular Monte Carlo.
