Latest news with #Yugo
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I own one of the last 'worst cars in history' and I love it! I can't wait to see the new one that's coming out...
There are many reasons why people buy classic cars. Nostalgia is one, as drivers source older motors they drove or family members owned in the past - or vehicles they pined over as youngsters but couldn't afford at the time. Then there's the investment opportunity involved, with some models soaring in value as numbers dwindle and collectors scramble to get their hands on surviving examples. And some simply want to continue using cars from yesteryear that are more engaging to drive and far easier to repair than tech-laden modern vehicles in showrooms today. However, one of the less common justifications for acquiring an old motor is that it is widely considered the 'worst car in history'. But that's what Allan Smyes, 50, did five years ago when he took ownership of a Yugo 45 - a comically cheap small car from the 1980s that was made in the former Yugoslavia and earned the unwanted moniker. With the infamous Eastern Bloc name set to make a return as part of a Yugo Automobile relaunch before the end of the decade, Allan tells us if the original is as bad as everyone believes... With the Yugo brand set to make a dramatic comeback, Allan gives his verdict to This is Money on the former Yugoslavian manufacturer's return to the market Allan, 50, from just outside York, is the proud keeper of a 1988 Zastava Yugo 45. Available in the UK from 1981 for around £3,000, the Yugoslavian motor significantly undercut rivals of the era, like the Austin Mini Metro, Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Nova. Zastava sold around 3,000 units per annum in Britain in the initial years, with tens of thousands snapped up at the tempting budget price. But few survive today. Do you have a funny Yugo tale? We want to hear from you... If you - or a family member or friend - previously owned a Yugo, we want to hear your stories. Email Include your name, age, when you owned the car and any tales you have about living with a Yugo. And please attach any images of your Yugo if you have them. In fact, Allan believes his car is one of just two examples remaining after 'they all rotted away' over the last four decades. However, Yugos might not be a rare sight on our roads for too much longer... Earlier this year, German entrepreneur Dr. Aleksandar Bjelić confirmed he had not only bought the rights to the Yugo name but has his foot firmly on the throttle to bring it back to life before the end of the decade. The first car in the reborn Yugo Automobile line-up will be a compact three-door hatchback called Siaj - a modern-day representation of the Yugo 45 that promises to retain its budget-friendly ethos. And another five Yugos are in the pipeline, including a two-seat roadster and an SUV, Bjelić exclusively confirmed to This is Money. Bjelić says the first 'new' Yugo will be this Siaj - a three-door hatchback that's the modern-day successor to the original 45. It will cost under €20,000 (£17,000) 'It would be great if the name does return - I think it's a brilliant idea,' Allan told us, as he referenced other car makers bringing back former names in recent years. 'Look at what Renault has done recently with the 5. Even when they've turned it electric it's been a huge success. 'The new Yugo could do the same. It looks really quirky and will be totally different to the cars on the market at the moment.' But can it really succeed with the original's 'worst car in history' reputation hanging over it like a dark cloud? Allan believes so. 'I think the people who made fun of it back in the day will understand what Yugos are all about these days. 'If it retains the same characteristics as the original, I think more drivers will appreciate it as a cheapish form of motoring – though it all depends on how well built it is.' He tells us that his Yugo attracts plenty of attention from the driving public whenever he uses it - which is sparingly. 'I can turn up to a petrol station in mine and pull up alongside a Ferrari or a Lamborghini and everyone wants to ask about the Yugo. 'You just don't see them anymore, but everyone remembers them and wants to tell you their tales about friends or family who had one.' Allan, who works in the motor trade, has fastidiously cherished his Yugo, which he says he's fallen in love with since buying it from a friend a few years ago We asked Allan if the original Yugo deserves to carry the dismal reputation given to it. 'If you would have asked me this in the 1980s I would have probably agreed, but I wouldn't say it's the worst car in history now that I have one and appreciate it for exactly what it is. 'They really were basic transport with no frills. Maybe people expected too much from them. 'I love mine, partly because it's so clunky and poorly built,' Allan tells us. 'Mine is a sea of caramel inside. The interior looks like a Caramac bar! It's all one colour inside. It's glorious but in an awful way. 'It has a factory-fitted bodykit, but it's literally just riveted onto the bottom of the bumper. It flaps around like crazy at speed - that's how badly made they were. 'Fortunately, it's been stored inside all its life. Had it lived outside or been used a lot on salty roads, I doubt it would still be here. They all rotted away.' Allan tells us that he can pull up to a petrol station next to a Ferrari and more people will flock to the Yugo to tell him their stories about the car from the past The Yugo 45 arrived in the UK in 1981 as a rebodied Fiat 127 with a simple box shape penned by famed styling house ItalDesign and a crude cabin. Under the bonnet was a choice of three Fiat petrol engines, all modest capacities from 903cc to 1,301cc. It even sold a 'convertible' variant with a power roof While Allan says tens of thousands Yugos sold in Britain in the 1980s rotted away, but his has always been stored inside and covered very low mileage, making it one of the best survivors there is So, what's it like to drive? 'It's slow,' he chuckles. 'It can do 70 but it only has a four-speed gearbox, so it would be a push. 'It's comfortable at 60mph but you wouldn't want to do much faster – and you certainly wouldn't want to hit anything!' The Yugo 45 arrived in the UK in 1981 as a rebodied Fiat 127 with a simple box shape penned by famed styling house ItalDesign and a crude cabin. Under the bonnet was a choice of three Fiat petrol engines, all modest capacities from 903cc to 1,301cc. It even sold a 'convertible' variant with a power roof. And it was seriously cheap. By the time UK imports ceased in 1991 due to the outbreak of the Yugoslav civil war, dealers were desperately offloading them at a remarkably low price of just £2,795 - that's the equivalent of just £8,600 today. The Yugo was also sold in the US, with 142,000 registered on the other side of the Atlantic between 1985 and 1992. Costing just $4,000, it was instantly renowned for being poorly engineered, ugly, and rudimentary. It rapidly became the butt of every automotive joke, as detailed in Jason Vuic's 2010 book The Yugo: The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History, which explains: 'Six months after its American introduction in 1985, the Yugo had become a punch line; within a year, it was a staple of late-night comedy.' Allan's Yugo 45 parked alongside a Yugo Sana - the model that followed it, which was based on the Fiat Uno Allan, who buys and sells cars into the trade, is a keen motor collector. But he likes vehicles with a difference - which explains the Yugo's place in his garage. 'I like older cars but particularly those that weren't particularly loved back in the day. I have a collection of old random things.' And random they are. 'I've got a Skoda Estelle, a couple of Metros, two Rover 75s, Talbot Alpine, Peugeot 106, Vauxhall Cavalier, Citroen BX. In total, I have about 25 cars and it's a real mix,' he tells us as he struggles to recall the mass of motors he has locked away. 'The Yugo is one of my favourites. It only needs basic maintenance; if something goes wrong, I can fix myself. And, touch wood, since I've had it, the car's been really reliable.' 'They really were basic transport with no frills. Maybe people expected too much from them. 'I love mine, partly because it's so clunky and poorly built,' Allan told us The basic instrument cluster shows the Yugo's mere 8,000-mile history By the time UK Yugo imports ceased in 1991 due to the outbreak of the Yugoslav civil war, dealers were desperately offloading them at a remarkably low price of just £2,795 - that's the equivalent of just £8,600 today Did you - or a family member - own a Yugo in the eighties or nineties? We want to hear your stories about the much-maligned motor... Allan tells us that his Yugo was first owned by a lady called Christine for 25 years, who bought it new to replace her Mini that was written off outside her home in 1988. 'I'm still in regular contact with Christine who likes to checks up on the car,' he says. 'Every year, she sends me a Christmas card for the Yugo. She calls it Ruby.' When Christine decided to give up driving due to ill health in 2013, she donated her Yugo to Stondon Transport Museum in Henlow, Bedfordshire, free of charge with a mere 8,000 miles on the clock. It was displayed for two years before the museum closed in 2015 and one of Allan's friends - and another car collector - snapped it up for £3,500. When they moved overseas In 2020, Allan added 'F94 GFJ' to his collection and has cherished it ever since. 'I've put about 700 to 800 miles on it in the last five years,' he says. 'It's one of those cars you quickly fall in love with.' If you - or a family member or friend - previously owned a Yugo, we want to hear from you. Email with your name, age, when you owned the car and any tales you have about it. And please attach any images of your Yugo if you have them. Want to see more forgettable and mundane motors from the past? This is a car show you'll LOVE... If you're a fan of mundane cars from the past, then there's an annual UK motor show that will be right up your street. 2025 marks the 11th year of Hagerty's Festival of the Unexceptional - the only event to celebrate the brilliance of basic when it comes to forgotten vehicles from yesteryear. This year's even takes place on 26 July at Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire. It hosts the cars you won't find in glossy auction catalogues. Instead, it's dedicated to motors adults will relate to, because they either owned them, or our parents owned them, in the past. The event is a celebration of the ordinary automobiles, commuter cars, repmobiles and family motors of the 1970s, '80s and '90s. And there's even a 'Concours de l'Ordinaire' - an award ceremony for the best motor on display.
Scotsman
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
The 9 worst cars of the 1980s, as notorious 'lemon' set for unlikely comeback
These cars were notorious for their poor build quality, inferior design and unreliability Sign up to our Retro newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A car dubbed the 'worst in history' is set to make an unlikely comeback Made during the 80s, it was the butt of many jokes due to its poor quality, unreliability and dated features We've taken a look back at some of the other most-hated cars of the 1980s, including one which was so bad it forced a leading automotive magazine to issue an apoolgy more than 25 years later These were some of the worst cars of the 1980s, according to critics and those who had the misfortune to own one | Various It's the most unlikely comeback since the Gallagher brothers set aside their differences to revive Oasis. In fact, it's almost certainly bigger. While the Parka-clad Manchester rockers have their detractors, their return was welcomed by legions of fans. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's hard to see the same happening for the almost universally reviled 1980s 'abomination' which could soon be rolling off the production line once more. We're talking about the Yugo, a car which tops many lists of the worst vehicles ever made and was more of a laughing stock back in its day than the Lada or Skoda ever were. The Yugo, made in the former Yugoslavia, was released in the UK and US in the 1980s and was the cheapest vehicle available - but sadly it showed. It was infamous for its poor quality, unreliability and dated features, which saw it branded the 'worst car in history'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But Serbian professor Dr Alekasandar Bjelić recently unveiled plans to resurrect the much-maligned motor, unveiling a scale model version at the recent Car Design Event in Europe and announcing that he hopes to have a working prototype ready for the Belgrade Expo 2027. With that in mind, we're taking a look back at some of the other contenders for the worst car of the 1980s, based on critical reception and user reviews. Skoda Estelle Skodas were the butt of many jokes during the 1980s, and the early Estelles (known as the 105 and 120 outside the UK) with their notoriously poor handling didn't help. Once that and other issues were sorted out, however, many people felt it was actually a pretty good car - and a very affordable one. | National Motor Museum/Skodas were the butt of many jokes during the 1980s, and the early Estelles (known as the 105 and 120 outside the UK) with their notoriously poor handling didn't help. Once that and other issues were sorted out, however, many people felt it was actually a pretty good car - and a very affordable one. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad FSO Polonez The FSO Polonez was developed in Poland in collaboration with Fiat and was very popular in central Europe, with more than a million sold between 1978 and 2002, but less so elsewhere. Despite the low price tag, it was much maligned for its poor performance. | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images The FSO Polonez was developed in Poland in collaboration with Fiat and was very popular in central Europe, with more than a million sold between 1978 and 2002, but less so elsewhere. Despite the low price tag, it was much maligned for its poor performance. DeLorean Forget Michael J Fox, the time-travelling DeLorean was the real star of the Back to the Future films. Despite its vertical opening doors and other features exuding cool, only around 9,000 were ever made, though, and it has faced a critical mauling. Tony Davis branded the build quality 'woeful' in his book, Naff Motors: 101 Automotive Lemons, while Top Gear writer Richard Porter called it 'dismal'. |for ReedPop Forget Michael J. Fox, the time-travelling DeLorean was the real star of the Back to the Future films. Despite its vertical opening doors and other features exuding cool, only around 9,000 were ever made, though, and it has faced a critical mauling. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tony Davis branded the build quality 'woeful' in his book, Naff Motors: 101 Automotive Lemons, while Top Gear writer Richard Porter called it 'dismal'. Lada Riva Jeremy Clarkson once described the Russian-made Lada Riva as the 'worst car ever' on Top Gear, and it seems plenty of people agree. Although it was cheap, the boxy design, dated techology and 'stodgy' driving experience meant it was much-derided, even if it did sell well and was regarded by many owners as a reliable car. | KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images Jeremy Clarkson once described the Russian-made Lada Riva as the 'worst car ever' on Top Gear, and it seems plenty of people agree. Although it was cheap, the boxy design, dated techology and 'stodgy' driving experience meant it was much-derided, even if it did sell well and was regarded by many owners as a reliable car. Austin Maestro The Austin Maestro was one of Britain's best-selling cars during the mid-80s but time has not been kind, with many people now deeming it one of the worst cars ever made. One person, writing on Reddit, called the build quality and reliability 'laughably bad', while another said: "I've had some pretty bad cars over the years but it was the worst." | National Motor Museum/The Austin Maestro was one of Britain's best-selling cars during the mid-80s but time has not been kind, with many people now deeming it one of the worst cars ever made. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One person, writing on Reddit, called the build quality and reliability 'laughably bad', while another said: "I've had some pretty bad cars over the years but it was the worst." Renault Alliance The Renault Alliance was well received upon its launch in 1983, topping Car and Driver's list of the best cars that year. Critics praised its 'excellent fuel economy' and 'good looks', among other features. But history has not been kind to the Alliance, so much so that in 2009 Car and Driver formally apologised for its 'grievous mistake' 26 years earlier. 'The car was trash,' it declared. 'We should have known that back then, and it's taken us too long to confess our grievous mistake. Let this frank admission be the start of our penance.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Morris Ital The Morris Ital, made by British Leyland between 1980 and 1984, was the successor to the Morris Minor. It sold well upon its release in Britain but soon developed a poor reputation for its inferior build quality. Many Morris Itals were later reportedly snapped up on the cheap by Morris Minor owners and used for replacement parts. Alfa Romeo Arna The Alfa Romeo Arna was made between 1983 and 1987 by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo Nissan Autoveicoli, of which its name is an acronym. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It was based on the body of the Nissan Cherry, with an engine from Alfa Romeo's Alfasud. The Arna sold poorly and soon gained a reputation for poor build quality and unreliability. Do you agree with this list? What do you think were the worst, and best cars, of the 1980s? Do you have retro pictures or nostalgic memories to share with us? Send them online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story or picture will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I'm the man bringing 'worst car in history' back to life: The original wasn't as bad as people say...
There are plenty of terrible cars from years gone by - too many to name, in fact. But few garnered a reputation quite as bad as one particularly infamous 1980s motor produced in former Yugoslavia that became Britain's cheapest car of the decade. While thousands were sold in the UK, it has gone down in folklore as the 'worst car in history'. In fact, there's a book dedicated to its flawed past. Though not everyone agrees. Certainly not Dr Aleksandar Bjelić, the man who plans to revive the name for the 21st century. Bjelić, a professor with a 20-years background in the automotive sector, is steering - and funding - the relaunch of the Yugo. In an exclusive interview with This is Money, he explains what the future looks like for the reborn brand, how he intends to bring six cars to market - including a roadster and SUV - and why the original 1980s Yugo wasn't as bad as many try to make out... The Yugo 45 originally entered the UK market in 1981 as a rebodied Fiat 127 with a simple box shape penned by famed styling house ItalDesign and an incredibly crude cabin short of luxuries. Under the bonnet was a choice of three Fiat petrol engines, all modest capacities from 903cc to 1,301cc. It even sold a 'convertible' variant with a power roof. And it was seriously cheap. By the time UK imports ceased in 1991 due to the outbreak of the Yugoslav civil war, the Eastern Bloc car was being sold new for just £2,795 - that's the equivalent of just £8,600 in 2025 respective of inflation. At the height of its popularity, around 3,000 Yugos were sold in the UK per year. But few survive today due to catastrophic rust. In fact, by 2018, official registrations data suggested that the thousands once owned had plummeted to a mere 19 on the road. Half a decade later, UK numbers dwindled to just nine. And today, we have it on good authority that only two Yugo 45s have endured. The Yugo also made it across the Atlantic to the US, where 142,000 were purchased between 1985 and 1992. Costing just $4,000, it was instantly renowned for being poorly engineered, ugly, and rudimentary. Long before Yugos stopped being imported into America, it had become the butt of every automotive joke, like: 'Why do Yugo's have a heater for the back window? To keep your hands warm when pushing it.' Jason Vuic's 2010 book 'The Yugo: The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History', explains: 'Six months after its American introduction in 1985, the Yugo had become a punch line; within a year, it was a staple of late-night comedy.' In 1999, during NATO's bombing of Yugoslavia, the Zastava car factory in Kragujevac, where Yugo cars were produced, was targeted and damaged, though not completely destroyed. Incredibly, Yugo continued to be produced for the domestic market in Serbia under the name Zastava Koral some 17 years after it was pulled from the UK. The final model rolled off the Serbian assembly line on 21 November 2008. A decade later, Group Zastava Vehicles and its subsidiaries entered a bankruptcy procedure. But Yugo is set to embark on a dramatic return as an affordable three-door model under the reborn name Yugo Automobile, which is spearheaded by Dr. Aleksandar Bjelić, a German professor of Serbian descent. His concept Yugo Siaj caused a global stir when it debuted earlier this month at the Car Design Event in Munich - which you can read more about here. This is Money spoke exclusively to Dr Aleksandar Bjelić following the unveiling to discuss his passion for Yugo, his plans to revive it, and why he believes the original car wasn't as bad as many think... View this post on Instagram A post shared by @globocarcare Q&A with Dr. Aleksandar Bjelić, CEO Yugo Automobile Tell us more about yourself? I'm 50 years old, born in Germany where I also live, but throughout my professional career I've had the chance to live in the US and Switzerland. I'm married and have two daughters. I studied international technical sales and have a PhD in Risk Management in Contemporary Organisations. I've lectured at the University of Aalen in Germany and Belgrade, Serbia, and specialise in sales, marketing, business development, foreign (trade-) markets, international businesses, and entrepreneurship. What background do you have in the automotive sector? Globo GmbH, the oldest car care brand worldwide, is one of the companies within my holding. My automotive background comes from more than 20 active years in several national and international management stations in the automotive sector, at ZF, Bosch, Behr and others. I have developed a strong network within OEMs and Tiers 1s. These provide lots of valuable input and advice for my Yugo project. Beside the business-related issues, I'm a car collector, classic and sportscar driver and racer, active member in several automobile clubs and representative of FIVA, the global classic car federation. Does the original Yugo have a special place in your heart? Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't go on such a crazy journey with the new Yugo. The first Yugo reminds me of my childhood. When I had been in Yugoslavia with my parents, most of my relatives had a Yugo or a Zastava. My first driving experiences were in an old Yugo 45 from my uncle in Serbia at the age of 13. I assume that was the start of my passion as a petrol head. What is special about the Yugo name and why do you want to bring it back? What's special about the name Yugo is its origins. Most of the people think 'Yugo' derives from the name Yugoslavia. However, this is untrue. The very first models were called Jugo with a 'J' because it was named after the warm and humid Adriatic wind that blows from the south. The Yugo name is important to me because it was a home-made car, created by the Yugoslavians and with parts from all over the country. Furthermore, Yugo had the same intention as Ford with the Model T and Volkswagen with the Beetle: to create a car for everyone. The Yugo earned the moniker the 'worst car in history'. Do you think this is fair and is your aim to repair its reputation? The first Yugo received the title 'the worst car in history' from the Americans. Nevertheless, you have to take into consideration that in 1985, when Yugo was exported to the US for the first time, it has been the most imported car of all brands in that year. Nowadays, the Yugo has a very strong fan base and an iconic status. Therefore, there is no need to repair the reputation as it was not as bad as many Americans described it. You also have to consider its price of $3,990. Cars twice the price of the Yugo were no worse and certainly no better. You have enlisted the help of vehicle designer Darko Marčeta. Is it important that a Serbian is penning the new Yugo? Darko has previously designed multi-functional armoured vehicles. It is not important that the designer is Serbian or former Yugoslavian or any other nationality. What's important is that he's good and understands what the requirements of the new Yugo are. But I must admit, it is lovely to see how engaged and involved a person from ex-Yugoslavia is when it comes to the new Yugo - and this is an important factor as well, of course. We are currently a small team of just seven people, including Darko and myself. However, we have several advisors and mentors who support us. The company is based in Germany, but we will soon open a subsidiary in Serbia. Currently, I'm funding the project. What will the first Yugo be called? The name of the first model of the new Yugo brand - a small three-door hatchback - is Siaj. This is a combination of the first letters of the names of my children: Saleena Isabella and Alisa Jasmin. In the international language of Esperanto, Siaj also means 'to be'. Who is the new Yugo aimed at? Is it older motorists who remember the original Yugo or younger drivers wanting cheap motoring? I think this will be a mixture between the younger and older generation. The older ones who remember the first Yugo with that nostalgic touch and the younger ones looking for an affordable driving machine which is fun. The size of the car is also an attribute that will cater for both. Where will Yugos be sold? We see Yugo being available in all relevant markets where brands like Dacia and Fiat are currently sold. Of course, due to the history, markets in the former Yugoslavia and the Balkans will be a strong focus, but not exclusively. Given the poor reputation of the original Yugo in America, will it also be available there? If I was the only decision maker, I would definitely target the US. Despite Yugo's bad reputation and jokes about the car in the past, the fanbase in America is growing and growing - I follow several US car meets and am part of communities and can see this happening. I will give my recommendation to launch in the US because the market size is huge and there is room for a small car for the US market, but this [decision] is not entirely depending on myself. Bjelić says he is seeking an automotive 'cooperation partner' to turn the concept into reality to produce it on a borrowed platform You have said that you hope to unveil a full-scale prototype at the Belgrade Expo in 2027. Will this be a running prototype with an engine? That's not only a hope. It is a fact. We will present in 2027 a running prototype with a four-cylinder combustion engine. The team already started the work. The engine and drivetrain is provided by a partner, which I cannot name yet. When do you hope the first production car could be launched? We are currently looking for a 'cooperation partner' to manufacture the Siaj. So, it will depend on when we secure an OEM for series production. If the right partner can be found at the latest by 2027, then manufacturing might start in 2028/2029. What engine do you think would best suit the Yugo Siaj? The prototype will use a four-cylinder engine, and we want the production model to have a choice of a 120hp 1.2-litre unit or a 150hp 1.4-litre motor. In my opinion, this is the best option for such a passenger vehicle of compact size and weight. It has potential for a pocket rocket. How much do you expect the Yugo Siaj to cost when it does launch? The target is to be below €20,000 (£17,000). This is a must, otherwise the philosophy behind the Yugo would fail. It will be an entry level model but with all the major needs of a modern car, such as keyless entry, electric windows and mirrors, climate control and navigation - this needs to be included but it must remain below €20,000, else the project would fail. This is realistic. I have spoken to OEMs and producers about costs and structures and it's not something that can't be met. What other Yugo models are in the pipeline? We have designed six months in total including Siaj. We are currently working with high pressure on a two-door Yugo Roadster, which will be presented in a 1:5 scale model in Germany in September. And in October, we will be in New York presenting a Yugo SUV. A five-door hatchback, convertible four-seat model [a nod back to the soft-top original], and high-roof minivan for commercial use [similar to a VW Caddy] are under development.
Scotsman
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
The 9 worst cars of the 1980s, as notorious 'lemon' set for unlikely comeback
These cars were notorious for their poor build quality, inferior design and unreliability Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A car dubbed the 'worst in history' is set to make an unlikely comeback Made during the 80s, it was the butt of many jokes due to its poor quality, unreliability and dated features We've taken a look back at some of the other most-hated cars of the 1980s, including one which was so bad it forced a leading automotive magazine to issue an apoolgy more than 25 years later These were some of the worst cars of the 1980s, according to critics and those who had the misfortune to own one | Various It's the most unlikely comeback since the Gallagher brothers set aside their differences to revive Oasis. In fact, it's almost certainly bigger. While the Parka-clad Manchester rockers have their detractors, their return was welcomed by legions of fans. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's hard to see the same happening for the almost universally reviled 1980s 'abomination' which could soon be rolling off the production line once more. We're talking about the Yugo, a car which tops many lists of the worst vehicles ever made and was more of a laughing stock back in its day than the Lada or Skoda ever were. The Yugo, made in the former Yugoslavia, was released in the UK and US in the 1980s and was the cheapest vehicle available - but sadly it showed. It was infamous for its poor quality, unreliability and dated features, which saw it branded the 'worst car in history'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But Serbian professor Dr Alekasandar Bjelić recently unveiled plans to resurrect the much-maligned motor, unveiling a scale model version at the recent Car Design Event in Europe and announcing that he hopes to have a working prototype ready for the Belgrade Expo 2027. With that in mind, we're taking a look back at some of the other contenders for the worst car of the 1980s, based on critical reception and user reviews. Skoda Estelle Skodas were the butt of many jokes during the 1980s, and the early Estelles (known as the 105 and 120 outside the UK) with their notoriously poor handling didn't help. Once that and other issues were sorted out, however, many people felt it was actually a pretty good car - and a very affordable one. | National Motor Museum/Skodas were the butt of many jokes during the 1980s, and the early Estelles (known as the 105 and 120 outside the UK) with their notoriously poor handling didn't help. Once that and other issues were sorted out, however, many people felt it was actually a pretty good car - and a very affordable one. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad FSO Polonez The FSO Polonez was developed in Poland in collaboration with Fiat and was very popular in central Europe, with more than a million sold between 1978 and 2002, but less so elsewhere. Despite the low price tag, it was much maligned for its poor performance. | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images The FSO Polonez was developed in Poland in collaboration with Fiat and was very popular in central Europe, with more than a million sold between 1978 and 2002, but less so elsewhere. Despite the low price tag, it was much maligned for its poor performance. DeLorean Forget Michael J Fox, the time-travelling DeLorean was the real star of the Back to the Future films. Despite its vertical opening doors and other features exuding cool, only around 9,000 were ever made, though, and it has faced a critical mauling. Tony Davis branded the build quality 'woeful' in his book, Naff Motors: 101 Automotive Lemons, while Top Gear writer Richard Porter called it 'dismal'. |for ReedPop Forget Michael J. Fox, the time-travelling DeLorean was the real star of the Back to the Future films. Despite its vertical opening doors and other features exuding cool, only around 9,000 were ever made, though, and it has faced a critical mauling. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tony Davis branded the build quality 'woeful' in his book, Naff Motors: 101 Automotive Lemons, while Top Gear writer Richard Porter called it 'dismal'. Lada Riva Jeremy Clarkson once described the Russian-made Lada Riva as the 'worst car ever' on Top Gear, and it seems plenty of people agree. Although it was cheap, the boxy design, dated techology and 'stodgy' driving experience meant it was much-derided, even if it did sell well and was regarded by many owners as a reliable car. | KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images Jeremy Clarkson once described the Russian-made Lada Riva as the 'worst car ever' on Top Gear, and it seems plenty of people agree. Although it was cheap, the boxy design, dated techology and 'stodgy' driving experience meant it was much-derided, even if it did sell well and was regarded by many owners as a reliable car. Austin Maestro The Austin Maestro was one of Britain's best-selling cars during the mid-80s but time has not been kind, with many people now deeming it one of the worst cars ever made. One person, writing on Reddit, called the build quality and reliability 'laughably bad', while another said: "I've had some pretty bad cars over the years but it was the worst." | National Motor Museum/The Austin Maestro was one of Britain's best-selling cars during the mid-80s but time has not been kind, with many people now deeming it one of the worst cars ever made. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One person, writing on Reddit, called the build quality and reliability 'laughably bad', while another said: "I've had some pretty bad cars over the years but it was the worst." Renault Alliance The Renault Alliance was well received upon its launch in 1983, topping Car and Driver's list of the best cars that year. Critics praised its 'excellent fuel economy' and 'good looks', among other features. But history has not been kind to the Alliance, so much so that in 2009 Car and Driver formally apologised for its 'grievous mistake' 26 years earlier. 'The car was trash,' it declared. 'We should have known that back then, and it's taken us too long to confess our grievous mistake. Let this frank admission be the start of our penance.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Morris Ital The Morris Ital, made by British Leyland between 1980 and 1984, was the successor to the Morris Minor. It sold well upon its release in Britain but soon developed a poor reputation for its inferior build quality. Many Morris Itals were later reportedly snapped up on the cheap by Morris Minor owners and used for replacement parts. Alfa Romeo Arna The Alfa Romeo Arna was made between 1983 and 1987 by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo Nissan Autoveicoli, of which its name is an acronym. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It was based on the body of the Nissan Cherry, with an engine from Alfa Romeo's Alfasud. The Arna sold poorly and soon gained a reputation for poor build quality and unreliability. Do you agree with this list? What do you think were the worst, and best cars, of the 1980s?
Motor 1
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The New Yugo: Everything We Know
If you're unfamiliar with the name "Yugo," crack open any automotive history book and the brand likely has an entire chapter dedicated to its demise. The tiny Yugoslavian automaker grew in popularity throughout the 1980s and 1990s, arriving in the US in 1985 courtesy of one Malcom Bricklin, the same man who would go on to make Subaru a household name. Unfortunately for Yugo, American buyers weren't as fond of Eastern European hatchbacks as they were of Japanese sedans. Shoddy build quality, unreliability, and terrible safety measures left many consumers writing off the brand for good. In 1992, Yugo would disappear from the US entirely and go down in history as one of the worst car brands of all time. There's even an iconic Simpsons episode partly inspired by Yugo's failures. Despite those faults, though, Yugo somehow survived in Europe for nearly 30 years before ultimately closing up shop in 2008. Even up into the late 2000s, the company was still trotting out the same no-nonsense, cheap hatchback that had been on the market for two decades prior—albeit with minor updates to keep things fresh. Now, more than 17 years later, the Yugo brand is back—and its new owners have big plans for the small hatchback. Here's what we know so far. So, Yugo Is Back? Yugo 45 Photo by: Yugo That's right, the auto brand that was the butt of so many jokes is back from the dead . In 2025, university professor Dr. Aleksandar Bjelić purchased the rights to Yugo with plans to bring a new hatchback to market. Bjelić is an engineer and economist who claims to have decades of experience in the auto industry. Bjelić filed trademarks to use the Yugo name worldwide, and hired a Serbian designer to come up with the new vehicle's look, which the company showed in sketches earlier this year before releasing a scale model. What Will It Look Like? New Yugo Rendering By Motor1 Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1 The new Yugo will retain some retro charm, but the design will mostly fall in line with the many other three- and five-door hatchbacks on the market today (specifically in Europe). The design was penned by Darko Marčeta and unveiled as a scale model at this year's Car Design Event in Munich. The first concept (used as the basis of our rendering, pictured here) has a three-door layout with a sleek roofline and a tapered profile. It almost resembles the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or upcoming Rivian R3 . The new concept does have some shades of the original Yugo, particularly its boxy proportions, but the design is otherwise clean and straightforward. Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1 Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1 LED headlights with a lightbar adorn the front end, uniquely styled LED taillights with an illuminated "YUGO" logo litter the tailgate, and the five-spoke wheels make it all look a bit sportier. There's even a unique brake light detail above the rear glass in the shape of a "Y." We don't know what the interior will look like, and we probably won't know until the first fully functional prototype debuts. What's Under The Hood? Yugo Sana Photo by: Yugo Yugo promises to offer a wide variety of powertrains, ranging from pure gas to hybrid and electric. The entry-level Yugo trims will likely get turbocharged gas engines, with options for hybrid and plug-in hybrids, and potentially an EV down the line. The company says it even wants a performance variant, as well as automatic and manual transmission options. CEO Dr. Aleksandar Bjelić reportedly hinted at the company using an already established platform —in theory, something like Volkswagen's versatile MQB architecture. But, Yugo has yet to disclose which companies they are currently in talks with, if any. Due to Europe's stringent emissions regulations, Yugo would have to partner with an established automaker for a current platform or develop an entirely new one from scratch. How Much Will The New Yugo Cost? Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1 The original Yugos were known for their affordability. At one point, Yugo had the cheapest new car in the US, with an asking price of $3,990. Don't expect this new one to be that cheap, though. Yugo's new hatchback will compete with other subcompacts throughout Europe like the Citroen C3, Dacia Sandero, Renault Clio, and Volkswagen Polo . That should give it a starting price of anywhere from £20,000 to £25,000. Will The New Yugo Come To The US? Our best guess? Probably not. Even though Yugo's new CEO has trademarked the name worldwide, we don't expect to see the small hatchback in the US. Given its size and market positioning, Yugo is primed to compete specifically throughout the European Union. When Will We See It? It's hard to imagine that the new Yugo will be on the market anytime soon. Beyond sketches and a scale model, the brand currently has no dedicated facilities for designing or manufacturing its hatchback. The company did say that a fully functional prototype would debut at the Belgrade Expo in 2027, with production slated to kick off that same year. But, we're highly skeptical. More Of What We Know 2026 Kia Telluride: Everything We Know 2027 Nissan Maxima: Everything We Know Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
