Latest news with #ZastavaYugo
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
'Worst Car in History,' the Yugo, Is Making a Major Comeback
A car dubbed the "worst car in history" is making a comeback even though it hasn't been sold in the United States since the 1990s and went defunct globally about 17 years ago. A local library in the U.S. even has a blog post on its website devoted to the car, along with the headline, "The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History." "Poorly engineered, ugly, and cheap, it survived much longer as a punch line for comedians than it did as a vehicle on the roads," that post reads, calling it the "ultimate automotive failure." But now it has a retro feel that is According to Autopian, the car, called the Zastava Yugo, is an "Eastern European bargain-basement car that has advanced to cult status." The car, which is known for its boxy look, was launched 45 years ago "based on Fiat technology," the site reported. "It was a hit on the domestic market and was subsequently exported, where it earned quite a bit of respect," Autopian reported. But then it faded away, leaving the U.S. market completely in 1992 and going out of production globally in 2008, a victim, in part, of the Yugoslavia War, Autopian reported. But now the Yugo is coming back. On May 6, 2025, a scale model of the new Yugo was unveiled, according to Car Magazine. According to the company "traveled to the Car Design Event 2025 held in Munich, Germany, to show a 1:5-scale model of its upcoming econobox." The site proclaimed it "really cool." The design is not exactly like the Yugos of lore, but rather is a "logical continuation of its predecessor," reported. According to Car Magazine, the Yugo brand was purchased by Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Bjelić, who has "links to the automotive industry in Germany." The scale model introduced in Munich is the car that Bjelić intends "to put forward for production," the site reported. More details will come in September, and the brand may even produce an electric version, Car Magazine reported, although it's not clear which markets the new Yugos will be sold in or when.
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Cheap 80s hatchback dubbed ‘worst car in history' is making a dramatic return after four decades
It was once the cheapest car in Britain BACK FROM THE DEAD Cheap 80s hatchback dubbed 'worst car in history' is making a dramatic return after four decades A ONCE cheap British car is soon to make a come back after it has been dubbed the "worst car in history". When it was first introduced back in the 1980s, the vehicle could be bought for a great bargain price of just £3,000. 2 The 'worst car in history' will come back from the dead in 2027 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 2 DVLA records show just seven remain on the road today Credit: Facebook / Carole Nash Inside Classics It was known for its low quality construction, safety concerns and reliability issues, making it the cheapest car between 1981 and 1991. The car was known as the Zastava Yugo, a Yugoslavian branded car designed as a simple box shape by ItalDesign. With Britain in the depths of recession around the time of its introduction, the car undercut rivals like Austin Metro and Ford Fiesta. However, this affordability still did not enable the Yugo to become a successful or popular car for the long run. Around 794,428 Yugos in total were produced, but only a fraction of these were sold in Britain. And by 2018, just 19 remained on the road, according to official registrations data. Author, Jason Vuic, subsequently entitled his book "The Yugo: The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History". Return of the vehicle comes as part of a project by Serbian university professor, Dr Alekasandar Bjelić, who hopes to bring the car back to the market for 2027. Dr Alekasandar Bjelić is linked to the automotive industry in Germany, and unveiled his 1:5-scale vision for what the Yugo could look like soon. This new design for the Yugo was debuted at the Car Design Event 2025 in Munich that took place earlier in the month. Fully restored first edition of iconic Ford motor to be auctioned for huge price after £130k spent on its renovation It included stylish compact car features such as slim LED lights on the front and rear, along with large alloy wheels. A fully working prototype of the new Yugo is expected to be shown at the Belgrade Expo in 2027. On top of that, Bjelić said it would be initially sold as an "affordable" two-door model, adding that there is potential for "different body versions" to follow. Affordability of the new Yugo is hoped to be facilitated by introducing the vehicle a petrol engine, and choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. Yugo Automobile did add: "electrified versions are possible." With this project, Yugo are teasing a "fun-to-drive car" that "meets all relevant safety standards," hinting it will use a shared platform borrowed from a "cooperation partner".
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
First look at 80s-inspired supermini being brought back to life almost 20 YEARS after long-forgotten carmaker went bust
The vehicle went bust nearly two decades ago 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. 2 The Zastava Yugo is making a comeback with an 80s-inspired supermini Credit: Instagram 2 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.
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
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. 2 The Zastava Yugo is making a comeback with an 80s-inspired supermini Credit: Instagram 2 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 . read more in motors 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 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, Most read in Motors The trip is a recreation of one originally made by the company in 1975. ENGINE RESTART It comes after a huge car brand looks 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.
Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
The 1980s car we loved to hate is making a surprise comeback
The delivery driver offered me some discouraging advice: always park on a downward slope – so it will be easier to bump start. The first Zastava Yugo hatchback arrived in Britain in 1981 and some might say it was downhill all the way from there. A car that made the Morris Marina look desirable, this Yugoslavian runabout was a cheap, badly made contender in the newly-created supermini sector. If you couldn't stretch to an Austin Mini Metro, then a budget people's car from the emerging Eastern Bloc was surely worth a test drive. Cheap to buy, dreadful to drive; pity motorists on the far side of the Iron Curtain who had little choice. At least the Yugo was better than an East German-built Trabant, a car known as 'the spark plug with a roof'. In Britain we could pick from well-built and reliable runabouts such as the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova or Volkswagen Polo. Zastava's boxy little three-door didn't stand much of a chance in such esteemed company. Despite the Yugo 311's Italian styling, robust Fiat 128 running gear and a paltry price-tag (as low as £2,795 at one stage), the Communist contender was a terrible vehicle – and now scarce, despite popularity among the most impecunious British drivers. Thankfully, my Yugo press car didn't require a bump start but, when push came to shove, the appalling gear-change and heavyweight steering had a major impact. Looking to purchase a car of my own, I immediately bought an Austin Allegro. In beige. Zastava imports dried up in 1991 when the Yugoslav Wars broke out but production of the Koral model continued for the home market in Serbia until 2008. Seemingly unloved, only seven Yugo 311s are today registered on British roads. New Yugo revealed This all begs the question: why is the long-forgotten Yugo, a car we once loved to hate so much, now a go-go again? Rights to the Zastava name have recently been purchased by a Serbian professor who has vowed to revive the budget brand following 17 years in the wilderness. Dr Aleksandar Bjelić, a Serbian professor and engineer, is working alongside designer Darko Marčeta to create a retro-style modern hatchback, likely to be available in electric or petrol forms. It is due to be unveiled as a prototype at Expo 2027, in Belgrade, and Bjelić says the new Yugo will initially be offered as a two-door model and positioned as an 'affordable' car. Among those celebrating are members of the UK Yugo/Zastava Cars Facebook group. Created in 2013 and boasting 1,500 followers, owners and enthusiasts swap memories here and rejoice in the quirky features of a car that was cruelly remembered by most for its crudity. A UK owner's experience Paul Gregory's second car was a year-old Yugo 45A, in 1989. 'I'd just turned 18, paid £2,495 and it was very exciting at the time. All my friends drove Fiestas that cost £1,500 more but my Yugo had the same equipment. They did tease me – once I found it had been picked up and turned completely around to face the other way.' Gregory, 53, from Essex, admits his Yugo wasn't especially well built. 'Frankly, it was terrible. The centre console was vacuum-moulded in one piece of plastic and the 903cc engine made for painfully slow progress. Later, my father and I fitted a 1,500cc engine from a Fiat Super Strada. It became a different car.' Then, a few years ago, the retired policeman spotted a Yugo 55A for sale on Facebook. 'It was a year newer than my previous car and I had to have it. The seller was confused because he wanted £2,000 and I offered £2,500 on the phone. I just wanted to make sure he kept it for me. 'It's now in the garage alongside my collection of Minis. The 55A drives just like I remember my old Yugo – rubbery gear-change, terrible brakes and dreadful fittings. For me, it's pure nostalgia and I wouldn't sell it for the world.' Owning a Yugo in its country of origin Robert Cullemore, 49, is an ex-pat who works in Belgrade, once home of Zastava. The company's Yugo assembly line was 80 miles south of the Serbian capital, in Kragujevac. 'I bought my 2006 Koral 11 years ago with a friend. We were a few pints in at the pub and it seemed like a great idea,' he said. 'We paid €1,450 (£1,232) after I haggled €50 off. The car has covered 33,000 miles since without a hitch. I have a modern Alfa Romeo too but the Yugo's been brilliant. We've been on a 2,000-mile round trip to the Alps and the Zastava always gets more comments than my Alfa. I've found four or five handwritten notes left on the windscreen from people looking to buy one.' Cullemore, who grew up in the US before moving to Britain, says the Yugo reminds him of his childhood. 'I once saw a convertible Yugo in a New York showroom, alongside a Lotus Esprit – something you never forget. Some dealers were known to offer a free Yugo with every new Cadillac, just to shift them. 'My three-door is great around Belgrade – zippy, easy to park and not ostentatious. It's serviced every year for a maximum of £150, plus the MOT, road tax and insurance, which together cost £130. The oil pressure sensor was replaced once. It cost £2 but was such an easy fix the mechanic didn't want to be paid.' Other Communist curiosities Skoda Estelle What would you choose to drive on a handling course during a press driving event – a VW Golf GTI, Caterham 7 or rear-engined Skoda Estelle? Despite tail-happy handling, back in the 1980s the Estelle won hands down that day. Why? Skoda had cleverly offered journalists a crate of beer for the fastest lap time in their car – and not a zero-alcohol brew either. Once Britain's cheapest car, the cabin of this Czechoslovakian two-seater was hot and scary on wet roads. The Skoda proved mostly reliable though and won many rallies, while the 'sporty' Rapid coupé had stickers to prove it. Lada Samara Cheap but not cheerful, a Samara was the only 'sensible' car my father refused to let me buy – and he owned an orange Datsun 120Y. Sold as the brilliantly-named Sputnik in its home market of Russia, the five-door hatchback was introduced to Britain in the mid-1980s. Compared with Lada's previous Riva model, the Samara was a big leap forward. The Samara's four-wheel drive Niva sibling, however, was unstoppable off-road and one of the best Soviet cars. In fact, it's still manufactured in countries as diverse as Ecuador and Egypt. Dacia Denem The Dacia 1300 is a key part of Romanian automotive history. During the 1960s and 1970s, the plucky saloon helped the Soviet country on to the road for the first time, with estate and pick-up models too. Closely related to the old Renault 12, the Denem was launched here in 1982 – the same year as the Ford Sierra. The Romanian Embassy in London was an early customer but at £3,190 the Dacia was pricey compared with a Skoda or Lada. An ancestor of the modern-day Dacia that few current owners will choose to remember. Wartburg Knight A two-stroke East German saloon often used by the Soviet authorities, this 1.0-litre, three-cylinder car cost only £619 when it first appeared on British roads in 1967. Standard equipment included a cigarette lighter, reclining front seats and a comprehensive toolkit. Styling was less impressive, while the car eventually disappeared in 1976 because of poor exhaust emissions. 'Step into a Wartburg Knight and sit back in continental luxury' read the optimistic advertising slogan.
