Skoda reimagines Favorit as modern electric crossover

Skoda unveils a bold electric concept inspired by the iconic Favorit, showcasing Modern Solid design in a compact, practical crossover. See how heritage meets future.

Inspired by legacy and driven by modern design values, the designers at Skoda Auto have unveiled a bold yet respectful reinterpretation of the classic Favorit. Presented as part of the Icons Reimagined series, the project exemplifies the brand’s Modern Solid design philosophy—where simplicity, function, and character meet.

First introduced in 1987, the original Favorit marked a turning point for the Czech automaker, ushering in a new era of vehicle architecture. Developed behind the Iron Curtain and under significant constraints, the car still managed to gain international recognition—including the attention of Volkswagen.

The 2025 concept is the brainchild of designer Ludmil Slavov. Originally from Bulgaria, Slavov has lived in the Czech Republic for over 25 years and has been part of the Skoda Design team since 2017. He devoted 120 hours of his personal time to sketching and conceptualizing a 21st-century Favorit—not as a nostalgia piece, but as a practical electric crossover tailored to today’s needs.

Inspired by Modern Solid principles, first embodied in the Vision 7S concept, Slavov aimed for a design that avoids ornamentation and instead evolves the original Favorit’s minimalism into something purpose-built for modern users. Rather than relying on familiar visual elements like the Tech-Deck Face, he drew from the original car’s DNA, reinventing its lines with clarity and respect.

As the project progressed, Slavov brought in 24-year-old David Stingl, an exterior designer with Skoda’s digital design studio and a background in 3D modelling. His input helped evolve the concept’s proportions, making it feel closer to a production vehicle. The result is a friendly, “Simply Clever” car with distinctive touches—from split-handle sliding doors to customizable lighting patterns embedded in slim LED headlights.

The original Favorit saw over 780,000 units produced and earned motorsport acclaim in the early 1990s. This new vision doesn't aim to replicate the past—it seeks to translate its essence into a form fit for the electric future. While Skoda continues its NEXT LEVEL strategy and gears up to launch new EVs, such projects bridge the gap between heritage and innovation, reinforcing the brand’s direction with depth and meaning.

Source: skoda-storyboard.com