Skoda, now one of Europe’s top three best-selling automakers with a 6.3% market share as of late 2023, continues to honor its heritage through a series of imaginative EV redesigns. The latest project revives the iconic Skoda 100/110 – a rear-wheel-drive, rear-engined sedan popular from 1969 to 1977 – as a bold concept for the modern era.
A Nod to the Past, a Leap to the Future
Skoda’s “Icons Get a Makeover” series isn’t just nostalgia; it’s an exploration of how legacy brands can blend history with cutting-edge design. The reimagined 100 embraces Skoda’s “Modern Solid” design language, avoiding overly retro styling in favor of futuristic innovation. The most striking feature? A complete absence of a rear window, replaced by a curved, body-colored panel with an integrated fin that functions as both an air intake and a third brake light.
This isn’t just about aesthetics. The original 100 was one of the first Czech cars to reach one million units sold. Reimagining it acknowledges this milestone while also showcasing Skoda’s design capabilities.
Radical Changes, Subtle Homages
Despite the dramatic departure from its predecessor, the EV concept retains subtle nods to the original. Discreet rear-fender vents, reminiscent of the classic model’s engine placement, serve as functional cooling elements for the electric drivetrain. LED light bars echo the chrome strip and engine vent of the original, while a repurposed fuel cap now conceals the charging port.
The new design takes advantage of EV architecture to maximize space. The concept is larger than the original 100 (at 4.155 meters long) and features a dual-trunk layout with rear cargo space positioned above the drivetrain.
A Fun Experiment, Not a Production Plan
Skoda designers created this concept purely for fun, after hours. It’s not a preview of upcoming models, though it does show how the brand thinks about design. The exercise highlights a broader trend: automakers are increasingly using digital concepts to engage fans and explore unconventional ideas.
The 100’s revival also comes as Skoda prepares to electrify its core lineup. The next-generation Octavia will be an EV, building on concepts like the Vision O wagon previewed earlier.
This series is more than just a design exercise; it’s a statement about Skoda’s willingness to play with its history while pushing forward into the electric future.
Ultimately, this project demonstrates that legacy automakers can honor their past without being constrained by it. It suggests a growing trend of brands embracing digital design experiments as a way to connect with fans and showcase innovation.
