Škoda favorit concept: An electric tribute to an eastern bloc icon

Škoda favorit concept: An electric tribute to an eastern bloc icon

04 June 2025

Let’s take a trip back in time, to an era when cars didn’t all look the same and the Eastern Bloc surprised us with unexpected gems. The Škoda Favorit, launched in 1987, was one such car: a humble hatchback with a front-mounted engine and front-wheel drive, designed with help from Porsche and the Italian design house Bertone. It was a car that showed the Czechs could play with the big boys. Now, in 2025, Škoda breathes new life into this legend with the Favorit Concept, an electric reimagining that honors the past while embracing the future. And trust me, this isn’t some dusty nostalgia trip – this is a car that demands your attention.

The original Favorit was a game-changer. At a time when Škoda was still grappling with the image of clunky Eastern Bloc cars, like the rear-engined 120 and 130, the Favorit turned things around. It was modern, practical, and surprisingly versatile: a hatchback, a Forman estate, and even a pick-up variant. For peanuts, you got a car that was reliable, spacious, and – let’s be honest – had more character than many Western rivals. When Volkswagen scooped up Škoda in 1991, the Favorit was polished with catalytic converters, a refreshed interior, and a subtle facelift. But let’s not kid ourselves: this was a car that was already good before the Germans got involved.

Fast forward to 2025, and Škoda’s designers have sharpened their pencils and fired up their laptops to sketch the Favorit Concept. This isn’t some retro throwback meant to just stir up old memories. No, this is a sleek, fully electric car that blends the Favorit’s DNA with Škoda’s new Modern Solid design language, as seen in the Elroq. Think sharp lines, a glossy black “Tech-Deck Face” instead of the classic grille, and Škoda lettering on the hood. The result? A compact crossover that looks ready to conquer the streets of Prague, with a nod to the past but both wheels firmly planted in the future.

Under the hood – or rather, where the hood would be if electric cars still had engines there – lies a powertrain that aligns with Škoda’s current electric ambitions. While exact specs haven’t been revealed, we can take a stab based on the Elroq, Škoda’s other compact EV. Expect a battery ranging from 52 to 77 kWh, with a range of 370 to 560 kilometers. Power? Likely between 125 kW (170 hp) for the base model and 210 kW (286 hp) for the top version, with optional all-wheel drive for those who need it. Fast charging up to 175 kW means you’re back on the road in half an hour, which is more than enough to turn a coffee break into a quick pitstop.

What makes this Favorit Concept so special? It’s not just the nostalgia, though that certainly helps. It’s how Škoda manages to blend tradition and innovation without it feeling forced. The original Favorit was a car for the everyman, but with a touch of flair – like a sharp suit you snag for a bargain. This concept does the same: it’s affordable (we hope), practical, and cool enough to turn heads. The trunk space will likely be generous, true to Škoda’s reputation, and you can bet on clever touches like storage nets for your charging cable and sustainable materials inside. Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want a car that looks like a concept, drives like a dream, and doesn’t break the bank?

Still, there’s a lingering question: is this a serious preview of a production model, or just a fun exercise by Škoda’s design team? The Czechs have a history of show-stealing concepts that never make it to showrooms – think of the 2019 Vision In. But with the rapid rise of electric cars and Škoda’s ambition to be a major player in affordable EVs, there’s a good chance this Favorit Concept is more than just a pretty sketch. If it goes into production, it would slot perfectly alongside the Elroq as a compact, budget-friendly option for those fed up with yet another dull crossover SUV.

Let’s not forget that Škoda has always been a brand for savvy buyers. People who don’t want to spend a fortune but still want a car that does everything they need – and then some. The Favorit Concept embodies that ethos, but with a modern twist. It’s not a roaring V8 or a hypercar that’ll make your neighbors jealous, but it’s a car that’ll put a smile on your face while driving. And in a world full of cookie-cutter cars, that’s an achievement in itself.

So, what’s the verdict? The Škoda Favorit Concept is a brilliant tribute to a car that may not have won beauty contests but won hearts with its no-nonsense approach. It’s an electric nod to a time when cars still had character, wrapped in a modern package ready for the 21st century. Whether it hits production or not, this concept proves Škoda still dares to dream – and that’s something we can only cheer for.

As excited about this car as we are? Head over to our marketplace at https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/ and find your dream ride. Whether it’s a cutting-edge electric or a classic with a story, it’s all there.