Stunning Skoda 100 concept evokes beloved ‘70s saloon

Continuing a long-standing Skoda tradition of reimaging landmark models, the elegant new 100 design study celebrates the brand’s first million-car seller. So, what’s it like?

A spot on Skoda’s in-house design team must be the envy of car stylists far and wide this year. From Favorit to Felicia, the Czech marque’s automotive artists have recently been given the freedom to go wild and rework some of Skoda’s most iconic models for the 21st century.

And, next on the menu, it’s an all-electric reinterpretation of the now 55-year-old, 100 saloon. That name doesn’t ring a bell? Let us paint a picture for you. Built upon foundations laid by the 1000 MB, the 100 was a cleverly practical and unexpectedly premium four-door saloon built between 1969 and 1977.

Moreover, its layout was highly unusual by today’s standards — rear-engined, rear-wheel drive, but with a tiny 1.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant pumping out as little as 47 bhp — the original 100 was certainly a product of its time. And one that people clearly loved: it was the brand’s first model to surpass one million sales, with 1,079,708 units produced.

There’s no doubt those handsome proportions played a part in that success, which makes it fun to wonder what a modern equivalent might look like. Well, you need wonder no more, as thanks to Skoda exterior designer, Martin Paclt, we have the answer.

It’s a suave-looking beast, right? Crucially, though, Paclt didn’t want his creation to fall down the pastiche, retro rabbit hole that many similar concepts have. Instead, the new 100 retains “the core spirit of the original through its overall stance, silhouette and character”, and echoes the “simplicity of the classic model”, without simply copying it.

Interestingly, the whole project is underpinned by the current Superb platform, though you’d never guess thanks to the extent of the remodelling. From the frameless windows and flush door handles to the vast alloys and roof scoop, there’s no mistaking this for one of Skoda’s current production models. And that’s especially true of the glassless rear end, which is made possible thanks to the concept’s electric powertrain but means the main boot actually sits in nose — not something you often see in a saloon.

Speaking of that electric setup, Paclt was adamant that the concept would retain ‘a certain degree of realism’. That means that while technical information regarding horsepower of battery size isn’t quoted, the design is predicated on a rear-mounted, rear-driven EV layout, with consideration given to cooling in the form of vents in the back bumper, and that sporty-looking roof scoop.

As for the interior, Skoda’s leaving that one up to your imagination. But who knows, maybe Paclt has also reimagined some of the 1970s 100’s cabin quirks, like the characterful ribbon speedometer and two-spoke steering wheel. Afterall, as a man who still sketches with pencils and crayons, he’s clearly got a love for old-fashioned charms.

What do you make of his handiwork; should Skoda take note and put the 100 into series production? Let us know if you want to see more retro-inspired designs for the Czech brand.

Hero image credit:  Skoda