Skoda’s modern day 100 concept is a rear drive reimagination we’d love to see

Skoda is continuing its retro revival – see the Favorit, Felicia, 110 R and 1000 MBX – with this, a modern day concept based on the hugely popular 100 from half a century ago.

The latest heritage car it’s transformed for today’s world using its ‘Modern Solid’ design language, it’s quite a biggie, because the Skoda 100, produced from 1969 to 1977, was the Czech carmaker’s first vehicle to surpass one million units.

Which was a key part of the reason for its reimagination, according to Skoda designer Martin Paclt, who penned the concept you see in front of you today. “I wanted to work with a car that people know well – and that many once owned themselves,” he says.

So it remains a four-door saloon, measuring in roughly the same size as a Superb. But it now features several contemporary cues, including prominent light strips front and rear (obvs), a fancy headlight signature, and sharp bonnet lines.

But it’s round the back that’s most interesting. See, the original 100 got a 1.0-litre four-cylinder rear-engined, real-wheel drive setup, and this modern day interpretation gets a similar electrified layout. Only, it does away without a rear window and instead gets a roof-mounted air intake and slats on the back bumper for extra cooling.

“It’s a small attempt to challenge established rules,” notes Paclt. “Even an electric vehicle requires cooling. Placing the intake above the roof looks cool and effectively directs air to the technical components located behind the cabin.”

In place of the traditional boot, there’s a storage compartment up front, complemented by a smaller secondary compartment above the rear-mounted drivetrain.

Looks rather delightful, wouldn’t you agree?