The Yugo Might Be Reemerging as a Retro Icon | Carscoops

      The world requires more budget-friendly vehicles, and a retro-styled Yugo could effectively meet that need.

      An all-electric variant of the nostalgic Yugo may be launched in the future.

      This initiative is being led by a German university professor and a Serbian designer.

      The new Yugo will be built on a platform provided by an undisclosed partner.

      The Yugo is recognized as one of Europe's most infamous small hatchbacks, often noted more for its low price and unique character than for its performance. Although it has been absent from the market for nearly twenty years, a revival may be on the horizon.

      Indeed, this economical and cheerful hatchback could see a new version hit the streets within the next few years. While it will differ somewhat from the original, it is expected to remain affordable and could potentially be among the last cars available with an internal combustion engine.

      The original Yugo was manufactured by Serbian company Zastava Automobiles, which ceased operations decades ago. Currently, the Yugo revival is being led by Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Bjelić from Germany, who has extensive marketing experience. Bjelić has secured the trademark rights to the Yugo name and collaborated with Serbian designer Darko Marčeta to modernize the car while respecting its heritage. The goal is to create a vehicle that embodies the essence of the original while satisfying contemporary standards.

      Early designs of the vehicle reveal it will retain a two-door layout, similar to its predecessor, combining modern and retro aspects. It keeps the familiar overall profile of the traditional Yugo while incorporating updated features such as LED headlights, larger wheels, and redesigned taillights. Given today's stringent safety regulations, the supports of this new model will be noticeably thicker.

      As reported by The Autopian, Bjelić has consented to acquire the car’s platform from an unnamed partner, allowing the revived brand to avoid developing an entirely new architecture. For perspective, the original Yugo was founded on the Fiat 128.

      The first iteration is anticipated to be powered by affordable combustion engines, aimed at cost-conscious consumers. Nevertheless, an electric version might be introduced later, reflecting a progressive outlook while still prioritizing affordability.

      However, there is a significant gap between conceptualizing a new vehicle and actually manufacturing it. Many automotive startups have struggled to bring new vehicles to market, and any future Yugo will need to achieve strong sales for the brand to thrive.