Article Outline

The automotive world is no stranger to nostalgia, but Skoda’s modern-day 100 concept isn’t just another trip down memory lane. Instead, it’s a bold, rear-drive reinterpretation that makes us question why carmakers don’t take more risks with heritage and engineering in the electric age.

With this concept, Skoda doesn’t simply repackage an old favorite. It injects genuine innovation and clever design cues that could actually change the way we think about modern EVs—and perhaps about the role of heritage in the future of mobility.

Why This Matters

• Rear-wheel drive in EVs is rare—most mainstream electric cars opt for front- or all-wheel drive for packaging and efficiency. Skoda’s nod to the original 100’s layout is a deliberate break from convention, celebrating driving fun and engineering purity.
• Heritage models with modern tech have become a hot trend (think Renault 5 E-Tech, Fiat 500 Electric, or even the Honda E), but Skoda’s concept goes further. It isn’t just a design homage—it rethinks the car’s mechanical soul for today’s world.
• Design that challenges norms: The absence of a rear window, replaced by a roof-mounted air intake for cooling, is a bold statement about how EV packaging enables new forms and functions.

What Most People Miss

• The original Skoda 100 was a people’s car, selling over a million units (1969–1977). This concept’s emotional impact lies in its ability to evoke collective memories while pushing boundaries, not just replicating the past.
• By retaining the compact four-door saloon format with a storage compartment up front and a secondary one above the rear drivetrain, Skoda is hinting at the practical versatility that modern EVs can offer—echoing Porsche Taycan’s ‘frunk’ and rear storage, but for the everyman.
• The cooling system’s design (roof intake, rear slats) isn’t just cool-looking—it’s an engineering solution to a real EV challenge: battery and drivetrain heat management, especially in compact or rear-heavy layouts.

Key Takeaways

• Retro doesn’t have to mean boring: Skoda’s 100 concept is proof that heritage-inspired cars can lead on innovation, not just aesthetics.
• Practicality meets fun: The car’s dual storage solutions and RWD layout cater to both everyday needs and enthusiast cravings.
• Design language matters: The ‘Modern Solid’ philosophy gives the concept a futuristic, approachable vibe, not just another retro shell.

Industry Context & Comparisons

• EV Platform Flexibility: As more automakers shift to skateboard platforms, we’ll likely see more creative configurations—like Skoda’s rear-drive focus—enabling new driving experiences and cabin layouts.
• Heritage Revival Trend: Volkswagen ID.Buzz, Renault 4Ever Trophy, and others show there’s appetite for nostalgia—but few dare to reimagine the mechanical side, as Skoda has done here.

Timeline: Skoda’s Retro Revival Journey

1. 2021: Skoda reimagines the Favorit and Felicia Fun for the modern era.
2. 2022: Concepts based on the 110 R and 1000 MBX debut.
3. 2024: The modern Skoda 100 concept launches, combining retro design with contemporary EV tech.

Expert Perspective

“It’s a small attempt to challenge established rules. 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.”
— Martin Paclt, Skoda Designer

In a world where most EVs are beginning to look and feel the same, Skoda’s approach is a breath of fresh air. It proves that carmakers can honor their past while pushing the technical envelope—and that consumers still crave cars with character and ingenuity.

The Bottom Line

Skoda’s modern 100 concept isn’t just a tribute—it’s a challenge to the industry. It asks: Why not blend nostalgia with bold engineering? Why not take a risk on design that actually solves problems? If more brands followed this formula, the EV revolution would get a whole lot more interesting—and a lot more fun.

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• Skoda Favorit Concept
• Skoda Felicia Fun Concept
• Skoda 110 R Concept
• Skoda 1000 MBX Concept

Renault isn’t just selling cars—it’s letting go of automotive time machines and bonkers prototypes as it trims its historic collection for a new Paris museum. As over 800 vehicles get whittled down to 600, the French brand’s upcoming auction isn’t just a garage clear-out. It’s a window into Renault’s wildest ideas, motorsport glories, and some truly oddball genius. Let’s dig into why this matters for car lovers, collectors, and the future of classic motoring.

Why This Matters

• Automotive Heritage on the Block: With more than 90% of lots offered without reserve, rare concepts and championship-winning racers are suddenly within (relative) reach.
• Shift in Classic Car Collecting: Major manufacturers are pruning their collections, creating unique opportunities for enthusiasts—but also raising questions about what’s preserved for future generations.
• Electric Pioneering—Decades Early: Some electric prototypes date back to the 1980s and ‘90s, showing Renault’s EV ambitions long before it was trendy.

What Most People Miss

• It’s Not Just About Value: Sure, a Williams FW19 F1 car (€800k–€1.2m est.) grabs headlines, but the real gems are the one-off conversions and oddities—like a six-wheeled Clio pickup or an electric Renault 4 van.
• The Story Behind Each Car: Many of these vehicles are prototypes, movie props, or have motorsport lineage—like a Laguna BTCC car (missing its engine), or a 1985 Renault 4 F4 van restored and electrified for modern times.
• Concepts That Never Made It: The 2006 Twingo II concept and 2004 Trafic Deck’Up are reminders that not every wild idea hits showrooms—but their existence shows Renault’s willingness to experiment.

Key Takeaways

• Manufacturers Are Rethinking Museum Collections: With space, cost, and relevance in mind, even storied brands are offloading history. Expect others to follow suit.
• Collectors’ Market Shifts: No-reserve lots mean more attainable classics, but also potential losses to private hands or even overseas buyers—raising preservation stakes.
• Electric and Experimental Cars Gain Status: Early EVs and concept cars, often overlooked, now attract serious collector interest as the world pivots to electrification.

Timeline: Renault’s Auctioned Dream Machines

1. 1959: Floride/Caravelle launched—Brigitte Bardot in the ad campaign; the auction car starred at Euro Disney’s opening.
2. 1975–78: Alpine A442’s Le Mans glory days (and heartbreaks).
3. 1980s–90s: Electric concepts (Renault 4 F4, Fior Electrocampus), rally and touring cars, and bizarre prototypes like the six-wheel Clio pickup.
4. 2000s: Concepts galore—Twingo II, Trafic Deck’Up, and others showcase Renault’s creative streak.
5. 1997: Williams FW19 F1 car—Adrian Newey’s last Williams, a world champion chassis.

Pros & Cons: Renault’s Big Sell-Off

• Pros:
  • Rare access for collectors and fans
  • Potential to see these cars on the road (or at least in private collections)
  • Financial support for future museum projects
• Cons:
  • Loss of public access to unique heritage vehicles
  • Risk that cars end up neglected or hidden away
  • Some lots missing engines or road registration—restoration headaches for buyers

Expert Perspective

“This auction isn’t just about selling metal—it’s a rare chance to own a piece of Renault’s DNA, from the Le Mans paddocks to electric dreams ahead of their time. For historians and enthusiasts, it’s both exciting and bittersweet.”

The Bottom Line

Renault’s auction is a flashpoint for the evolving world of car collecting. The mix of race-bred icons, strange prototypes, and early EVs tells a tale of innovation, risk-taking, and changing values in automotive history. If you’re a collector or just a lover of car culture, this is a moment to watch—and a wake-up call for museums everywhere.

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Pininfarina—the legendary Italian design house best known for sculpting Ferraris—has partnered with Infinix to design a new flagship phone. At first glance, this should thrill any fan of bold industrial design. But can a storied automaker’s design DNA really translate to the hyper-competitive, sometimes unforgiving world of smartphones?

Let’s dig into why this collaboration matters, what most people are missing about it, and whether Pininfarina can finally break the curse of automotive design houses flopping in tech.

Why This Matters

• Pininfarina’s name is synonymous with Italian luxury and automotive artistry. Its touch has graced icons like the Ferrari 250 GT and Maserati GranTurismo. But in electronics? Not so much.
• The smartphone market is saturated with lookalikes. A fresh design perspective could shake things up—if done right.
• This collaboration hints at a trend: luxury and performance brands lending their cachet to consumer tech, hoping to stand out in a sea of sameness.

What Most People Miss

• Pininfarina’s previous attempts at tech weren’t exactly classics. Remember the Pininfarina PFONE or the Pininfarina-designed Sagem phones? Neither set the world on fire—or even really flickered.
• Design pedigree is only one piece of the puzzle. Execution, materials, and user experience matter more in phones than in cars, where emotion can paper over flaws.
• Infinix is known for value-oriented devices, not luxury flagships. Will Pininfarina’s vision survive the cost-cutting and mass production constraints?

Key Takeaways

• Star power doesn’t guarantee success in tech. Pininfarina’s past forays into electronics were, frankly, forgettable.
• Consumers are savvier than ever. A pretty shell won’t compensate for a weak camera, poor software, or lackluster battery life.
• But—if any design house can inject soul and surprise into a slab of glass and metal, it’s probably Pininfarina.

Industry Context

• Automotive design houses and tech: Pininfarina isn’t alone. Porsche Design has worked with Huawei and BlackBerry. Lamborghini and Bentley have licensed their names to phones—usually with mixed results.
• Luxury brand fatigue: Recent years have seen a glut of “luxury” tech tie-ins, many of which amount to little more than branding exercises. Consumers are wary.
• Design innovation drought: Most phones look… the same. If Pininfarina can buck the trend and deliver something truly fresh, it could start a new chapter for both brands.

Pros and Cons Analysis

• Pros:
  • Potential for ground-breaking, head-turning design
  • Brand buzz and free PR from the Pininfarina name
  • Opens door for future high-end collaborations
• Cons:
  • Pininfarina’s mixed track record in electronics
  • Risk of style over substance
  • Potential mismatch between luxury design and mass-market pricing

Action Steps and Implications

• Watch for the reveal: Will this phone truly break the mold, or is it just another logo slap?
• If it succeeds, expect more design houses to jump into tech partnerships—and more consumers demanding devices that look as good as they perform.
• If it fails, it’s yet another cautionary tale in the long list of “car meets phone” misadventures.

The Bottom Line

Pininfarina’s move to design a phone with Infinix is more than just a headline—it’s a risky bet that the allure of Italian automotive artistry can finally find a home in your pocket. History says, “Don’t get your hopes up,” but if anybody can defy the odds, it’s the team that once made even the most jaded car fan fall in love at first sight.

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Celebrating the Best Cars of 2026

Every year, car enthusiasts wait eagerly for the TopGear.com Awards. The 2026 edition has finally arrived, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. TopGear has handpicked the most impressive cars that have graced the roads over the past twelve months. Whether you love speed, style, or cutting-edge technology, this year’s winners set new standards for the automotive world.

Which Cars Made the Cut?

The 2026 TopGear.com Awards showcase vehicles that redefine excellence. From eco-friendly electric cars to jaw-dropping supercars, the list has something for everyone. These picks represent the finest engineering, innovation, and design. TopGear’s editors have driven, tested, and debated each winner, making sure only the best made it to the top.

Let’s be honest: if you’re not excited about this list, check your pulse! Whether you’re a hardcore petrolhead or just enjoy a smooth ride, these award-winning cars are bound to make you want to hit the road. The only thing missing? A winning lottery ticket to get one of these beauties in your garage.

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TopGear: Best Cars of 2026

The automotive world just witnessed the end of an era. Bugatti has completed production of the last Bolide, and with it, the legendary 8.0-litre W16 engine takes its final bow. Only 40 of these ultra-rare hypercars exist, making this final unit not just a collector’s dream, but a rolling piece of automotive history.

Farewell to the W16 Powerhaus

Bugatti’s W16 engine has been the beating heart of its most iconic cars for nearly two decades. The Bolide represents the last chapter for this powerhouse, and what a send-off it is! With mind-blowing performance and futuristic design, the Bolide stands as a testament to Bugatti’s relentless engineering and flair for the dramatic.

If you ever dreamed of owning one, tough luck—these beauties are already spoken for. The last Bolide rolling off the line is like the final slice of pizza at a party: everyone wants it, but only one lucky soul gets it. Here’s hoping they at least take it out for a spin and not just hide it in a garage!

What’s Next for Bugatti?

As Bugatti moves towards electrification and hybrid technology, the W16’s thunderous roar will be missed. But if history is any guide, the French marque will continue to push boundaries and deliver jaw-dropping machines. For now, let’s tip our hats and shed a (premium unleaded) tear for the mighty W16.

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Read more at Top Gear

Top 50 Cheapest Electric Cars in the UK You Can Buy Now

Thinking about switching to an electric car but worried about the price tag? Good news! The UK market is buzzing with affordable electric vehicles (EVs) that won’t drain your wallet. Whether you’re a city commuter, a weekend adventurer, or just EV-curious, there’s something for everyone.

Why Go Electric Without Breaking the Bank?

Manufacturers are racing to release more budget-friendly EVs than ever before. From compact city cars to spacious family hatchbacks, the latest wave of electric vehicles proves that you can go green and still keep your savings intact. The likes of Fiat Panda, Renault 5, and the new Mini are just a few of the exciting choices that offer great value without sacrificing style or performance.

Let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to save money at the pump and look cool doing it? With so many options on the table, it’s almost harder to pick your favorite than it is to afford one. The age of the affordable EV is officially here—cue the happy wallet dance!

Ready to zap your way into the future? Check out the full list and find the electric car that suits your lifestyle and your budget.

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Top Gear – UK’s Cheapest Electric Cars

Aspark Owl Roadster Soars Again

The Aspark Owl Roadster is back and it’s more electrifying than ever. This Japanese hyper-EV now features an open-top design, making it the perfect blend of power and style. Packing a jaw-dropping 1,926bhp, the Owl Roadster rockets from 0-62mph in just 1.78 seconds. That’s not just fast—it’s “hold onto your hats (and sunglasses)” fast.

Open-Top Electric Performance

Aspark has taken everything we loved about the original Owl and cranked up the excitement. With an open roof, you can now feel the wind rush past as you unleash nearly 2,000bhp onto the asphalt. The design screams speed, and the performance figures are enough to make even seasoned petrolheads do a double take. Who said electric cars couldn’t be heart-pounding?

Let’s be honest—when the only thing faster than your hypercar is the rate your hair gets blown back, you know you’re in for a wild ride. The Aspark Owl Roadster isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. If Batman went green, this is what he’d drive.

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Top Gear – Aspark Owl Roadster Returns

Electric Car Owners: Get Ready for Pay-Per-Mile Tax

The UK government has shaken up the electric vehicle (EV) world by confirming a pay-per-mile road tax starting in 2028. If you drive an electric car (EV) or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), you’ll soon need to pay for every mile you drive. This big announcement came as part of the government’s latest budget and marks a major shift in how the UK plans to tax drivers as more people go green.

What Does This Mean for Electric Car Drivers?

Currently, EV drivers have enjoyed zero road tax as a reward for ditching petrol and diesel cars. But as more people switch to electric, the government’s fuel tax income is shrinking faster than a smartphone battery at a festival. So, from 2028, every EV and PHEV driver will need to start coughing up for each mile they clock. The goal? To keep road funding fair and sustainable as the world goes electric.

Don’t panic just yet, but maybe start counting those miles. Some might say this move is as predictable as British weather—just when you get used to the sunshine, here comes the rain! It’s a bittersweet moment for the EV revolution, but at least we’ll have quieter roads and—hopefully—cleaner air.

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TopGear: Electric Car Drivers Will Pay Per Mile from 2028

The All-New 2025 Dacia Jogger: Fresh Features, Same Affordable Price

Dacia has just unveiled the revamped 2025 Jogger, and the starting price is only £18,995. That’s just £25 more than the previous model! In a world where car prices seem to only go up, Dacia keeps proving that value for money still exists.

What’s New in the 2025 Jogger?

The updated Jogger sports a fresh design, upgraded technology, and a new powertrain. Dacia didn’t just slap a new badge on this one—they’ve given it meaningful improvements inside and out. The exterior looks sharper, while the tech upgrades inside promise a more connected and comfortable driving experience. And for those who want choice, the new powertrain options mean you can pick what fits your lifestyle.

Honestly, in 2025, finding a car that gets better and still stays budget-friendly is like finding a unicorn in your backyard. Dacia seems to have pulled off both. If only everything else in life got better and only cost £25 more!

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The Legendary Eyesore: Mitsuoka Galue

If you ever wondered what happens when a car company tries too hard to stand out, look no further than the Mitsuoka Galue. Since 1996, Mitsuoka has unleashed not one, but four generations of the Galue, each time somehow making it even more outrageous and, frankly, uglier than the last. The Galue’s design is a mashup of classic British luxury and, well, questionable Japanese creativity. It’s like someone put a Rolls-Royce and a Nissan in a blender and hit ‘chaos’.

The Epic Fail that Keeps on Giving

Every new generation of the Galue has managed to surprise car enthusiasts – and not in a good way. Mitsuoka’s commitment to bizarre styling is almost admirable. It’s as if they took criticism as a challenge: “Oh, you think this is ugly? Wait for the next one!” The Galue’s awkward grille, mismatched body lines, and retro-chic gone wrong make it a rolling meme in the automotive world. If you see one on the road, count yourself lucky – or unlucky, depending on your taste.

Honestly, you have to respect Mitsuoka for their bravery. It takes guts to keep doubling down on a design that has the internet in stitches. If nothing else, the Galue proves that beauty truly is in the eye of the (very forgiving) beholder!

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Top Gear: Mitsuoka Galue – An Epic Fail