Yugo rides again - iconic hatchback plans electric comeback

The Yugo, a name that evokes both nostalgia and a chuckle, is ready for a surprising comeback. The company has unveiled a scale model of a new generation of its compact hatchback. The new Yugo will come with both traditional combustion engines and modern electric powertrains, and plans include a manual gearbox option.

Designed by Darko Marčeta and spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Bjelić, the initial design of the new Yugo is distinctly boxy. The scale model, shown at the Car Design Event in Munich, reveals a two-door configuration, a broad, flat profile, and a rear hatch with a gentle slope. This design successfully blends retro charm with contemporary design elements.

The company claims that the car will initially be available with combustion engines, offering both manual and automatic transmissions, with the possibility of electric versions and different body styles in the future.

Specific details regarding pricing and target markets remain under wraps, but the European market appears to be a likely initial focus for the reborn Yugo. The company has outlined key dates for future announcements. On September 15 of this year, at the CDE Classic in Dietzhölztal, Germany, Yugo intends to reveal a "sporty derivative" and share more technical specifications.

The full-scale, drivable prototype of the new Yugo will make its debut on May 15, 2027, at the Belgrade Expo. Production of the original Yugo ceased in 2008, making this potential revival nearly two decades in the making.

The prospect of an affordable and practical car, possibly with an electric option and a manual transmission, is attractive for many car buyers. Can the new Yugo overcome the somewhat checkered history of its predecessor? We'll have to wait another two years for the answer, but its initial design and promised features offer an interesting start to its comeback journey.

Via