The Škoda Favorit stands as a pivotal milestone in the history of the Mladá Boleslav-based automaker, marking the brand’s critical transition to a “everything in front” engineering concept. This strategic shift not only modernized the vehicle’s architecture but also played a key role in the company’s eventual integration into the Volkswagen Group.
Beyond the Hatchback: The “Declassified” Concepts
While the Favorit is widely remembered in its production forms—the classic five-door hatchback, the practical Forman estate, and a versatile pick-up available with various attachments—the brand’s ambitions were far more expansive. According to the Škoda Museum’s “Declassified Concepts” exhibit, several experimental variants were developed that never reached the assembly line.
These prototypes illustrate the iterative nature of automotive innovation, where technical ambition often clashes with the realities of market demand. The manufacturer chose to prioritize body styles with the highest sales potential, leaving several intriguing designs in the archives.
The Bertone Influence: Sedan and Coupe Prototypes
Design studio Bertone, the firm responsible for the Favorit’s overall aesthetic, was instrumental in creating two distinct alternatives to the standard hatchback. The first was Project Škoda 782, a sedan version introduced in 1986. Multiple prototypes were constructed for this model, and while serial production was tentatively planned for 1990, the project was eventually shelved.
Even more aggressive was the 1987 prototype known as the Škoda 783, a three-door coupe. The development of this model began as early as 1985 with initial sketches and a 1:4 scale model. By 1986, engineers in Mladá Boleslav and Kvasiny had completed the necessary documentation for the three-door body. Although the coupe successfully hit the roads in 1987, it similarly failed to enter mass production.
The Savana: A Study in Practicality
In contrast to the stylistic focus of the Bertone projects, the 1991 Škoda 784 Savana was designed with pure utility in mind. Built upon the chassis of the Škoda Forman estate, the Savana featured a raised rear body section characterized by extensive glazing, two seats, and dedicated storage space.
Designed to appeal to families, adventurers, and tradespeople, the Savana represented a bold attempt to diversify the Favorit’s utility. However, like the sedan and coupe before it, the Savana remained a concept, never transitioning from a prototype to a consumer product.
