We would run to the dealer right now if Skoda puts this model into production
Iron curtain
Cars built behind the Iron Curtain never really broke through in the West. The Trabant did reasonably well and some Skodas made it pretty far, but to say that they are fresh in everyone’s memory – no, they are not. And that is a pity, because Skoda has a rich history.
The 1966 1000 MBX, for example, was a special model: a sporty but accessible two-door without a B-pillar, with an aluminum engine that was revolutionary for the time. Only 2,517 of the coupe were built, making it today considered one of the rarest Skodas ever made.
In the sun
Skoda designers Antti Mikael Savio and David Stingl thought the 1000 MBX should be put in the limelight for once, so they came up with an idea: design a modern version. The idea for the modern version came about spontaneously – literally on a beer mat. “I sat in a bar, asked for pen and paper and quickly drew the first sketch,” Savio said. Three weeks later, a full 3D model stood in the Skoda design studio in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic.
Modern Solid
The Skoda 1000 MBX Concept follows the design philosophy Modern Solid, which you also know from the Skoda Elroq and Enyaq. So lots of clean lines and sharp corners. According to Savio, the car had to remain “friendly and elegant, not aggressive like many modern sports cars.”
Electric
Although it is only a design study, on paper the 1000 MBX Concept is fully electric. The flat battery floor allowed the designers to draw a 2+2 configuration, with the front seats merged into a wide bench. The two rear seats can be folded down, creating space for luggage, a bicycle or sports equipment. The most striking detail? The concept car has no rear window. Instead, a camera provides rear visibility.
“This car should encourage adventure,” says interior designer Stingl. “It is not meant to be a second car for weekends, but a practical coupe concept that you can use every day.”
Interior: retro feel with high-tech flair
Inside, you immediately notice the oval dashboard, covered with glass and featuring projected images. It is a direct reference to the instrument panel of the original MBX, but completely digital. The oval shape also returns in details such as the steering wheel and headrests.
Manufacturing
Then the bad news, which you probably already saw coming: Skoda has no plans to put this car into production. Too bad, because otherwise we would have run straight to the dealership. However, the brand does emphasize that the 1000 MBX Concept clearly shows what the future of Skoda could look like.
Also see: Review Skoda Elroq: Why Everyone Wants This Car – AutoRAI TV