Cast your mind back to the late 90s. It was a time of questionable fashion, dial-up internet, and some truly brilliant, oddball cars. Right at the top of that quirky list was the Škoda Felicia Fun, a pick-up so bright and cheerful it was impossible to ignore. Built for a good time, not a long time, this bright yellow ute with its unique sliding rear seats became an instant cult classic. With just over 4,200 ever made, it’s now one of the rarest production Škodas out there.
Well, hold onto your hats, because Škoda has just pulled the covers off a modern reinterpretation, and it’s every bit as glorious as we’d hoped.
A Modern Solid Fun-fest
This isn’t just a retro rehash; it’s a full-blown reimagining. Dubbed a “design study,” this new Felicia Fun was created by French designer Julien Petitseigneur, who channeled the spirit of the original through Škoda’s new “Modern Solid” design language. This is the same design philosophy seen on new models like the Elroq and Enyaq, defined by clean surfaces and bold proportions.
Up front, the concept features the “Tech-Deck Face” grille and signature T-shaped LED headlights. The whole package has a wide stance, chunky black bumpers, and muscular wheel arches, all set against that unmistakable, vibrant yellow bodywork. It’s rugged and futuristic, yet undeniably Fun.
The designer himself was so taken with the original’s charm that he even considered buying one while sketching its successor. “The original car was pure fun – it didn’t take itself too seriously, and it stood out in a way that few other Škodas ever have,” said Petitseigneur.
It’s All In The Details
What made the original so special were its unique quirks, and this new concept doesn’t disappoint. The full-width rear spoiler makes a comeback, but the tailgate now features a light bar that glows with a cheeky neon pink light instead of a boring old red. That neon pink is a recurring theme, popping up on wheel highlights and even in the glass tints to give it a proper “beachside feel”.
Inside, the retro-futurism continues. The dashboard is dominated by a full-width screen displaying old-school video game graphics. In a brilliant nod to the 90s, the screens are even designed to look like a modern take on the chunky CRT monitors from the original car’s era.
Now, for the big question: what about the party trick? The original’s standout feature was the sliding rear partition that revealed two extra open-air seats in the back. While Petitseigneur’s design study doesn’t include this feature, he’s confirmed that the concept’s proportions would absolutely allow for it in a production version. The dream is still alive!
Will They Actually Build It?
For now, this is officially a “design study” created in a designer’s spare time. But the fact that Škoda is officially publicising it gives us a glimmer of hope. The original Felicia Fun (1997-2000) was a lifestyle vehicle that transformed a humble pick-up into something special, complete with its unofficial frog mascot on the B-pillar symbolizing fun and freedom. With the ute and lifestyle vehicle market hotter than ever, a modern, all-electric version seems like a no-brainer. This reimagined Felicia Fun proves that while Škoda has a reputation for sensible, practical cars, it hasn’t forgotten how to have a good time. We say build it. The world needs more fun.
