Retro is back: the coolest retro vehicles of the moment

Retro is back! Think turntables, vintage trainers, 1970s interiors and old-school photo filters. In the automotive world, retro is also making a comeback. More and more brands are returning to their iconic models of the past, with a modern twist and often fully electric.

Fancy a trip down memory lane? We have gathered the best students for you.

When we talk about the hippie van, we immediately think of the T1 Combi of the 60s and 70s, which symbolised freedom, road trips and surfing. With the ID. Buzz, VW revisits this monument of the automobile in an all-electric version.

Round headlights, two-tone paint and playful design: everything exudes retro, without compromising modern technology.

Inside? Space, comfort and all the technology you expect today! The ID Buzz is ideal for families and for those who have always secretly dreamt of driving a van.

The new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is perhaps the best retro re-edition of recent years. Originally, the Renault 5 was the urban car of the French middle class in the 70s and 80s: small, affordable and full of character. The new electric version retains this compact and playful look, with a recognisable design, angular headlights and clean lines. But make no mistake: under the hood, it has everything you'd expect from a modern electric vehicle, including intelligent driver assistance systems and a solid range.

In parallel with the R5, Renault is also bringing the iconic R4 up to date. The original "Quatrelle" was known to be a rugged, practical, affordable and versatile car.

Its descendant is an electric crossover, SUV-style, but with obvious nods to the original. You will recognise the characteristic rear lights and the angular silhouette. The R4 is perfect for those looking for a compact electric vehicle with a little extra in terms of personality.

MG was once synonymous with affordable, rear-wheel-drive, sunroof British sports cars. Since the takeover by the Chinese manufacturer SAIC Motor, we have so far mainly seen electric SUVs.

With the Cyberster, MG is reviving its roadster heritage. A low-level, wide and strikingly styled model, with an electric motor and a soft top for a true convertible feel. Its 502 horsepower (375kW - 0 to 100Km/h in 3.2s) as well as its gullwing doors bring the Cyberster closer to the supercar category.

Citroën does not choose a single retro model, but a whole range of city cars that refer to the past. Think of the Citroën Ami, an ultra-compact electric city car as original as the iconic 2CV once was. Or the new ë-C3, which, with its angular lines and playful use of colours, is clearly inspired by old Citroëns.

Comfort and personalisation are the focus, as they have been in the past.

Fiat has long known how to make retro a success. The Fiat 500 has been an icon in its own right for years. But since the arrival of the electric 500e and the choice of bright, vibrant colours and limited editions, the retro vibe is clearly back. Think pastel blue, bright pink or sunshine yellow. The form? Still as round and compact, but with a completely modern interior.

Not all brands opt for a pronounced retro design. Some manufacturers mostly revive the names of the past, with only a few small design details referencing an iconic heritage. Take Ford, for example, with models like the Mustang Mach-E, Bronco, Explorer and Capri EV. All of these names are well-known and have a strong heritage, but visually they don't look much like the original models. Opel is also joining the trend with the Frontera: a robust SUV, but one that has few similarities to the solid 4 x 4s of the past.

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