Canadian and American readers witness a reimagined Soviet icon
A renowned Soviet bus icon received a fresh silhouette from independent industrial designer Andrey August. The Belarusian designer built a new project inspired by the LAZ-695N, a mid‑range high‑floor bus once produced from 1974 to 2010 at the Lviv Bus Plant. The intention was not to replicate exactly, but to evoke the familiar lines while introducing modern proportions and material language that nod to today’s design sensibilities.
The concept preserves the core footprint, with the length staying close to the original 9.5 meters as reported by industry sources such as Russian Automobile. The designer’s goal was clear: keep the recognizable essence while translating it into a contemporary visual form. The result reads as a respectful homage rather than a verbatim copy, a bridge between a storied past and a present‑day design language that Canadian and American audiences can appreciate. The visual identity remains unmistakable, from the overall stance to the subtle reinterpretation of the surface details that signal a forward-looking approach to bus design.
The rear and roof shapes maintain their rounded character, and the vertical lighting accents align with the historic cues. The headlamp contours echo the familiar language of the era, while the badge evolves into a cleaner, more compact emblem that feels at home on modern urban streets. The evolution of the logo mirrors the broader shift toward minimalism without losing the vehicle’s original personality.
Fans of the era have responded with a mix of admiration and debate. Some observers question the bold use of glass, noting that the window line appears to sit at the same level as the floor. Critics argue that this design choice could raise concerns about structural integrity, long‑term durability, and ease of maintenance in daily service. There are practical considerations too, such as the potential impact on climate control efficiency and the accessibility of passengers in varied clothing and footwear. Yet the designer emphasizes that this study is not a plan for production. It exists as a highly detailed computer model, meant to spark discussion and inspire new thinking about retro influences in contemporary transport design.
In context, the original LAZ prototype offers a glimpse into how diesel powertrains performed in real-world testing. A rare diesel variant adds a chapter to the bus’s long story, illustrating an era when efficiency and rugged simplicity guided engineering decisions. The newer concept, while not intended for manufacturing, invites viewers to imagine how an icon from the Soviet period could translate into today’s city environments. Some enthusiasts have already explored the model in interactive formats, with discussions and “driving” demonstrations shared through messaging platforms and social channels, which helps broaden the conversation beyond traditional design circles.
- The original LAZ, including its diesel version, recently appeared in a test drive sequence for curious onlookers.
- Insights and commentary about the vehicle’s propulsion and handling circulated via messaging apps and forums.