Citroen revives the 2CV as an electric city car

French carmaker Citroen has presented a new electric concept car that brings back the spirit of its legendary 2CV model. The vehicle was shown at the Paris Motor Show as the company tries to strengthen its position in the growing electric vehicle market. It is not ready for sale yet, but the company aims to have a version in showrooms by 2028.

The new model is a small city car with a retro look that clearly references one of the company's most famous designs. It features the high, curved roof, the rounded wheel arches and the distinctive headlights that remind people of the original car. Citroen's chief executive explained that the car was created as a modern and clever answer to the future needs of urban mobility.

The original 2CV was launched in 1948, when Europe was rebuilding after the war. It was designed to be an affordable and tough vehicle for farmers and people living in the countryside. The car became famous for its soft suspension, which, according to popular stories, allowed it to cross a ploughed field without breaking a basket of eggs. It was also simple to drive and easy to fix. Over more than forty years of production, it turned from a practical rural tool into a cult classic loved by various groups, from hippies to car collectors.

Now, Citroen wants to use this warm feeling for the past to sell an electric car that is expected to cost around £13,000. By doing this, the company is following a path taken by several other manufacturers. Volkswagen revived the Beetle in the 1990s, while BMW's Mini and Fiat's 500 have used retro styling for many years. However, this trend has become stronger recently as companies look for ways to make electric cars more attractive to buyers who are still unsure about them.

Renault has been particularly active in this area. It launched the electric Renault 5, which echoes the boxy shape of the original model that was once common on French roads. It has also revived the Renault 4 and the Twingo. Elsewhere, Volkswagen now sells the ID-Buzz, a modern electric van that looks back to the classic T2 Transporter, and Ford is widely reported to be preparing a new electric vehicle that will carry the Fiesta name.

Industry experts believe this strategy is a useful way for established brands to stand out. A senior magazine editor noted that nostalgia can attract older customers who remember the original cars, while also appealing to a younger audience who enjoy the retro style. As European manufacturers face strong competition from new Chinese brands, heritage is seen as something that Chinese companies cannot easily copy. One automotive researcher pointed out that while Chinese firms can create new design trends, they do not have the same long history to draw upon.

Nevertheless, some analysts warn that memories alone are not enough. A car industry editor argued that the new 2CV must also be a credible modern electric car with the right features and functionality to achieve widespread success. They added that the price and simplicity of the original model were key to its popularity, and the new version should reflect that spirit as well.