Citroen revives the 2CV for an electric age
The French firm is reinventing the classic model as carmakers come under pressure from Chinese rivals.
Key points
- Citroen unveiled a retro-styled electric 2CV concept at the Paris Motor Show.
- A production version is planned for showrooms by 2028, priced around £13,000.
- European brands are using heritage to counter competition from Chinese EV makers.
Citroen has unveiled a new electric model at the Paris Motor Show that revives the styling of its classic 2CV. The small city runabout is a concept car showing Citroen's direction, and the company plans to have a version in showrooms by 2028.
The original 2CV launched in 1948 as a cheap, robust vehicle for French farmers and country people. It stayed in production for more than 40 years and later became a cult classic. Citroen expects the new electric car to sell for about £13,000.
Design echoes the original
The new model shares styling features with its predecessor, including high, flared wheel arches, a tall, curved roof and eye-like headlights. Citroen chief executive Xavier Chardon called it a modern, ingenious and refreshing response to the mobility challenges of tomorrow.
The look may evolve as Citroen develops the design. The company is following a well-travelled road by using memories of an old car to sell a new one.
It's a brilliant differentiator from all-new car brands
— Rachel Burgess
Retro trend amid Chinese competition
VW brought back the Beetle in the late 1990s, BMW's Minis carry retro styling, and Fiat has sold a retro-styled 500 for two decades. Renault has revived the Renault 5, 4 and Twingo, while VW has the ID-Buzz and Ford is working on a new EV expected to be called the Fiesta.
Rachel Burgess of Autocar magazine said the strategy is a brilliant differentiator from all-new car brands. David Leggett of Global Data said many in the industry believe European players face a very serious existential threat from aggressive Chinese manufacturers. Dr Paul Nieuwenhuis said linking European designs to their history is something the Chinese cannot do, though Leggett said the new car also needs to be credible in functionality and features.
