Citroen 2CV concept nods to the past, winks to the future as a super-cheap EV

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The Citroen 2CV is jumping on Europe’s retro-futuristic bandwagon to offer super-affordable EV motoring from 2028.

Citroen has unveiled a preview concept on the eve of the 2026 Paris motor show, nearly 80 years after it debuted the original 2CV in the same city.

The French brands says that while the design incorporates “all the hallmarks and charm” of the original, it says the new 2CV is not about nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake but about applying the spirit of the 1948 car to today’s car-buyer needs.

The 2CV Concept is 3.76 metres long, fractionally shorter than its predecessor that was in production for 42 years, until 1990. Citroen is targeting a kerb weight of around a tonne, which would make the 2CVs one of the lightest EVs available.

Citroen says it is also targeting a price tag of 15,000 Euros as it also aims to replicate the affordability of the original car. Buyer incentives for cheaper, smaller cars are expected in Europe in coming years.

That converts to about $24,000 in Australian dollars, though the Citroen brand was axed in Australia at the end of 2024.

While there are no rear wheelarch covers – or ‘spats’ – the concept is brimming with exterior retro cues – such as the protruding headlights, stainless-steel (18-inch) wheel rims, and black fabric sunroof that blends into a darkened rear window and black rear section.

The concept’s interior is especially eye-catching with its bright-yellow materials that extend to a tartan front bench that eschews separate seating.

Other notable elements are a removable Bluetooth audio player so owners can use it away from the car, a picnic-basket-style centre console, a thick single-spoke steering wheel and what Citroen calls a “phygical” touchscreen.

Interior plays on the original 2CV include the horizontal ‘umbrella handle’ gearlever and small, round pedals – which continue the fun by featuring a tortoise on the brake and a rabbit on the accelerator.

The door pockets pay homage to the deux-cheveaux – “two horses” – with the ability to hold eggs. The original was famously developed so the car could carry a carton of eggs without breaking any when being driven across a field.

In Europe, the 2CV will be positioned between the Ami ‘quadricycle’ and C3.