The Citroën 2CV is one of those models that warms the heart and is instantly recognisable even to those outside of the petrolhead community.
The original 2CV — meaning deux chevaux (two horses) — was released in 1948 and enjoyed a 42-year production run, spawning over 3.8 million models until the curtain was finally drawn in 1990. The 2CV has been laid to rest ever since, and while a prototype under the name ‘Citroën 2CV 2000’ was initially developed in the late 1990s, it was never fully realised.
However, that may all be about to change… because this week, at the site of the original’s unveiling 76 years ago — the Paris Motor Show — the Citroën 2CV 2026 Concept was revealed.
“Simple and clever, lighter and more efficient”
The concept is an electric, minimalist, and, more importantly to some, affordable take on the 2CV, which brings the classic fully into the modern automotive space. And, unlike many other concepts, the intention is for Citroën to add the model to its future range by 2028.
The electric 2CV will be positioned between the Ami and C3 in Citroën’s range, with the French company aiming for a starting price of around €15,000 (£12,664). In a world where cars are getting bigger, heavier and more sophisticated, Citroën is hoping that the 2CV will be the antidote to that as a “simple and clever, lighter and more efficient” option.
Exterior Design
At 3.76 m, the 2CV Concept is shorter than the original 2CV, done deliberately to “recapture the pleasure and agility of small cars, while making driving and parking easier”. It is certainly an appealing prospect given how hard it is nowadays to park at a supermarket…
While the design language brings the 2CV concept into the modern day, it still sticks to that instantly recognisable silhouette and retains the unique proportions and curves of the original 2CV.
At the front, the round headlamps are set apart from the bodywork and feature an “expressive” LED signature. A sweeping bonnet, TPV-inspired creases, integrated air intakes and exposed windscreen wipers give it character, but with aerrodynamic efficiency.
The concept sits on 19-inch steel wheels inspired by the original and matched with Michelin tyres bearing the Heritage logo and the Citroën chevrons. That aforementioned silhouette is defined by the curved, flowing roof and taut flanks, while at the rear, the distinctive roofline flows down to the black tailgate and bumper, with LED lights on either side.
Interior
Inside, there’s an airy and bright feel with plenty of space on offer. Accentuated door panels with soft-strap door handles, wide seats with Citroën Advanced Comfort technology and a pull-out front seat make sure it’s a comfy experience.
The concept doesn’t have a traditional dashboard, instead opting for a cylinder with a single-spoke steering wheel, a single control lever, a paddle-shift gear selector and a Citroën Smart Vision display attached. An 8-inch square ‘phygital’ touchscreen comes with comic book-inspired graphics, while a ‘Radioën’ (detachable radio) doubles as a speaker. Further light can be brought into the 2CV by opening the fabric sunroof.
Nods to the original and playful features
The concept contains nods to the past, including the sound of the horn and electric motor, which echoes the sound of the original 2CV when starting up. There are also the numbers 48 / 90 / 26 inscribed on the windscreen that refer to 1948, the year of its launch; 1990, the end of production; and 2026, the concept unveiling.
The brake pedal features a tortoise, while the accelerator features a rabbit, a feature that Citroën says is a “playful nod to the freedom to slow down or speed up”.
There are even nods to the original in the door storage compartments. These, originally designed to hold eggs, pay homage to the original specifications of the 2CV.
“The world has changed. But the idea remains the same”
Xavier Chardon, Citroën CEO, said: “Reinventing the 2CV isn’t about replicating a car from the past; it’s about reinventing what made it unique: its simplicity, its accessibility and the freedom it offered. With the 2CV Concept, we’re bringing that spirit into today’s world to make electric mobility simpler, more human and more desirable. The world has changed. But the idea remains the same: to make life more beautiful with Citroën.”
Roll on 2028…
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Citroën - Stellantis