Citroen is bringing back the iconic 2CV as an affordable electric hatchback, with a production model promised for 2028. Unveiled as a concept at the Paris Motor Show, the new 2CV combines the original car’s unmistakable styling and practical philosophy with a modern electric powertrain. Citroën is targeting a starting price of around €15,000, making it the entry point into the carmaker’s EV lineup.
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Citroen 2CV Returns With Classic Design
The original Citroën 2CV was produced from 1948 to 1990, with more than 3.8 million units sold. Known for its simple engineering and practical design, it became one of the French automaker’s most recognizable models.
Previous Citroën CEOs had ruled out bringing it back, despite its status as the brand’s most famous car. That position has now changed as established automakers increasingly turn to their heritage to stand out against growing competition from Chinese manufacturers in Europe.
The new 2CV concept embraces its history rather than merely borrowing a few styling cues. It features the original’s ribbed hood, prominent round headlights mounted on raised front fenders and a roll-back canvas roof. However, its wider stance, muscular bodywork and 19-inch wheels give it a more modern appearance than the original.
At 148 inches (3.76 meters) long, the concept is around eight inches (20 cm) shorter than the original 2CV. Citroën says its compact dimensions should make it easier to park in crowded cities while helping keep production costs under control.
A Simple Interior With Quirky Details
The concept’s cabin follows the original 2CV’s focus on simplicity and practicality, but it adds several unusual features.
The bench seats can be removed for picnics, while a portable hamper on the floor doubles as a center console and storage compartment. The doors even include built-in egg boxes, a reference to the original 2CV’s design brief from the 1930s.
That brief called for a car capable of carrying a basket of eggs across a rough field without breaking them. The requirement reflected the original model’s mission: affordable transportation that could handle everyday life in rural France.
Other nostalgic details include a single-spoke steering wheel and a transmission selector that extends from beneath the dashboard. Unlike the original car’s air-cooled, two-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission, the revived model will use an electric drivetrain.
Citroën Targets An Affordable EV Price
Citroën is targeting a starting price of around €15,000, equivalent to approximately $16,800 or £12,700 based on the figures provided. That would put the production 2CV among the more affordable electric cars in Europe.
The company has not yet disclosed the motor output, battery capacity, charging specifications or driving range. Given the target price, the production version is unlikely to prioritize high performance or long-distance capability.
The entry-level Renault Twingo offers a useful point of comparison. Its base version produces 81 hp (82 PS or 60 kW) and has a claimed range of 163 miles (262 km). The production 2CV could target a similar balance of modest performance, urban usability and affordability, although Citroën has not confirmed its specifications. Keeping the car small and relatively simple will be important if the company wants to meet its price target.
Production Citroën 2CV Expected In 2028
Citroën plans to reveal the production version at the 2028 Paris Motor Show, exactly 80 years after the original 2CV made its debut at the same event in 1948.
The concept suggests that the new model will retain much of the original car’s distinctive styling and character. Its success will depend on whether Citroën can deliver the promised price without compromising everyday usability. For now, the electric 2CV remains a concept, and its final specifications have yet to be announced.
