The new 2CV shows that the fun of French retro shows no signs of slowing down
Citroen are bringing back one of the world's most iconic cars, but this time with batteries.
In a world of recognisable shapes, perhaps no shape is more recognisable than that of the Citroen 2CV. The French farmer’s car has been haunting the concept of aerodynamics since 1948 and only ceased production in 1990, since when it has lived on as an oddity; no doubt a ‘classic car’, but also one that is seemingly ubiquitous and without any obvious redeeming features other than it is old and French.
But, if we’ve learned anything about new cars in the past few years, it’s that ‘old and French’ sells as well as ‘cheap and Chinese’. The Renault 5 has been the standout success in the small electric car space, perhaps as a result of its affordability, but certainly as a result of its retro 1980s feel. As it turns out, if you build good looking cars that remind people of their childhoods, those same people will want to buy them.
Citroen and their handlers at Stellantis have clearly been paying attention in between their long lunches, because the 2CV is to return in 2028, this time as a small affordable EV. Not a huge amount has been revealed about the new 2CV (NewCV?) other than that it is rumoured to cost about £13,000 and be less than four metres long. At Stellantis’s recent investor presentation, a silhouette was shown that suggests that the new design will borrow heavily from the old, much like Renault’s ambitions with the 5, the 4 and the Twingo. In the words of Citroen brand CEO: ‘Icons create emotion. Icons reconnect brands with people, and today one icon is about to return. Yes, the 2CV is back.’
Few things as iconic as a 2CV meandering through the European countryside. Will the new version have the same Gallic cool?
In an interview with Topgear.com, Chardon provided a bit more detail. The NewCV will focus on a ‘less is more’ attitude, and is very much not designed to be a mile-eater on the motorway. ‘You will be able to drive 130kmh (80mph) [in the new 2CV], but you will have to take your time because we are close [in philosophy] to the original 2CV,’ he said. ‘That original car’s [fuel] tank was 20 litres. You are not going that far on 20 litres.’
Instead, Chardon said, the car was aimed as a ‘second car’ for households and families. ‘If once a year you have to take this car to go elsewhere, it will be possible but it won’t be the fastest one,’ he added. ‘So enjoy life.’
Other interesting things to note is that it will definitely be coming to the UK and it will be made in Europe, with 70% of its parts also sourced in Europe. It’s expected that we’ll get a first look at the concept of the car at the Paris Motor Show in October.
