Citroen is poised to solve a long-running automotive mystery with the unveiling of a radical new concept car at this year's Paris Motor Show. The iconic French marque is drawing direct inspiration from its legendary 2CV to create a fresh, affordable small electric vehicle for the modern age.
A Modern Take on an Iconic Brief
The reveal, scheduled for October 2026, is expected to showcase Citroen's vision for a budget-friendly electric city car. This move follows the successful retro revivals seen with models like the Renault 4 and 5, the Fiat 500, and the Mini. The new Citroen will enter a competitive arena, battling forthcoming affordable EVs from Volkswagen and Kia.
In an exclusive interview with The Independent at the Brussels Motor Show, Citroen's CEO, Xavier Chardon, addressed the rumours head-on. When asked if the 2CV was being reinvented, Chardon stated it was a source of inspiration. "Answering yes or no is difficult. Are we looking at the 2CV to inspire ourselves? Yes," he confirmed.
He elaborated on the original car's purpose: "The brief was quite simple: you put four farmers under a roof, 50 kilos of potatoes in the back and you can carry six eggs without breaking them." Chardon explained that this ethos must be adapted for today, replacing farmers with modern urban professionals like nurses, and integrating priorities like low CO2 emissions, affordability, and a good Total Cost of Ownership.
More Than Just Retro Design
Chardon, who took the helm in June 2025, emphasised that the project is about more than nostalgic styling. "What is important when you are looking at icons, more than the design, is to understand what made them iconic models," he said. The goal is to reinterpret the 2CV's core purpose of accessible, practical mobility for a new generation.
He hinted that more concrete elements of his vision for Citroen—centred on being caring, clever and creative—will be shown in Paris. A key focus is improving quality and reliability, evidenced by the brand's eight-year warranty. "We are reconnecting with innovation at an affordable price," Chardon added.
Boldness in the Face of Competition
The CEO also outlined how leveraging Citroen's rich history could provide an edge against rival manufacturers, particularly new entrants from China. "You have to come to leverage your history that they don't have, and you have to leverage new concepts where I believe that we can be bolder than they are," he stated.
Pointing to the boldness of the Citroen Ami, Chardon signalled a future of distinctive design and concept. "I believe that with the future of Citroen, you have to be bold in design, in concept, if you want to stand out." The potential for this new small EV is further bolstered by recent EU incentives supporting a new class of small electric vehicle, known as M1E.
While the final name and specifications remain under wraps, the stage is set for a significant announcement at the Paris Motor Show in October. Citroen aims to translate the enduring spirit of the 2CV into a viable, charming, and affordable electric car for contemporary city dwellers.
