French carmaker Citroen has brought back its iconic 2CV brand as a concept electric vehicle, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, aiming to boost sales in a competitive EV market.
The new model is a small city runabout with retro styling that references one of Citroen’s most famous designs. As a concept car, it is not yet ready for sale, but Citroen plans to have a version available in showrooms by 2028, with an expected price of around £13,000.
Citroen chief executive Xavier Chardon described the new car as “a modern, ingenious and refreshing response to the mobility challenges of tomorrow.”
The original Citroen 2CV launched in 1948 as Europe recovered from World War Two. It was designed as a cheap, robust vehicle for French farmers and rural residents. The car featured high wheel arches, soft suspension, and a tall roof, allowing it to traverse rough terrain and unpaved fields. The design remained in production for over 40 years, eventually evolving from a utilitarian tool into a cult classic.
The new electric 2CV retains several styling features of its predecessor, including high, flared wheel arches, a tall curved roof, and distinctive eye-like headlights.
Citroen is part of a broader industry trend of reviving heritage brands to sell modern electric vehicles. Renault has led this strategy, relaunching the Renault 5 E-Tech, Renault 4, and Twingo as electric models. Volkswagen offers the ID-Buzz minivan, inspired by the classic T2 Transporter, while Ford is developing a new EV expected to be called the Fiesta.
Rachel Burgess, senior editor of Autocar magazine, says this strategy makes sense: “It’s a brilliant differentiator from all-new car brands. An older audience might remember the originals and feel warmly towards them, and a younger audience might find an appeal in the retro aspect.”
Automotive researchers suggest European manufacturers face growing competition from Chinese brands, making heritage and nostalgia potentially powerful strategic advantages. Dr Paul Nieuwenhuis, automotive researcher and author, notes that “linking European designs back to their history while using the latest powertrain technology is something the Chinese cannot do.”
However, David Leggett, automotive editor at Global Data, cautioned that nostalgia alone may not ensure success. The reimagined 2CV “needs to be a credible modern electric car in terms of functionality and features, with widespread appeal,” he says.
Key facts
- Citroen unveiled the new 2CV concept at the Paris Motor Show as an electric city car
- The concept is planned for showroom release by 2028 with an expected price around £13,000
- The original 2CV launched in 1948 and remained in production for over 40 years
- The new model features retro styling cues including high wheel arches, curved roof, and distinctive headlights
- Renault, VW, and Ford are also reviving heritage brands as electric vehicles to compete with Chinese manufacturers