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It is one of the most eagerly awaited stars of the Paris Motor Show, which will open its doors in the French capital from 13 to 18 October: Citroën’s legendary 2CV is making a major comeback almost forty years after disappearing from the market, in a fully electric version.
With its V-shaped bonnet, upright windscreen and distinctive round headlights, the new city car keeps the lines of its ancestor, as well as its down-to-earth, popular DNA.
Launched in 1948 and produced until 1990, the 2CV left its mark on several generations of drivers, becoming one of the symbols of France’s post-war boom years and the first holiday getaways, with more than five million units built in all versions combined.
Simplicity, versatility and an affordable price
Just like the original model, this new 2CV is built around simplicity, versatility and an affordable price tag, at around €15,000.
"The 2CV became an icon not because of what it had, but because of what it allowed people to do. And today that spirit is back," said Citroën’s chief executive Xavier Chardon during the 2CV’s unveiling at the motor show.
To keep costs down, Stellantis is betting on a car weighing under one tonne, fitted with a small battery tailored to everyday journeys. Still at the concept-car stage, the new 2CV is expected to go on sale at the end of 2028, to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the original model, and could even be offered as a small van.
The switch to electric is being helped along by purchase incentives in France, where battery-powered vehicles reached the record level of 42% of new registrations in September. The trend is driven in particular by small electric models and by the state-backed social leasing scheme, with around 9,500 registrations over the past month.
Faced with mounting competition from Chinese brands, which are set to have a strong presence at the show, other European manufacturers are also turning to affordable electric cars, such as the new Dacia Spring or Volkswagen’s ID. Polo.