Citroen 2CV returns as budget EV for 2028 release

The Citroen 2CV is back! Arguably the most iconic car in the French brand’s storied history, it is set to return to the market by 2028, Citroen has confirmed.

Previewed by the 2 CV Concept at the Paris Motor Show, the new car is set to be smaller than the Renault 5 E-Tech and is being lined up for a starting price of around €15,000 (£13,000). This would put it alongside the Dacia Spring as one of the cheapest electric cars on sale.

The production version of the 2CV will be built in Europe and sit in the new ‘M1E’ (or E-Car) car class, which gives higher credits against emissions targets for smaller, cheaper models with fewer safety regulations. This is similar in theory to the Japanese ‘Kei Car’ rules, although details are yet to be confirmed.

New Citroen 2CV: exterior design

The 2 CV concept retains the instantly recognisable ‘Tin Snail’ shape of the 1948 original, but modernised only where necessary. LED headlights protrude from the front end just like the old 2CV’s lights, while the bonnet creases, vertical windscreen and exposed wiper arms are all clear references to the classic.

From the side, the 2 CV concept has retro-style pop-out mirrors, door handles that appear almost identical to the original and protruding wheelarches, while the 19in alloy wheels, combined with classic white Michelin logos, are a key throwback too.

From the rear, the rolled-back convertible fabric roof sits in the same position as the original, while the tailgate’s exposed handle and the mounted metal bumper are clearly inspired by the old 2CV.

With a length of just 3,760mm, this concept is around 70mm shorter than the original 2CV but around 130mm longer than the Fiat 500e. Citroen says the production car will sit between the Ami and e-C3 in its small EV lineup.

Citroen claims its intention with the 2 CV concept was to “breathe new life into an icon, not by copying it, but by reinventing its design language to ensure it’s fully rooted in the present day”.

New Citroen 2CV: interior design

The cabin of the 2CV concept makes some clear references to the original, but with a far brighter and more colourful approach combined with some nods to modern technology.

There’s no traditional dashboard or large centre console, helping to free up interior space. The front and rear seat benches are each a single piece, with retro tartan-patterned fabric – and the front bench is even removable, like the original, for roadside picnics.

In place of a centre console there’s a removable storage basket, while yellow textured fabric “inspired by cane and wickerwork” coats the dashtop, door panels and floor. Details like the steering column, pedals and door handles are inspired by Bakelite, too.

There’s even a detachable retro radio that doubles as a speaker. But some modern-car elements are included, such as an 8in ‘phygital’ touchscreen with graphics inspired by comic books and a small digital speedometer above the single-spoke steering wheel.

No details of what powers the 2 CV concept have been revealed, but we know the production version will be fully electric.

Xavier Chardon, CEO of Citroen, said: “Reinventing the 2 CV isn’t about replicating a car from the past; it’s about reinventing what made it unique: its simplicity, its accessibility and the freedom it offered.

“With the 2 CV Concept, we’re bringing that spirit into today’s world to make electric mobility simpler, more human and more desirable. The world has changed. But the idea remains the same: to make life more beautiful with Citroën.”