The Citroën 2CV is back! New concept previews £13k EV for 2028

Why now?

Now is the right moment for a new 2CV, said Gaillot-Drevon (pictured above), because “when you see the situation in the world, everyone needs a smile on their face”. Although Citroën considered painting the concept flat grey to mimic the 1937 TPV, “we wanted to have a colourful car, a private interior where you feel good, that is super-bright and fresh”.

Read Also

2 week ago

The Gordini story: How legendary fast Renaults paved way for Alpine

37 autotech

It is also playing the retro card in a bid to fight off the wave of Chinese newcomers that pose a serious threat to the French brand’s budget-friendly positioning. “You can’t buy history,” said Gaillot-Drevon. “They are brand-new, so the only thing they can offer is a cheaper price – but emotion is something you need. “Citroën is one of the most collected brands in the world and we have to be proud of our heritage, where we come from, and use this knowledge that we have.”

Design

Citroën worked hard to ensure that the 2CV didn’t have an aggressive or imposing appearance. Gaillot-Drevon explained the placement of its beady headlights was a particular dilemma, resolved only with the assistance of Stellantis’s new European design chief, Gilles Vidal.

Read Also

3 month ago

V8s making shock comeback as luxury base chase emotion

72 autotech

Fresh off a stint at Renault, having overseen the revivals of the 4 and Twingo, he was well placed to inform the development of the 2CV. “When Vidal joined the company, he said the first thing you do is make the headlamps bigger and bring them inboard, and automatically the car had much more character – that friendly face,” said Gaillot-Drevon.

“The front is most important, but since the beginning we knew we wanted to have a V-shaped bonnet with the headlamps sticking out. That’s it – you don’t need more.“

He noted that cars in the A-segment are typically bought for rational reasons, such as price or practicality. Citroën’s hope is to build a car in that class that is bought with the heart.

“Our goal was not to give a promise that we can’t deliver. No, it’s not a car that says you’re going to drive fast or have a super-long range. It’s just a car for daily life that brings a lot of joy, to make people smile,” he said.