Citroën has unveiled the 2 CV Concept at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, reimagining its historic 2 CV as a modern electric car focused on affordability, lightweight construction and everyday practicality. The concept draws inspiration from the original model, which debuted in 1948, while introducing contemporary styling and electric mobility technology.
The French automaker says the concept previews a future model expected to join the Citroën range by 2028. The planned vehicle is intended to comply with future European E-Car regulations, be manufactured in Europe and target a starting price of around €15,000. These remain manufacturer targets rather than confirmed production specifications or a final retail price.
Measuring 3.76 metres in length, the 2 CV Concept is designed to sit between the compact Citroën Ami and the C3. Its development philosophy prioritises simplicity, repairability and reduced weight, with Citroën aiming to make electric mobility more accessible without adding unnecessary complexity.
Citroën 2 CV Concept: Compact Dimensions and Lightweight Design
The 2 CV Concept measures 3.76 metres long, making it shorter than the original 2 CV. Citroën says the compact dimensions are intended to improve manoeuvrability and make everyday driving and parking easier in urban environments.
The manufacturer is targeting a weight of approximately one tonne. Reducing vehicle mass can help limit battery requirements and control costs, although Citroën has not yet announced the battery capacity, driving range or other detailed powertrain specifications for the concept.
The planned model is intended to deliver a range suited to everyday journeys rather than focus on outright performance or long-distance capability. Its final range and efficiency will depend on the production vehicle's confirmed technical specifications.
Exterior Design Combines Retro Styling with Practical Engineering
The concept reinterprets the original 2 CV's distinctive shape with rounded bodywork, a vertical windscreen and a contemporary lighting signature. Its exterior features separate round headlights with LED lighting, a sculpted bonnet with creases inspired by the historic TPV prototype, integrated air intakes and exposed windscreen wipers.
Other design details include rounded wheel arches, contoured door handles, indicators mounted on the C-pillars and 18-inch steel wheels inspired by the original 2 CV. The concept also wears Michelin tyres featuring heritage branding.
At the rear, a black tailgate section extends down towards the bumper, recalling details of the first-generation 2 CV. LED rear lights, horizontal styling elements and a short rear overhang complete the design.
Citroën has also prioritised ease of repair. The front and rear bumpers are separated from the main bodywork and can be replaced independently, potentially simplifying repairs after minor impacts. The concept combines these practical measures with relatively straightforward body surfaces and direct air intakes beneath the windscreen.
A fabric sunroof adds an open-air element to the cabin, while the overall design aims to preserve the original car's character without simply reproducing its historical appearance.
Interior Features a Digital Display and Detachable Radio
The cabin follows the same simplicity-focused approach as the exterior. Instead of a conventional dashboard, the concept uses a horizontal cylindrical structure that accommodates a single-spoke steering wheel, a control lever, a paddle-shift gear selector and the Citroën Smart Vision display. The display is positioned to keep essential driving information within the driver's field of vision.
An 8-inch square touchscreen provides a more contemporary interface, with graphics inspired by comic books. Citroën has combined these digital elements with physical controls and practical storage solutions, rather than filling the interior with unnecessary equipment.
One of the concept's distinctive features is the detachable Radioën unit. It can be removed from the dashboard and used as a portable speaker outside the vehicle, extending its functionality beyond the conventional in-car entertainment system.
The centre console is replaced by a removable storage basket made using 3D printing and a combination of wood and bio-based plastic. Soft strap-style door handles, recessed door panels and fabric surfaces contribute to the minimalist cabin design.
The seats feature Citroën Advanced Comfort technology and yellow tartan upholstery inspired by the historic 2 CV. The concept also includes a pull-out front seat intended to provide additional comfort during breaks.
Classic 2 CV Details Return in a Modern Form
Citroën has incorporated several references to the original car throughout the concept. Door storage compartments are shaped to hold eggs, recalling the practical requirements associated with the historic model's development.
The pedals feature a tortoise symbol for the brake and a rabbit for the accelerator. The windscreen carries the numbers 48, 90 and 26, representing 1948, when the original 2 CV was introduced, 1990, when production ended, and 2026, the year the concept was unveiled.
The concept's exterior colour, called Infra Red, combines an orange base with yellow and red highlights. Light grey steel wheels with yellow detailing add contrast, while beige accents inside the cabin complement the bright upholstery.
These details reflect Citroën's intention to retain the original car's emphasis on practicality, character and accessible mobility while adapting those principles to a new electric vehicle.
Citroën 2 CV Concept: What Is Confirmed So Far?
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Electric car concept |
| Length | 3.76 metres |
| Target weight | Approximately one tonne |
| Target starting price | Around €15,000 |
| Planned manufacturing location | Europe |
| Regulatory objective | Compliance with future European E-Car regulations |
| Expected production model timing | By 2028 |
| Battery capacity | Not announced |
| Motor power and torque | Not announced |
| Driving range and charging specifications | Not announced |
Production Plans and Remaining Questions
Citroën has presented the 2 CV Concept as a preview of a future model intended to broaden access to electric mobility in Europe. The manufacturer has indicated that the model will be unveiled within the next two years and is expected to join its range by 2028.
However, the company has not yet published detailed battery specifications, electric motor output, charging performance or an official driving range. The final production design, equipment levels and retail pricing also remain unconfirmed.
The targeted price of around €15,000 is a key part of the concept's positioning. Whether the future production vehicle can meet that target while delivering the intended practicality and electric driving range will become clearer when Citroën releases further details.
AkulRide Verdict
The Citroën 2 CV Concept revisits the principles that made the original model distinctive: accessible mobility, lightweight construction, everyday usefulness and simple design. Its compact dimensions, removable storage basket, detachable Radioën unit and repair-friendly exterior elements show how those principles could translate into a modern electric car.
The planned starting price of around €15,000 could make the future model an interesting addition to Europe's affordable electric vehicle market. However, the concept's real-world potential will depend on the final price, battery range, charging capability and production specifications. For now, the 2 CV Concept offers a clear picture of Citroën's direction for a small electric car expected to arrive by 2028.
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