Citroen revives the 2CV for an electric age
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Citroen revives the 2CV as a retro-styled electric city car to compete against Chinese brands.
Citroen unveiled a concept version of its electric 2CV at the Paris Motor Show, aiming to leverage nostalgia to sell modern EVs. The original 2CV launched in 1948 as a cheap, rugged car for French farmers. The new model targets a £13,000 price and a 2028 showroom debut. Citroen follows Renault, which revived the Renault 5 and Twingo. European automakers are turning to retro styling to differentiate from Chinese competitors. Analysts note that while nostalgia can attract buyers, the car must also be a credible, affordable modern EV.
What commenters are saying
Commenters are skeptical that retro styling alone will sustain sales. Many argue that working-class buyers prioritize cost and range over fashion, and that Citroen's EVs lack competitive range and features. Some note that European manufacturers like Dacia succeed by offering basic, affordable cars without excessive tech. Others point out that regulatory requirements (NCAP, backup cameras) and Stellantis's platform limitations hamper simplicity and cost reduction. A few commenters praise the retro design trend but warn it is a fad that may fade once the novelty wears off.