Citroën's original 2CV was designed to transport four people, carry a couple of bags of potatoes, and travel across freshly ploughed fields without breaking a basket of eggs. That wonderfully practical engineering brief provides the foundation for an enthusiastic first look at a modern electric interpretation of the French classic. Rather than treating the revival purely as an exercise in nostalgia, the presentation explores whether Citroën can recapture the original's combination of affordability, comfort, simplicity, and distinctive personality. The famous egg test becomes a playful recurring theme, connecting the historical vehicle's purpose with expectations for its electric successor.
The exterior design immediately captures the presenter's attention, and her excitement is infectious. Familiar elements include the rounded roofline, slightly protruding wheel arches, floating bonnet, distinctive headlights, and bumpers inspired by the original's steel construction. Modern touches, including LED lighting, inverted bonnet ridges, and an oversized Citroën badge, help distinguish the new interpretation from a straightforward reproduction. The vibrant colour receives particular attention, with the presenter acknowledging that another journalist openly disliked it. This contrast adds some welcome perspective to an otherwise overwhelmingly positive design assessment, although the repeated expressions of admiration occasionally substitute for more detailed criticism.
Practical affordability provides the strongest argument for why this concept could matter beyond its charming appearance. Citroën is reportedly targeting a starting price of approximately €15,000, equivalent to around £13,000, although no official UK price has been established. Measuring 3.76 metres long, the proposed vehicle would sit below the ë-C3 and compete with small electric models such as the Renault Twingo, Dacia Spring, and BYD Dolphin Surf. The discussion of Europe's proposed affordable small-car category gives the project broader relevance, particularly as electric vehicles have frequently become larger, heavier, and more expensive. However, the regulatory framework receives only a brief explanation, leaving its potential effect on vehicle specifications and pricing largely unexplored.
Inside, the concept embraces the playful simplicity associated with the original 2CV. Yellow tartan upholstery, fabric door handles, a compact central control column, and cheerful digital graphics establish a cabin that prioritizes character over conventional sophistication. Particularly memorable details include accelerator and brake pedal symbols featuring a hare and tortoise, manually operated ventilation controls, removable accessories, and dedicated storage for eggs. The presenter also highlights the folding fabric roof and practical door handles, features that could make the production vehicle appealing for everyday use. These observations effectively communicate the design philosophy, but the restricted access to the interior prevents meaningful evaluation of seating comfort, passenger accommodation, storage capacity, or material quality.
The presentation becomes more informative when it moves beyond styling to examine the engineering questions Citroën has yet to answer. The production vehicle is expected to weigh around a tonne and use a relatively small battery suited to everyday journeys, but confirmed specifications for battery capacity, driving range, and charging performance remain unavailable. Comparisons with the Renault Twingo and BYD Dolphin Surf provide useful benchmarks, including their stated battery capacities, ranges, and charging expectations. These figures help establish what a competitively priced electric city car might offer, although the comparisons rely on manufacturer claims rather than independently demonstrated performance. Without equivalent specifications from Citroën, the video's central affordability argument remains promising rather than proven.
The presenter's personal connection to the original 2CV gives the coverage considerable warmth. Childhood memories of encountering the car in France explain her attachment to its distinctive face and unconventional engineering, while the historical references make the new design easier to appreciate. The original's modest 375cc engine and nine-horsepower output serve as reminders that the car succeeded by providing sufficient transportation without unnecessary complexity. A humorous demonstration of the old engine sound, alongside playful references to eggs and picnic baskets, maintains an entertaining atmosphere. Nevertheless, the emotional investment creates an obvious limitation: the presenter readily admits she was predisposed to love the concept, and her confidence about which features will survive production rests largely on impressions rather than firm commitments.
Pros
- Engaging historical context explains the original 2CV's practical purpose and establishes meaningful criteria for evaluating its electric successor.
- Detailed exterior observations identify recognizable design elements while explaining how Citroën has adapted them for a modern vehicle.
- Discussion of the proposed €15,000 starting price, compact dimensions, and competing electric cars gives the concept useful market context.
- Memorable interior features, including the tartan upholstery, unusual pedal graphics, folding roof, and egg storage, illustrate the vehicle's playful design philosophy.
- Clear acknowledgment of missing battery, range, charging, and production specifications prevents the presentation from treating an unfinished concept as a confirmed consumer product.
- Enthusiastic delivery, personal memories, and the recurring egg-test theme make the coverage entertaining and accessible.
Cons
- Overwhelming enthusiasm for the styling sometimes limits critical examination of potentially divisive design choices.
- Restricted interior access prevents meaningful assessment of passenger space, seating comfort, practicality, and build quality.
- Confidence that several concept features will reach production relies on speculation rather than confirmed manufacturing decisions.
- Missing battery specifications, range estimates, charging performance, and finalized pricing leave the vehicle's real-world competitiveness unresolved.
- The discussion of European small-car regulations and competing electric vehicles could offer more technical and economic depth.
An entertaining and affectionate introduction to Citroën's proposed electric revival demonstrates how thoughtful design and accessible pricing could restore some much-needed personality to affordable motoring. The historical perspective, distinctive concept details, and competitive comparisons provide genuine value, although limited technical information and an openly enthusiastic perspective prevent a fully balanced evaluation. The presentation successfully establishes why this little car deserves attention, while recognizing that its ultimate success will depend on whether Citroën can translate an appealing concept into practical, comfortable, and genuinely affordable transportation.
