Some cars define an era. Others stand the test of time. Rarely has a model embodied a universal vision of freedom as powerfully as the Citroën 2 CV. Today, the Chevrons brand draws inspiration from this legend to present a radically contemporary interpretation, unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show: 2 CV Concept. Electric, minimalist, affordable, compact and ingenious, this concept brings the spirit of the 2 CV up to speed with today’s challenges and heralds a future model set to join the Citroën range 2028. A model with a distinctive, fresh and cheerful style, whose ambition will be to rekindle the magic of electric mobility.
“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.” – Xavier Chardon, CEO of Citroën
To get straight to the point…
Reinventing the idea behind the 2 CV’s success
The starting point was not to recreate a 2 CV, but to imagine the small electric car of the future – practical and desirable, bringing some “joie de vivre” – which would make everyday short journeys exciting again.
The 2 CV is a source of inspiration. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1948, it met a set of pragmatic specifications. It was not intended to become an icon. It became iconic because of what it made possible: working, travelling, going almost anywhere and enjoying life to the fullest.
Since then, the world has changed, but the idea remains the same. Redefining a sensible set of specifications that focuses on essential needs and eliminates the superfluous to offer greater freedom. Inspired the original, yet free from nostalgia, to offer a new take on electric mobility, making it fun, affordable and more human. It’s not about replicating the past. It’s about reinventing the idea that made it a success.
The spirit of the 2 CV meets the challenges of electric mobility
To bring about a new generation of small electric cars, in line with the new European E-Car regulations, positioned between the Ami and the C3, to offer greater freedom of movement without compromising on character.
A model manufactured in Europe, with a target starting price of around 15,000 euros, to help make electric mobility accessible to as many people as possible.
An approach that goes against the grain of a market where cars are becoming even larger, heavier, more sophisticated and more expensive: simple and clever, lighter and more efficient. The aim is to offer practical, desirable and affordable cars.
At 3.76 m, the 2 CV concept is shorter than the original 2 CV, which is exceptional. This is a deliberate choice to recapture the pleasure and agility of small cars, whilst making driving and parking easier.
Agile, easy to live with and full of personality, it breathes new life into a long-neglected category.
Whether it’s the city 2 CV or the country 2 CV: it adapts to all terrains.
A controlled weight aiming for one tonne: less mass means a smaller, more cost-effective battery, with a range tailored for everyday use and low running costs.
Innovation isn’t always about adding features; it’s also about simplifying. Design choices that also take into account mass production and ease of repair: surfaces and direct air intakes beneath the windscreen, bumpers separated from the bodywork and replaceable independently…
Simple does not mean ordinary. Getting behind the wheel of the 2 CV Concept means tackling your daily journeys with a smile. The 2 CV Concept embodies modernity through its styling, its on-board comfort and all the practical features for everyday use, reimagined in the spirit of the 2 CV to make life easier for its occupants.
A philosophy shared with our partner Michelin, which has developed the ‘universal digital twin of the tyre’ – an innovation that enables the vehicle to adapt its behaviour to its environment and to monitor the condition of the tyres continuously.
A design that blends heritage with renewal
The design challenge was to create a dialogue between heritage and innovation: to preserve the essence of a model whose silhouette and interior are instantly recognisable, without succumbing to a static sense of nostalgia. To breathe new life into an icon, not copying it, but reinventing its design language to ensure it is fully rooted in the present day.
An instantly recognisable silhouette, with the unique proportions and curves of the 2 CV, reinterpreted through tauter lines and generous volumes to convey greater energy.
At the front: round headlamps set apart from the bodywork, an expressive LED signature, a sculpted, sweeping bonnet, TPV-inspired creases, integrated air intakes and exposed windscreen wipers.
On the sides: a vertical windscreen, a curved and flowing roof, rounded wings and taut flanks; contoured door handles, tapered indicators on the C -pillar, 18-inch steel wheels inspired the 2 CV, and Michelin tyres bearing the Heritage logo and the Citroën chevrons.
At the rear: a distinctive roofline accentuated a black tailgate extending down to the bumper, just like on the first-generation 2 CV, LED lights on either side of the tailgate, three horizontal stripes, a short overhang, a visible tailgate handle and a number plate displaying the 2 CV’s nicknames in different countries.
The interior as a way of life
Inside, the 2 CV Concept captures the spirit of the 2 CV in a comfortable, bright, warm and welcoming environment.
The design opens up the space and leaves more room for passengers: no traditional dashboard, recessed door panels, wide and inviting seats featuring Citroën Advanced Comfort® technology, and a pull-out front seat to turn a break into a truly relaxing experience.
An airy interior where every element has its place: a removable storage basket in place of the centre console, door handles made from soft straps, and solutions designed with practicality in mind.
In place of the dashboard is a cylinder to which the following are attached: a single-spoke steering wheel, a single control lever, a paddle -shift gear selector and a Citroën Smart Vision display which prioritises essential information within the driver’s field of vision. An 8-inch square ‘phygital’ touchscreen, with graphics inspired comic books.
“Radioën”, a detachable radio that doubles as a speaker and accompanies occupants both inside and outside the vehicle.
A fabric sunroof, which brings in light a sense of openness and a feeling of escape.
On board, nothing is superfluous; everything is intuitive. Technology supports the user’s needs without being intrusive, prioritising the pleasure of travelling comfortably and with peace of mind.
Colours and materials that set the tone: a burst of energy
The 2 CV plays with a palette of bright, warm colours to convey optimism and vitality.
The Infra Red exterior, derived from an orange base with yellow and red highlights, adds intensity.
Inside, an iconic 2 CV motif, the tartan, has been reimagined and covers the seats in zesty shades of yellow for an energising interior. Hints of beige, reminiscent of Bakelite, can be found on the steering wheel, the controls, the instrument panel and the seat piping.
On the floor, the dashboard and door panels feature a textured fabric inspired cane and basketery.
A basket combining wood and bio -based plastic, produced using 3D printing, and wood around the ‘Radioën’ unit.
Light grey steel wheels highlighted with yellow ‘colour clips’ bearing the 2 CV inscription.
All the nods to the past, to forge a connection
The design of the 2 CV Concept is also evident in a multitude of details: a way of forging a close connection with the 2 CV’s heritage.
The sound of the horn and the electric motor when turning on the car echoes that of the 2 CV.
Heart-shaped stickers evoke the model’s popularity.
The numbers 48 / 90 / 26 inscribed on the windscreen refer to 1948, the year of its launch; 1990, the end of production; and 2026, the unveiling of the concept.
The Michelin tyres feature an exclusive chevron pattern, whilst the number plate displays the various nicknames given to the 2CV around the world.
The pedals feature a tortoise for the brake and a rabbit for the accelerator: a playful nod to the freedom to slow down or speed up.
The door storage compartments, designed to hold eggs, pay homage to the original specifications and the practical ingenuity of the 2 CV.
With the 2 CV Concept, Citroën isn’t content merely to look in the rear -view mirror to revive the past: it is reinventing an idea that has lost none of its relevance. A more accessible, lighter and more essential electric car that puts freedom and pleasure back at the heart of mobility. A new 2 CV, faithful to the spirit of the original but resolutely focused on the uses and challenges of tomorrow. Because an icon cannot be copied. It must be reinvented.
