citroën revives the iconic 2 CV as a compact electric concept with a roll-up fabric roof

CITROËN 2 CV CONCEPT REIMAGINES THE 1948 CLASSIC

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Citroën is bringing the 2 CV back to the drawing board — and this time, it runs on electricity. The 2 CV Concept revisits the French manufacturer’s most recognisable small car, first unveiled at the same event in 1948, with an emphasis on lightness, affordability and everyday practicality. Rather than simply reproducing a familiar silhouette, Citroën is exploring the ingredients for a new electric model that it plans to introduce by 2028, preserving the original’s philosophy of making mobility accessible without sacrificing personality.

At just 3.76 metres long, the concept is actually shorter than its predecessor, a rather unusual achievement in an automotive industry accustomed to making everything bigger. Its silhouette retains the original’s rounded proportions, vertical windscreen and flowing roofline, while introducing a more contemporary expression. Circular LED headlights appear to float beside the sculpted bonnet, 18-inch steel wheels reinterpret the classic design, and the bright Infra Red bodywork shifts between orange, yellow and red tones depending on the light. The manually retractable fabric roof is another familiar touch, bringing the original’s open-air character into the electric era.

PLAYFUL TECHNOLOGY SHAPE THE ELECTRIC CAR INTERIOR

Inside, the Citroën 2 CV Concept takes a similarly unconventional approach. A cylindrical structure replaces the traditional dashboard, bringing together a single-spoke steering wheel, simplified controls and an eight-inch square touchscreen featuring comic-book-inspired graphics by Belgian illustrator Jean-Luc Delvaux. Essential driving information appears through the Smart Vision display, positioned within the driver’s field of vision. The cabin also combines yellow tartan upholstery with beige details inspired by the Bakelite components of earlier models, creating an interior that feels deliberately cheerful rather than technologically intimidating.

Practicality comes with a few surprises. The front bench seat can be removed and used outdoors during a picnic, while a detachable Radioën unit doubles as a portable speaker. Instead of a central console, passengers get a removable storage basket made from wood and bio-based plastic using 3D printing, and flexible fabric straps replace conventional door handles. Above, the roll-up fabric roof opens the cabin to daylight, while a string of lights suspended from the headlining introduces an unexpected festive touch. Apparently, even a short drive deserves a little atmosphere.

CITROËN’S ELECTRIC 2 CV LOOKS TO SIMPLICITY FOR THE ROAD AHEAD

Some of the smallest details carry the strongest references to the original. The accelerator and brake pedals feature illustrations of a hare and a tortoise, while the door compartments are designed to accommodate eggs, recalling the famously practical specifications of the first 2 CV. Numbers printed on the windscreen mark 1948, the original launch; 1990, the end of production; and 2026, the concept’s debut. Even the horn and start-up sound echo those of the historic model. These playful gestures turn automotive heritage into something that can be experienced rather than simply admired.

Beyond nostalgia, Citroën is proposing a different approach to affordable electric mobility. The future European-built production model is targeting a starting price of around €15,000, while the concept’s engineering aims for a weight close to one tonne, reduced manufacturing complexity and easier repairs through independently replaceable bumpers. A collaboration with Michelin also explores digital tyre-monitoring technology that uses vehicle data instead of dedicated tyre sensors. ‘Reinventing the 2 CV isn’t about replicating a car from the past,’ says Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon. Whether the eventual production car can retain this same balance of simplicity, ingenuity and character remains the more interesting question.

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project info:

name: 2 CV Concept
designer: Citroën Design Team
brand: Citroën | @citroen
Location: Paris, France (2026 Paris Motor Show)