Meet the extremely cute Citroen Ami – not a lot an electrical automotive as a zero-emissions metropolis mobility answer.
If the title rings a bell, then it ought to, as a result of it was final used for a divisive-looking household automotive produced by the French big between 1961 to 1978. Look arduous and also you’ll see a few nods to the unique’s design within the all-new Ami.
In the present day’s Ami is a very completely different idea. At simply 2.4 metres lengthy, 1.4m broad and 1.5m excessive, it’s a fun-size two-seater EV weighing in at 485kg.
Technically, it isn’t a automotive in any respect, regardless of having 4 wheels, an electrical motor, two doorways, two pedals and a steering wheel. It’s a quadricycle.
In France it will probably even be pushed by a 14-year-old with out a driving licence, however right here within the UK you’ll have to have handed your driving check and be at the very least 17.
Underneath the bonnet lurks a tiny 6kW motor and 5.5kWh battery pack, leading to a prime pace of 28mph and a doable 47-mile vary.
In different phrases, the Ami (like its closest rival, the Renault Twizy) is strictly for metropolis use.
I used to be amongst a handful of journalists invited to strive the car on roads round Citroen UK’s headquarters in Coventry, and albeit, you’d be about as in style as a tractor within the rush hour should you plucked up the braveness to take it out onto a quick A Highway.
That stated, with its distinctive jelly-mould design and matt gray end (with orange prospers), it’s a dinky delight to drive round city. A mass of arduous plastic inside and outside, it’s the epitome of quirky, no-frills motoring.
Regardless that it’s solely obtainable with left-hand drive, it’s no drawback as a result of it’s so small and being offset just a few inches makes little distinction.
The doorways open broad, so getting out and in is straightforward. Weirdly, the driving force’s door is the rear-hinged and the passenger’s is typical, however there you go.
The cabin doesn’t really feel cramped and there’s a little bit of cupboard space behind the driving force and within the passenger footwell. It’s additionally mild and ethereal, due to the panoramic glass roof. Additionally price noting that the horizontally break up home windows hark again to the enduring Citroen 2CV.
The Ami, nevertheless, doesn’t slot in with Citroen’s present ‘consolation’ USP. The plastic seats are minimally padded, that means that they provide little cushioning. Add the just about non-existent suspension, and it could be incorrect to conclude that it’s a magic carpet experience.
Regardless of its shortcomings, it’s an EV like no different, so all is forgiven.
It’s easy to drive too. Simply press D (one among simply three buttons) then stick your foot down.
In contrast to most electrical vehicles, there’s no sprinting sensation, but it surely’s no slouch at metropolis speeds. Extra importantly, the steering is mild, and visibility is nice, whereas its tight turning circle of simply 7.2 metres is exceptional.
In the meantime, a full cost from a traditional home plug takes simply three hours.
The Ami isn’t obtainable to order within the UK but, however Citroen is inviting potential patrons to register their curiosity on the official web site.
In France it prices 6,000 Euros, or about £5,300, however you should buy one for about £17.50 a month after a £2,350 deposit. Or you’ll be able to subscribe to a car-sharing app, pay £7 a month subscription and pay-as-you-go for 23p a minute.
Verdict: The all-new Citroen Ami is actually a breath of recent air. Quirky, compact and clear, it’s the way forward for metropolis mobility and a lot extra enjoyable than public transport.
Register your curiosity within the Citroen Ami
