Citroën unveils updated Ami microcar at Paris Motor Show

Citroën has introduced a refreshed version of the Ami microcar at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, marking the vehicle’s fourth anniversary with notable design updates and a new buggy concept.

The updated Ami, known for its quirky style and high accessibility to youngsters, now boasts a “more sympathetic and mature” front design, restyled to pay homage to the iconic Citroën 2CV.

The revamped Ami showcases vent-style grooves on its wings, a smile-shaped indentation on the front, and new black ‘eyelids’ surrounding the headlights. The car’s front and rear bumpers have been tweaked to include sharper, more angular edges, giving it a look that Citroën links to Lego blocks.

The French carmaker also added new graphic motifs to the side panels and wheel trims to further boost the appeal to younger buyers. This personalization was already possible through a customization scheme on the previous version, but the offering of a single color only (Night Sepia) remains. The company’s redesigned chevron logo is now prominently featured at the center of the front panel.

Same technical features

Since its initial launch, Citroën has sold 65,000 units of the Ami globally, a number the brand touts as evidence of the vehicle’s popularity. Despite the design changes, the new Ami retains its mechanical specifications, including an eight-hp electric motor, a top speed of 45 km/hour, and a 75-km range.

The 5.5 kWh battery pack’s charging remains limited to household sockets. Its maximum charging capacity is 3.6 kW, and it can reach a full load in roughly three hours. New prices haven’t been unveiled yet, but it’s safe to say that the AMI will remain the most affordable EV on the market.

The extremely basic interior hasn’t changed, either. This is a missed opportunity since the seats’ upholstery was never comfortable, and the dashboard’s design and look remain cheap and uninspiring.

One for the beaches

The latter holds less true for the new Ami Buggy concept, designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, that Citroën also showcased in Paris. The concept, equipped with a kite surfboard holder and no doors, aims to attract adventure-seekers.

The Midnight Blue body, chunky tires, and an LED light bar add to its rugged appeal. While no production plans have been confirmed, a similar Ami Buggy concept from previous years was released as a limited edition, so Citroën doesn’t seem keen to let go of this recreational idea.

It reminds us of the 600 Spiaggia models from Fiat. These were locally used in the coastal region of Italy for beach visits during the sixties. Likewise, Ami has no ambitions for long-distance travel.

Together with Opel (Rocks), Fiat offers its version of the Ami, the Topolino, but both sibling brands to Citroën haven’t yet announced a similar – though expected – facelift. The updated Ami is scheduled to hit showrooms in early 2025.