Citroen is preparing to make a splash at the Paris Motor Show with the return of the legendary 2CV. After a 36-year absence, the nameplate will reappear as a fully electric city car featuring design cues from the original and a strong emphasis on affordability. It will first be shown as a concept, followed by an anticipated production version in 2028.
The 2CV’s comeback was officially confirmed earlier in 2026, after years of rumors and speculation that the company frequently dismissed. The decision marks a major change of heart, placing the new 2CV alongside modern revivals of iconic models including the rival Fiat 500 and the discontinued VW Beetle.
With the Paris unveiling scheduled for October 11, Citroen has released several concept teasers on social media one week ahead of the event. Citroen Design Director Pierre Leclercq shared some of the images on his own profile with the caption “exciting time”.
The images show a ridged hood and semi-circular LED headlights projecting from rounded front fenders. Retro-style door handles and wheels are also visible, along with indicators mounted on the C-pillar. An earlier teaser indicated that the new 2CV would retain a silhouette similar to its predecessor and feature an illuminated double-chevron badge on the nose.
Citroen says the concept “revives an icon of the brand and brings the spirit of the 2 CV into the modern world to make mobility simpler, more accessible, more human and more desirable.”
The urban EV is expected to be smaller than the Citroen C3 subcompact crossover hatchback, effectively taking the place of the discontinued C1 and C2 city cars.
Affordability Will Be Central
Citroen has not disclosed the concept’s technical details, beyond confirming its fully electric powertrain. The new 2CV is expected to use a bespoke platform developed around the European Union’s upcoming regulations for affordable EVs. Reports suggest the same architecture will underpin an upcoming Fiat, extending the relationship seen between the smaller Citroen Ami and Fiat Topolino and the larger Citroen C3 and Fiat Grande Panda.
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In media interviews earlier this year, Citroen CEO Xavier Chardon said the production car should start below €15k ($17k) before subsidies. That would make it Citroen’s most affordable car, since the lower-priced Ami is classified as a heavy quadricycle.
Once launched, the 2CV will compete with other European ultra-affordable EVs. It is expected to cost slightly less than conventional A-segment hatchbacks including the Renault Twingo, Nissan Pixo, Dacia Spring, Honda Super-N, BYD Dolphin Surf and the upcoming VW ID. Up. At the same time, these competitors will be safer and more refined than the cheapest heavy quadricycles.
Stepping Into The Shoes Of An Icon
The original Citroen 2CV debuted at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, though its creation had been commissioned in the 1930s. Known as an “umbrella on wheels” and the “Tin Snail,” it was designed to carry two farmers, a 50 kg (110 lb) sack of potatoes or a basket of eggs across a plowed field at 60 km/h (37 mph) without breaking a shell.
During its remarkable 42-year production run, the iconic model—named for its engine’s two taxable horsepower—received numerous incremental updates while retaining its distinctive shape and unusual interconnected suspension system. When production ended in 1990, Citroen had built 5.1 million examples worldwide.
More Concepts And Special Editions Coming To Paris
Citroen will unveil another concept alongside the 2CV at the Paris Motor Show, describing it as “a surprise that will set visitors’ hearts beating.” The stand will also feature the C3 Aircross Marine Nationale Concept, the new Outdoor lineup comprising the Ami, C3 and C3 Aircross, the Collection series covering the C3, C3 Aircross and C4, the C5 Aircross Emeraude special edition and the GEN4 Formula E racer.
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Citroen is reviving the 2CV as a compact electric city car inspired by the original model. The production version is expected in 2028 and could cost less than €15,000 before subsidies, positioning it below conventional A-segment hatchbacks while offering greater safety and refinement than heavy quadricycles. The Paris debut will also feature additional concepts, special editions and Citroen’s GEN4 Formula E racer.
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