New Citroën project aims for cheap urban mobility below 15 thousand euros with heritage from the 2CV

Citroën is developing a new electric urban car project, with the intention of replacing the combustion C1 and rescuing the essence of the iconic 2CV. The future model, focused on accessibility, promises to be an economically viable option in the European market, with a price projected to be below 15,000 euros. Esta initiative aims to fill a gap in the entry-level segment, which has seen a significant decrease in truly affordable options for consumers.

Confirmation of the development came from the brand’s CEO, Xavier Chardon, at a crucial time for the European automotive industry, which faces challenges in offering low-cost vehicles. The proposal refers directly to the original purpose of the 2CV which, after the Segunda Guerra Mundial, played a fundamental role in providing mass mobility for a still very rural Europa. Citroën’s strategic movement thus seeks to reconnect with a legacy of simplicity and functionality that made history.

Electric and affordable Retorno for cities

Citroën’s new urban car appears in a scenario where A-segment vehicles are increasingly scarce, and the public, faced with small models priced above 15,000 euros, often opts for more robust utility vehicles or SUVs. The automaker’s goal is to reposition itself in this niche, offering a compact, electric vehicle that is genuinely affordable, without compromising essential technology and safety. The strategy aims to counteract the general increase in prices in the automotive market.

Este project seeks to be a direct response to the European industrial crisis and the realization that there are few truly “cheap” cars available today. Embora technology, performance and safety of modern vehicles have improved significantly, the cost-benefit ratio, especially for entry-level models, has been a challenge. Citroën is betting that intelligent design and efficient production can reverse this trend, making electric mobility accessible to a wider audience.

¡Vuelve la leyenda! 🇫🇷🚗

Citroën confirma un nuevo urbano eléctrico inspirado en el mítico 2CV por menos de 15.000€. 💶⚡️

🔹 Objetivo: Movilidad eléctrica para todos.
🔹 Presentación: Octubre 2026.
🔹 Rival del Renault 5.

¿El fin de los coches caros? 📈#Citroën #2CV #EV pic.twitter.com/KLbo6H4rrw

— ForoCochesEléctricos (@foroelectricos) April 30, 2026

Inspired by the legacy of the original 2CV

The idea of ​​an “umbrella on wheels”, as the 2CV was affectionately known, returns to the Citroën agenda almost a century after its original conception, in 1939, with the TPV prototypes (Très Petite Voiture). The 2CV was designed to meet the needs of a war-torn Europa, where the rural population needed a simple, cheap and durable means of transport. Ele symbolized the democratization of the automobile.

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CEO Xavier Chardon emphasizes that the most important thing is not to replicate the 2CV physically, but rather its philosophy. “More important than the 2CV itself is understanding the purpose of the car at that time,” explained Chardon. “Their goal was to bring mobility to the masses after the Segunda Guerra Mundial. Era could transport four farmers under one roof and carry 50 kg of potatoes.” Ele emphasizes, however, that this concept cannot be fully transposed to the present, given that the social and economic reality has changed drastically.

• Capacidade to transport four adults.
• Espaço for 50 kg of load (e.g. bags of potatoes).
• Robustez for poor roads.
• Simplicidade mechanics for easy maintenance.
• Custo extremely low acquisition.

Desafios adaptation to current reality

Contemporary society differs radically from the post-war scenario, both in terms of thinking and demographics. The proportion of people living in rural areas has decreased considerably, which makes the direct transposition of the original 2CV concept impractical. The industry today faces the challenge of balancing costs with modern expectations for technology, safety and sustainability, especially in an electric vehicle.

Chardon had already left open the possibility of a new 2CV in the past, contrasting with the stance of its predecessor, Thierry Koskas, who had denied the idea. Essas twists show the complexity of reviving an icon. In 2009, Citroën had already explored this nostalgia with the Revolté concept, presented in Frankfurt’s Salão, which clearly worked on the general lines of the 2CV, demonstrating that the idea was never completely abandoned.

The role of nostalgia in the new strategy

The strategy of offering modern solutions in a “nostalgic package” has proven successful for other automakers. Renault, for example, has had great success with the new electric 5 E-Tech and plans to continue with the Twingo, both inspired by classic models. Esses cases demonstrate that, in specific markets, the appeal of retro aesthetics can boost sales, as long as there is a contemporary value proposition.

However, the Citroën CEO is cautious about “nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake” as a silver bullet. Ele cited examples of success such as the relaunch of the Mini (by Grupo BMW, 25 years ago) and the Fiat 500, in addition to the likely success of the Renault 5, but warned that many other relaunches have failed by relying solely on the past. The cultural authenticity of the 2CV in the França, present at weddings and duty-free stores, reinforces its iconic value, but the new model will need a purpose that goes beyond mere souvenir.