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Road Test: Citroën Ami

Martyn Collins tries Citroën’s new urban mobility solution that’s potentially on its way to the UK.

Citroën Ami

SECTOR Quadricycle PRICE £6,000 (est) CHARGING 7kW AC RANGE 43 miles

Think of the Ami as a mobility solution to get round cities rather than a car and, at just 2.41 metres long, it seems perfectly suited to that.

Technically a quadricycle, it’s underpinned by a welded-steel subframe, to which unpainted plastic panels are attached – the front and rear are identical to save manufacturing costs. Neat design features include the left driver’s door, which is hinged at the rear; suicide door-style. Then there are the hinged side windows – borrowed from the iconic 2CV.

Overall, it looks like nothing else and has just the right amount of Citroën quirkiness.

The inside of the Ami is basic, with plenty of dark, hard-wearing textured plastics. In front of the non-airbagged wheel, there is a small digital display showing the speed and battery charge. To the right (the Ami is only available in left-hand drive), there’s a basic centre console with buttons for the warning lights and single speed fan. Your own phone clips to the top, providing sat nav and music. The interior feels spacious, the driving position is comfortable, the plastic seats supportive and visibility is impressive too.

Total power of 8hp and a 28mph top speed do not sound enough, but the Ami’s 6kWh motor and 5.5kWh battery give speedy acceleration and the 43-mile range should be enough for town work. There is no fast or rapid charging option either, instead the Ami has its own cable and plug – but Citroën still claims it will take just three hours for a full charge.

On city streets, other traffic magnifies worryingly, the ride is best described as firm and the steering slow, but the Ami is still great fun to drive.

Citroën is still deciding whether to import the Ami to the UK. We hope it does, as the tiny city vehicle is a far more attractive urban option than an electric bike or scooter.

Fleet World Rating: 4/5

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Martyn Collins

Martyn has 18 years experience as a motoring journalist, working across a wide selection of B2B and consumer titles. A car enthusiast since his early years, Martyn has a particular interest in the latest models and technology and in his spare time enjoys driving his own Minis.

4 Comments

  • Brian O’Connor06. May, 2021

    I liked the idea of The Ami when it was first promoted. It is just what a basic vehicle should be and right now also ticks the ecology box. One thing though, back in the 1970’s there was the Enfield electric car which had two seats and a parcel shelf for a small amount of luggage. Even then this car made 50mph and it’s range was 50 miles on lead acid batteries. I was fortunate enough to work at the time for ERA Technology Ltd in Leatherhead as Site services Manager with one of my hats being transport Manager and next door to us was The Central Electricity Research Laboratories who ran a fleet of these cars to evaluate them. I got to drive one home one night. It drove well enough for the day although pretty primitive and when the CERL decided to sell them I looked to buy at least one for our on site postal team. However, the demand was so great that the cost went way outside my departments budget! If the Ami comes to the UK and I hope it does, it should at least be able to equal the performance of the old Enfield.

    • Natalie Middleton11. May, 2021

      Hello Brian,

      Thanks for feedback, really interesting to hear about the Enfield. We’re definitely keen for the Ami to come to the UK. As you say, right ‘car’, right time.

      Natalie

  • Greg Collins06. May, 2021

    Why is it a more attractive urban option than an electric bike or scooter? I don’t disagree per se but wouldn’t mind hearing Martyn unpack the reasoning.

    • Natalie Middleton07. May, 2021

      Hiya Greg,

      Martyn says: “My personal view is that there’s slightly more protection around you than a bike. Plus, I think you’d be more visible to other traffic.”

      I completely agree with his points but keen to hear any feedback.

      Thanks,

      Natalie