Deux Chevaux redux: Citroen 2CV ready for return?
The Duck is back. Well, not officially, at least not yet. But Auto Express has images of an advanced concept design for a new 2CV that seems pretty polished. While the overall look is instantly recognizable as an homage to the original, this is a thoroughly modern looking machine. Similar in some ways to the Citroen Evoque concept of 2005, this new concept appears much more production feasible. With its open umbrella shape, it has a lot of character and would be a wonderful new entry in the retro-everyman's car category. There's a New Beetle (heck, there's even a new New Beetle), a new Mini Cooper (ditto), and a new Fiat 500 out there, so a new 2CV seems natural. And just like its contemporaries, rather than aiming at being the cheapest wheels on the road, the successor seems to be headed a bit upmarket.
[Source: Auto Express]
Auto Express says it has "insider information" about the vehicle, which will be Citroen's first foray into the prestige segment. The nouveau 2CV should share its fwd platform with the C3 supermini and C4 hatch, but be priced above the C3. Whereas the C3 and C4 are handsome, the 2CV is unique. It has the same curved nose, slab sides, rear wheel covers, louvered hood, and chevroned grille, but should be a lot greener than its forebearer. Expect innovative touches like plastic body panels and a hybrid diesel engine. The interior should be fairly spartan with a large, thin-rimmed steering wheel, a fixed central hub, a retro speedometer, and the familiar dash-mounted shifter. But you can't sell in this market without some bling, so iPod connectivity and navigation should also make their way into this new tin snail. While the concept is all silver, it's likely Citroen will go with a smart-like customization option that will allow two-tone body panels, different interior materials, and maybe even a full-length canvas sunroof. Citroen wouldn't confirm their plans, but AE is saying a concept should appear in 2009. We say, "Build it!"
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
sammy z 1:37PM (5/02/2007)
oh yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this and the fiat 500! my two of my favourite classics!
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James 1:46PM (5/02/2007)
Well, it's got windshield wipers, which is the classic sign that a 'design concept' is being considered as a serious product. I just can't shake off the thought that it looks like a C3 in drag. However, that doesn't mean it isn't an improvement on that dumpy little thing: the shape of the C3's glasshouse hints at the 2CV, although the rest of the current car fluffs it...
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felipe 1:47PM (5/02/2007)
oh hells yea. and be US bound. i'd love to see these squishy style'n cars around. they gotta do the canvas roof.
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Mike 1:48PM (5/02/2007)
This is the bastard child of a Sebring and a New Beetle.
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.
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Kit 1:59PM (5/02/2007)
The picture looks like a four door new beetle with a nose job.
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bmoredlj 2:26PM (5/02/2007)
It'll do.
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Mike 4:01PM (5/02/2007)
Somethings should have never been, this is one of those things.
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Ken 4:18PM (5/02/2007)
I've driven one of these classic cars, and they were fun to drive, especially considering it was only a two cylnder engine. Let it come back retro with mordern improvements, although through out its life the body never changed, parts were easy and cheap.
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josh 4:47PM (5/02/2007)
In some cases classics should remain so. It is a shame that we are regurgitating ideas in so many places. First the Beetle, then Charlie's Angels, next it will be acid-washed jeans and Cheez Whiz.
Designers, engineers, please innovate. Save us from the doldrums of mediocrity, I'm talking about you dull-as-dishwater Corolla and Camry; well Camry at least you're awkward-looking.
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Barney 6:28PM (5/02/2007)
I'm glad to see they dropped the two-cycle engine. No need for a hybrid and a three cylinder diesel would do the job.
"I think I just threw up in my mouth a little." Is that your signature, Mike?
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HotRodzNKustoms 7:13PM (5/02/2007)
The original tree hugger car strikes back! Both 2CV buyers back in the day and Prius buyers today have and had no idea how much damage they actually are doing to the enviroment.
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Don 8:00PM (5/02/2007)
Well, the original was absolutely indestructible.
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john riley 8:47PM (5/02/2007)
Where is the two tone paint with the pin striping? ;)
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xquizit 9:36AM (5/03/2007)
this car clearly isn't "designed"... it's obviously a bad photoshop job of a new beetle with another front end stitched on.
the perspective doesn't even match!
unless they used a serious wide angle lens.
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CLynch 6:29PM (5/03/2007)
Qui, Qui, Qui!
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nick 4:06AM (5/08/2007)
I prefer the original 2-flat cylinder classic!
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kosson 5:20AM (6/01/2007)
Why not a flat four ?
And, YES bring it on !