We’re psyched to see the return of the Citroën 2CV as a tiny EV that captures the spirit of the unique with a low price ticket. The orange 2CV hatchback wasn’t the one pint-size automobile that Citroën delivered to the Paris Motor Present, although. Citroën additionally confirmed off the 2CV Fourgonnette idea, a tiny van that is a celebration within the entrance and enterprise within the again, and is so cute you might pinch its bulbous fender.
Just like the revived 2CV itself, this automobile/van/truck factor will not be a brand new idea. The unique 2CV Fourgonnette got here out in 1951 and ran till 1977, when the bigger Acadiane changed it. (Fourgonnette means van in French, by the best way.) It was the primary small supply van with front-wheel drive, paving the best way for the trendy minivan, plus so many different tiny supply autos all over the world.
From the B-pillar ahead it was a 2CV, with the identical tiny engine that was ineffective for prime speeds, however excellent for getting round Europe’s cities. It was additionally simply barely sufficiently big for a small mattress, making it an early van life different to the Volkswagen Sort 2 bus. Like the usual 2CV, it endeared itself to the folks, whether or not they drove one for journey, for work, or simply noticed it parked on the aspect of the street.
Greater than an city supply car
The brand new model may be very a lot the identical concept. Added on behind the B-pillar is a field with rounded edges that mix into the roof. It seems to be barely longer than the usual 2CV’s 148 inches, and it’ll doubtless be slightly heavier as properly. A panel on the motive force’s aspect opens up for cargo entry, and the massive glass tailgate has a pair of home windows and skinny taillights. We do not but know what sort of electrical drivetrain will energy both 2CV, however I might anticipate efficiency considerably higher than the 28-second 0-to-60-mph time that Motorweek coaxed out of the unique 2CV.
Manufacturing of the brand new 2CV is confirmed, however the Fourgonnette stays an idea presently. Citroën describes it as a ardour venture, and within the press launch stated, “Whereas this idea doesn’t preview a future manufacturing mannequin within the brief time period, it opens up new avenues for consideration and demonstrates one factor: the spirit of the 2CV Fourgonnette stays remarkably related and continues to encourage.”
Citroën
The Ram ProMaster Metropolis is returning after a five-year hiatus, however by no means left the Stellantis fleet of European manufacturers, of which the perfect identify for it’s the Citroën Jumpy. The 2CV Fourgonnette may slot in properly under the Jumpy, each as a respectable business car and as a cute, nostalgic journey reborn as an EV. I hope the 2CV’s jaunty inside and get together lights carry over to the Fourgonnette. I’ve put tens of hundreds of miles on drab, plasticky business vans and vans, and I believe supply drivers need to have some shade and enjoyable, too. Xavier Chardon, CEO of Citroën and DS Vehicles, appears to agree:
The 2CV Fourgonnette was greater than only a work device. It was a part of on a regular basis life. Easy, ingenious and accessible, it above all possessed one thing few business autos have: a soul. That’s the spirit we’re bringing again to life immediately. As a result of being helpful ought to by no means imply being extraordinary.
