In a world clamoring for ever-larger SUVs and face-melting electric hypercars, one tiny hero has been quietly, and quirkily, conquering our city streets. The Citroën Ami, a vehicle that looks like it was designed by a cheerful futurist using only Lego bricks and a coffee machine, has become nothing short of a veritable social phenomenon. Having wooed over 75,000 customers in just five years, this plucky quadricycle is now entering its next phase. It’s had a facelift, learned some new tricks, and most excitingly, brought its wild, doorless cousin along for the ride.
Citroën says the all-new Ami now sports a more mature and sympathetic look. Let’s unpack that. The headlamps have migrated upwards, linked by a new capsule that houses the brand’s logo in a shape described as a broad smile. The lower bumper has shed its baby-faced roundness for sharper, more defined edges that act as protective corners, reinforcing its stance on the road. It’s the automotive equivalent of a teenager finally growing into their features. While still unmistakably an Ami, it’s an Ami that has perhaps read a book, or at least pretends to. In a charming nod to its ancestor, the illustrious 2CV, the Ami also features moulded grooves on its wings, sharing a philosophy of simplicity and ease of use.
The core recipe for its success remains deliciously simple. It boasts a 75km electric range, recharges in just four hours from a standard wall socket, and trundles along at a city-friendly top speed of 45 km/h. It’s the perfect micro-mobility solution, accessible in some countries to drivers as young as 14 without a license, offering a safer, weather-proof alternative to scooters.
The biggest news is the permanent arrival of the Ami Buggy. Previously a limited-edition tease, this “baroudeur” (a fancy French word for adventurer) is now a full-time member of the family, ready to inject some pure, unadulterated fun into your weekends.
What makes a Buggy? It’s all about what’s missing. Doors? Gone, replaced by sturdy metal hoops on hinges for a full-on “contact with the outside world” experience. A fixed roof? Nope. You get a manually operated soft top you can roll back to drive with your “hair blowing in the wind”. For those less committed to the wind-and-rain-in-your-face lifestyle, zipped door covers are available as an accessory. The Buggy further distinguishes itself with gold-finished 14″ steel wheels and a sporty black rear spoiler.
For those who find the standard Buggy too tame, there’s the “Ami Buggy Palmeira,” a vibrant yellow version that comes with a special mascot: Andy, the little robot. This figurine sits on your dashboard, “bobbing his head to the rhythm of the roads you take,” serving as your loyal, silent co-pilot on every journey.
An Ami for Everyone
The Ami platform continues to prove its versatility, expanding to serve a variety of needs:
- Ami for All: Developed with PIMAS, this version offers greater independence to people with reduced mobility, featuring modifications like an increased door opening angle and manual hand controls for acceleration and braking.
- Ami Cargo: A clever modular kit allows professionals to convert the passenger area into a protected cargo space, offering up to 340 liters of total volume for last-mile deliveries.
- Customization: New DIY color packs—Spicy, Icy, and Minty—allow owners to personalize their Ami with colored wheel trims, storage boxes, floor mats, and decals, making the vehicle an extension of their personality.
In the ever-evolving landscape of urban transport, Citroën’s smiling little box continues to prove that you don’t need blistering speed or a gargantuan footprint to make a huge impact.
