Citroen Ami review - the weirdest EV in the world!

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This is the Citroen Ami!

It’s an ultra-compact electric car that you can drive in France from the age of 14! The question is, coming in at a cost of just 6,000 euros, does the Ami have what it takes to worry some of the more established, popular EVs on the market already?

Well given the looks & size of the Ami, it’s no surprise that performance isn’t exactly its strong point. It’s powered by an 8hp electric motor which drives the front wheels only. It can hit a top speed of just over 25mph, and its range is only around 45 miles.

But let's face it, if you're just looking for a little electric runaround, surely this is the best value EV you can buy, right?! Well, there's only one way to find out... Join Mat for our latest in-depth review!

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:57 Exterior Design
02:32 Performance & Launch
04:22 Brakes
05:17 Chassis
05:48 Driving
07:24 Interior
09:38 Five Annoying Things
10:41 Five Good Things
12:25 Town Driving
15:16 Verdict

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[carwow]

Name a better way to spend €6, 000. We'll wait...

[toddbevan]

I'm sorry but if I was 14 I would love this. Imagine the freedom? You and your mates could all get different colours and race around town playing car hide and seek. It's not a downgraded car, it's an upgraded bicycle. Genius.

[brakinglate]

From drag racing an F1 car to reviewing whatever this is. Carwow sure is a variety channel

[Dave-in-France]

Over here in France there is a class of vehicle called a "Non permis" - a vehicle that you can drive without a driving licence; so if you've never had a licence, or been banned from driving for any reason, or too young to have a car licence - the non permis car fits the bill.

The Citroen Ami has been designed and built to sell to fleet operators in larger cities where congestion and pollution is at it's worst. IT'S NOT A CAR. It's an Urban Utility Vehicle or an UUV.

[pritish]

Why does this seem such a brilliant idea even though almost every reviewer thrashes it? Developing that cheap electric vehicle keeping potential customers in mind is a fantastic is when a car is not a status but practical parking and economical solution for city life.

[HughRussell]

Instead of a mat vs yianni running race, how about a race between this and mat running

[y.d.r]

If someone parks too close to you, then you could just push it out

[mcstaal]

The average speed in London is 10 mph. Must be frustrating driving around in a way faster vehicle, like the Ami.

[Exo-L]

Me and my friends would have loved this when we were younger, it's a really safe way to start your driving journey and start becoming road safe.. genius idea.. but even now as a 30yr old woman who has never driven and it to scared to start driving, I think this is perfect, so cute and it's not too fast, enough space for a quick pop to the shops or to go to work, two seats are great. Really practical for city woman life style. Can't wait for this to launch in the UK.💄👠👜
Only thing I wish was that you would have spoken about it a bit more positively about the Ami, it's definitely going to be popular 👍

[dsm]

People are clearly not seeing the brilliance of this thing.

[stevetaylor]

As an alternative to an electric assist bicycle it makes great sense - for city use. You wouldn't want to use it outside of 30mph zones, and no it isn't quick but most cars in the middle of a city aren't quick - 6mph is the average speed in central London. I love the thing.

[Nobunagawa]

Let's be honest. It is sufficient for 60% of people living in the city.

[MegaMMDL]

I really love the concept and the way Citroen is thinking. Obviously this is not a regular car. But it's great way to get around the big cities, especially for those who almost never leave the city. It saves you the costs of a driving licence, yet you don't have the horrible delays that come with public transport.

[dreamphoenix]

This is literally a car Mr. Bean should drive. It even has that door that is closed with different key.

[bigkahuna]

I like this car… give it 45 mph top speed and it would be a perfect little runabout. Not everything has to have 500 +hp, and that’s from someone who drives a new amg c63s. A time and place for everything.

[sgclacy]

In almost all reviews, Mat gives interesting engaging reviews - this one, it was clear from the start he did not like and sought to expose its limitations. The car is marketed as a cheap city car and in that respect, it meets its objective perfectly. It would be akin to exposing the lack of boot and seat capacity in a Koenigsegg.

[GNZOU]

I can't help but like it, it makes no apologies for what it is and a lot of the cost savings to keep the cost down are really practical ideas, like the identical front and back panels and only needing to make one version of the door to put on either side.

[barnseyfrommossley]

The Ami is brilliant for 80% of the normal use of a car. My daily commute is 15 miles, an average speed of 20 mph, and all on 30 mph roads. If it was available in the UK it would be a definite contender.

[richardfic]

Can't see it as a daily driver but as a rent car for a big city. It should be way better, than an E-Scooter.

[PhilbyFavourites]

As a town vehicle it’s perfect.

It’s about the same price as a carbon pushbike much beloved of MAMILS. …..And - you don’t need to wear Lycra to use it. I’d buy one