Things to note: the Citroen AMI isn't technically a car at all. The new AMI is in fact a heavy quadricycle which means, in some European countries, you can drive it from as young as 14 and without a driving licence. But not in the UK.
That might not matter because, unlike the Renault Twizy (and remember the G-Wiz?) this left-hand drive city runabout might not go on sale in the UK at all. If you want it brought here, you'll have to register your interest with Citroen.
But either way it's a cool thing. It's very small, to comply with quadricycle regulations, and is only allowed a top speed of 28mph. It's electric, with a 5.5kWh battery and a stunning 8bhp. Yes, eight. No, that isn't a typo.
Made in a new factory in Morocco, the Citroen AMI, developed from the even cuter AMI ONE concept, is intended for use around cities where it'll have a range of around 40 miles and has a charge time from a domestic socket of approximately three and a half hours.
It has two seats, no opening boot, and costs £6000 or thereabouts in France, after a local clean-car rebate has been applied. And we've tried it in the UK. Join us for a test of one of the most novel 'cars' of 2020 right here.
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Citroen launches site to gauge UK demand for Ami city car
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It would suit our situation. We need two cars some of the time; my wife works around 2 miles away and I use my car for work most days (in normal times). Her Fiesta is eight years old and has 30,000 miles on the clock; most of which was put on by the previous owner. This would be a perfect replacement if they could do a lease at £20 or even £40 a month. Why not? It's basic transport for getting around town.
It would be good if Citreon could make a UK version that did at least 30mph and could charge from a car charger, even if it wasn't any quicker than the mains.
Like a Segway, it might prove OK for some niche purposes.Otherwise it's slow, ugly, short range, no room for a family shop.And in towns, you still have to hunt for a parking space, and probably need off-street parking so you can plug it in to recharge.
I think I would prefer a decent bike with the option of car club hire. Lets say you are young live in the city ... more than likley you will have nowhere to charge it up.