Currently, Readly is the only way I can get my fix on car magazines as the magazine shops are closed during lockdown. No problem you have a sponsor like this Ian, the motoring press needs all the support.
What we actually need is something of a new DS or SM or CX or XM, or something like that! Not those stupidly ugly Mini-Suvs Citroën is making at the Time!
Proper Citroen design philosophy, I like it. As you hinted at, you need to look at this after a short period of meditation to clear your mind of preconceptions. East your heart out Sir Clive Sinclair. Best objective review so far.
@@team3383 Just watched a TH-cam review by a used car sales man who drives twenty miles round trip a day in his Range Rover he says at todays fuel costs he spends ten pounds a day. he test drives Ami which costs one pound fifty pence to charge and can do forty seven miles on one charge he says he has ordered one just for transport to work.
I’ve watched at least 4 other Ami reviews recently on TH-cam, but this is the only one where I really got a feel for the car. So much more entertaining and useful. Thanks Ian!!
@Stephen Terry They are hazard lights! You put them on to indicate a hazard (no pun intended), such as breaking down/an accident or leaving your vehicle in a hazardous positon etc. You wouldnt leave your keys in the ignition if you had to leave your car.
I suppose it's a bit like the 50's bubble car craze, spawned out of the need for affordable personal transport. The "manual" folding windows and general simplicity are refreshing, I get it - for the city at least.
Reminds me more of a modern day Invacar - albeit with 2 seats and 4 wheels. But I don’t think it’s a new 2CV though - it can’t seat 4 for a start! It’s very interesting though!
It could also double up as a golf cart. Imagine commuting to the golf course then bypassing the golf cart rental and using the Ami. Citroen might want to develop a golf bag carrier though.
Since it cannot carry a basket with eggs without breaking them, it cannot carry 4 people, only has a 40 mile range, and a top speed of only 30miles, i am sorry, i cannot see any reference to the 2cv.. Maybe i am wrong
How many people do you know who need to drive across a field with a basket of eggs? It is not a replacement for the 2CV and that is not why people are making the comparison. The 2CV was created to solve a mobility issue with the most basic device possible, so is this; it's just solving a different mobility issue. As such, it succeeds.
@nh73 It could, but the InvaCar was purpose built, offering basic motoring to people with disabilities. The Ami is, in my opinion, Citroen's electric proposal in the segment of the French microcars such as the Aixam, the Chatenet, the Microcar etc. Same idea, same package.
@nh73 The Ami aims at people who are in need of very basic and super low mileage transportation on weekly basis. People who are not in fond of owning a car in general and always opting for other means of transport. There aren't many but they are considerable. I myself own a 2001 poverty spec Fiat Punto 1.2, which is very economical in every aspect and does the job.
Can't believe the hazards didn't come on without starting the car. For cities, makes some sense as a car sharing grocery getter. Loved the "I wonder if it has ABS" brake test. 😁
I think I'm Hubnut enough. I get mildly excited about the yellow metro in the ad, rather than the brand spanking new car, thisvideo is supposed to be about.
@@GadgetMart Well I did say mildly. and it was more about remembering that shade of yellow. A neighbour had a metro that colour, paired with a shit brown interior.
@@millomweb You think incorrect my friend. Ian had problems with his Rover 75 alternator on the way to this shoot and making it back home to after. The Exide battery was the star of this show!!
@@paulrobinson3528 Well, it was Ian that mentioned the range anxiety ! Yes, I spotted the Exide too. I'm not sure it was performing well though ! Having said that, Ian's no friend of a lead-acid battery !
I flipping love this car! I've been thinking for a long while what we need is a dirt cheap electric, zero frills. Citroen took this to it's logical conclusion... not a frill in sight! People will love this.
The world's gone bad, what's wrong with the 500 quid 1st car? Then the kids learn to service and fix them with dads help and a trip to the scrapyard. No wonder we've got a generation of people who don't know which end of a screwdriver to hold.
@@neilwalsh4058 yes that’s how I started with £200 cars , problem is my son would be bit picky about what car he had , but more so insurance costs would be off the map for and lastly my son has no interest in learning any type of mechanics ( doesn’t want dirty hands) 😒
There are many reviews of this car, but this is the one I was waiting for! I would want to get a software hack to get at least 50mph to keep up on faster roads. The incomplete wiper coverage seems dangerous for driving on the left side of the road-the oncoming side of the road is obscured. Love to see simplicity in a modern car.
After a few weeks of seeing people review this very interesting vehicle, we finally get to see someone with real 2CV and 'mobility solution' (if we can call Tuk that?) experience give it a spin. Great review and thanks for all your videos through 2020.
It fills a gap at that price I guess. However, it seemed mostly at home going round and round in circles; albeit possibly even more so when next to a fire engine; whilst they continually chase the elephant and open-top bus in front.
having lived with a Renault Twizy, I can see it already trumps a few issues I had, no windows, the battery ownership, the rear seat in the twizy, heating and range. The 30 mile twizy range was just a little shy of escaping range anxiety for what I used it for. I'm already in love with this little Ami, given that I am used to avoiding motorways, 30mph is plenty.
Everyone I know who might have been interested in a Twizy is put off by the battery rental. What is Renault's justification for it, other than to make money?
@@cornishhh i would have preferred to own the battery outright, and £6000 for the Ami looks a bargain right now. Having said that, the smiles-per-mile i had with the twizy I don't regret it
@St John’s Soup never any problems, it draws the exact opposite attention, everyone smiles and double-takes at it, the only people I ever saw near it were just interested in what it was like, almost security in itself in the daytime. had gullwing doors that don't lock, but most dont know that you open them from the inside. (you can install plastic windows that zip but honestly never needed them- the twizy keeps you dry better than people imagine). people did pop their head inside a lot to have a look out of curiosity but it has a couple of gloveboxes inside for security (front dash and behind the rear seat) that you lock with the key. but the rear chest was a little bit fiddly so rarely used, but is more discreet if you were ever worried about something in particular. the front 'glove box' was used way more often, mostly for my sat nav/wallet/phone, but I got used to travelling with everything I needed in my bag which sat on the rear seat and it came with me when I left. and again never had a problem. if you instead mean the theft of the vehicle itself: I suppose if thieves want something bad enough they will find a way, but the twizy is (and drives) heavier than it looks, it weighs more than a reliant robin, or about half a ton to give an example, so I suppose there are easier bikes to pick up before they attempt the twizy. if you can't garage it like myself then I would suggest a car cover so it is out of sight-out of mind, and maybe typical security measures (wheel locks/alarms). but I really had no issues at all, it is what you are comfortable with and the area. by its own nature it never really is capable of travelling anywhere that you don't know well/trust (as the range is realistically more like 30-35 miles reliably) so you end up knowing the routes/destinations well. and if not possible to do that, then honestly there is maybe better vehicles for the price range the twizy finished selling at (as the citroen ami looks a real bargain in comparison, and is what I would be tempted with next. just a shame the ami is limited to 28mph, the extra 15+mph was useful at times, but you learn quick the roads and situations to avoid in any case), but the smiles per mile were simply brilliant regardless. I hope that helps.
Wow I absolutely love it. You may feel that it's slow but you just trying walking at 45 kph. Yip she feels fast enough now. Beautiful flattering view of Ravishing Rita. What a charming little Ami.
50kph is enough for that kind of town car. It is hardly safer than my work quad bike except that the structure hopefully negates the need for a safety helmet and gives at least some crush protection. Keeping the speed down is probably the secret to keeping it light and without all the safety guff mandated for cars, such as airbags, ABS, tyre pressure monitors and on and on.
Hello Ian. Thank you for your test. I like it. I'm french and I'm interested in this Ami. I live in a very rural mountain district in south of France : this type of quadricycle is perfect to go to the market every week and to the center of some villages where my MG ZT-T can't even fit and need to park away of my place. This Ami is built for big cities, young people using scooters, but also for elderly people in rural areas who don't need a full size vehicle (even a C1 is sometime oversized) and buy some ridiculously overpriced diesel quadricycles like you mentioned. Costs are low, and we can have a loan as low as 20€/month without help of local regions. It's a better move than the twizzy as far I'm concerned. And the look is pleasant.
LMAO Ian that is one of the funniest cars you have ever reviewed, i love all the bright colours and ridiculously oversized knobs its like Noddys electric car ha ha.
Ian,thanks not only for this very entertaining video but for all of your content during this year like no other. From NZ to driving a small electric box your channel has been a go to dose of warmth and entertainment. Happy Christmas to you and your family and here's to many more videos in 2021.
Been looking forward to your review on this one! Now THIS is a CITREON! All it needs is the Citroen comfy suspension and soft seats. Like the original crude 2CV it has the potential to evolve into a better car that's faster and more usable and spawn different body variants for practicality.
I have to agree with Miss Hubnut, I do love this little car, its quirky looks, and for just bombing around town it looks like it does the job very well
I love the concept of these type of vehicles, but I can't help think it was would be so much more useful if the top speed could be upped to 35-40-ish mph, it'd allow it to venture out into just a few more places. Definitely excited to see what else comes around in this class!
I know they get round laws, a bit like been able to drive a plastic pig on a bike licence but at the end of the day it has seats, windows all round, doors, steering wheel and 4 wheels, its a car.
@@barriewilliams4526 As having had to give up driving on medical grounds, 2 strokes in last 12 years, Shanks' pony, bus, train or taxi is now normal mode of transport,
Hmmm, so close but does it really cut le mutard? Crying out for a version for grown ups, with more pace and range and maybe, maybe something decadent like a second wiper so you can actually see!
Yes, perhaps 50mph and a real world 100 mile range would make it very much more usable for a LOT of people, a 39/28/19 mph limiter buttan would keep ye license shiny and fresh too.
Very interesting and at 6k I thought it looks more like a old Fiat 500 . If they could make that with more speed and longer range it would be a winner 👍
As an American (Colorado) who lusts to own a 2CV, I found this review delightful. I'm sure we will never see this vehicle sold in the States but it was a great rundown and a glimpse of things to come. I have been to the UK many times but never Coventry so the mini tour of the city center, including the McDonald's drive thru (yuck) was an added bonus. A hearty thank you from across the pond.
Wonderful content as always, Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and all those who watch and support Hubnut from all at The 70's Music & Style!
We really need these in the Philippines where I live. Here there are often two adults and two small children and a baby on a Honda Click motor scooter or something similar. You could fit all those under cover in a Citroen Ami with no pollution and no noise and better safety. Brits and Europeans would be terrified by what people do here in the Philippines. I reckon Citroen should sell the Ami aggressively here as an alternative to scooters for families. There are no safety regulations that would prevent it and it is certainly an alternative to the very basic "tricycle" and "motorela" public transport here. I'm Australian but I live in Cagayan de Oro City Mindanao Philippines with my Filipina wife. We have a Honda Click motor scooter but I don't have a motorcycle licence and only her cousin does.
They've nicked my fascia concept from when we were doing mini spiritual! This only works for somewhere like Paris where they don't have buses anyway. Can you imagine a city where you put 72 of these on a road instead of 1 bus? It also misses the point that on a scooter you can ride past the congestion caused by cars (and buses). Stay safe and well.
Very interesting, and very concisely and honestly reviewed. That we didn't see the engine or the batteries is an indication that that is not what this vehicle is primarily about. It's just a very basic but intelligently designed economy vehicle, with simple modern electric propulsion for useful and practical city transport. I could see this selling millions, even if we are not quite there as regard some of the features yet. But as you said, the 1940s 2CV is rather different from the later versions, whilst sharing many of the design features. So it also makes me wonder how a decade of improvement could change the Ami into something even more useful.
I liked this much more than I expected. Came in thinking it would be another 1200kg box of tech with screens everywhere, but I actually quite like it, looks fun to drive and certainly a nicer experience than a bus.
Considering a new Aixiam starts at € 8999, here in France, the Ami is a real steal here. If it was not for the facts that we already have 3 cars and I retire in the spring, my rural back lane commute is only 5 km each way & I only work 3 days a week. The Ami would be perfect for a country boy like me.
If I had to drive anything in Coventry I would want it to get me out of Coventry. Quickly! Nice car though, but useless for rural Somerset, so not for me. Merry Christmas Ian.
I like it! Really good idea for short city runs. Its all well and good having massive EV cars with hundreds of miles of range but for 90% of the time people just need a short range runaround. I could see people having a Tesla (other big EVs are available) and one of these for short runs.
Yep I agree a town car for shopping local and also my Chiropractor’s appointments 🤔, which I don’t have any at present but sure would need after sitting on those uncomfortable seats for even the shortest journey 😉👌🏻
Marvellously simple! The French are brilliant at this sort of thing, fair dues to them. As much as I love all things ICE and it hurts to say this . . . but . . . this is the future. Great test, many thanks Ian.
There are various designs of electrically-powered "booster" attachments available to enhance manual wheelchairs - they all come in at around £5000, so yes, in context, amazing car.
@@spiccybaby im talking about actual electric chairs that are designed as such from the ground up like you see really really disabled people and children use. But yes your point is valid
@M Bacon yes that’s true but the mark up on them is huge and the price is huge for what they are. I understand they are the lifeline that disabled people need but there is no reason for them to cost as much as they do. You can buy a brand new Ami for the price of or less than one of those wheel chairs. Touch controls are meaningless in terms of the price since they don’t cost a fortune to make and install them. The wheel chair companies just extort their customers/government out of a lot of money so they can line their pockets with money. So I believe that the wheelchair makers shouldn’t charge so much for their products knowing that it’s some people only choice to be able to move around and get out and about. Everyone should be allowed to make a profit but not from others disabilities.
@@Alexander_l322 I agree with your point Alex. They could probably sell the mobility scooters for less money, but they price them to what the max limit the insurance companies will pay for them. I think M Bacon is just not getting what you are trying to say or he doesn't want to get it and is a salesman for mobility scooters. So many things are overpriced because people will pay the money for them.
Excellent and balanced review. Hats off to Citroen for breaking the mould with this little Ami. Now let's see if the electric scooter manufacturers up their game with sensibly priced products. The Ami undercuts most (albeit at the compromise of speed).
As a purely city car, or an alternative to a moped or a scooter, it looks pretty useful. But with such a short range, a low top speed and very limited luggage carrying capacity of any sort, I can't quite see it being the modern "take" on a 2CV. Merry Christmas to you and the family, and thank you for another entertaining and thought provoking video.
@@franciscouderq1100 Fine, if you want to buy one of these, and drive it on the motorway, be my guest. Knock yourself out. You'll cause multiple accidents and much faster moving traffic has to brake hard in order to avoid you. I repeat, it's absurd, and not fit for purpose - that purpose being to drive it on the road, whether that be along the High Street or along the M40. It's also ridiculously small and not able to take an significant load. As an alternative to a bicycle, perhaps it works. But not as a car. Maybe YOU should try again.
Doesn't really matter, just pick it up and deposit it in a safe spot. And if you get in a proper crash the hazards aren't gonna help you anymore anyway.
What use are hazards in town? People only use them as park anywhere devices anyway - a la Beemer at 12:42. The only real use is, "I'm stopped in the road for a reason, there's a hazard ahead, don't be a dick and drive past me, Mr BMW. Oh, you did. And where did that get you?"
@@PedroConejo1939 I know that road, Gulson road. Thats quite a bad corner and a crap place for the beemer to stop. Im surprised he put his hazards on due to them bursting in to flames due to lack of use!!!!
Ah a good test report ,but most brits just dont get it!! having looked at a few of these reports nearly everyone is well impressed, once they "get it". At least this is a lot more practicle than the Twizzy, got windows to start with! I watched a french test last night and their is storage behind the driver seat, it accepted a surprising amount of grocery shopping,and then of course there is the front footwell. Acceleration is also better than the Twizzy, Have a good Xmas and New Year Hubnut family, keep the vids coming in 2021
@@duck1946 And then take it back to the garage that fitted it and said you want it on the rear of the car ;) Semi-serious ! Seems to have reasonable power - if you're using it locally/in town and the roads are reasonably flat, it wouldn't be out of the question - esp. if the trailer had more batteries on it :)
@@millomweb Hi,the YT vid in french i had been watching has the rear panel removed,worth a look,you can see the battery mounting, but not a lot to attach a carrier too!
That seems a bit harsh considering that the best selling EV in Europe is the Renault ZOE. You don't see those standing at the side of the road with warninglights on waiting for a recovery truck. The Peugeot e-208 is pretty nice as well.
I think these would be really nice in universities located in large cities! The subscription plan would be great for dorm students who want to get out of campus for shopping, restaurants, etc. while not having to worry about the hassle of car maintenance and ownership costs.
@@christineayres5339 It's really not something you should be driving on a country road at night and if it's broken down, just leave the key in the ignition. It can't be nicked because it's broken down, unless someone comes along with a trailer and frankly, a key's not going to stop that. Maybe we should start thinking of solutions rather than problems.
As a city dweller I can absolutely understand the philosophy behind this. One step up from an e-bike or scooter, it will get you where you're going with minimal fuss, dry and in relative comfort with no special clothing required. Having seen a few electric converted Reliants on TH-cam, I can't help thinking that something like this could have saved the company and allowed it to reinvent itself for the 21st century. A nice antidote to all these stupid massive SUVs that are killing pedestrians and undoing all the engine efficiency gains of the last 30 years.
Great video. Thanks for highlighting this strange tiny French vehicle. I was ready to hate the thing, painted in its battleship grey! BUT in the end, it won me over purely on economic sense, not the driving experience! For my 4 mile, 15 minute commute to work where I don't get above 30mph, what more could I want? Plus, it would keep me dry unlike a scooter. Presumably there is no road tax, but you didn't cover how long it takes to recharge and what are the running costs per mile (presumably peanuts)? Keep the videos coming, enjoy them all, who needs Wheeler Dealers!
In France, those 'sans permis' cars are also popular in rural areas, not just the cities. They are often used by people who are temporarily separated from their driving licences for being caught mixing wine and wheel; and have also been used a lot by the elderly. A typical scenario might be a little old Grandmère who never learned to drive might use one of these to get around after being widowed and so losing her personal chauffeur!
![[LIVE] MCHOICE & MINT AWARDS 2024 at TRUE ICON HALL, ICONSIAM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wMewUeT5nbY/mqdefault.jpg)
Fancy trying Readly for free? Click here for more details. (Rolling sub after the first month, £7.99 per month). readly.me/hubnut
Currently, Readly is the only way I can get my fix on car magazines as the magazine shops are closed during lockdown. No problem you have a sponsor like this Ian, the motoring press needs all the support.
I have been a Readly user for over a year, I highly recommend it 👍😊
Also a Readly user for over a year its a great app.
Not available in the U.S. I have contacted them to see if there is a way to get a subscription here !!
Agree with everyone else, Readly is fantastic and a great sponsor for you to have! Merry Christmas Ian and your family.
Hubnut: it's purely for bombing around cities.
Coventry: please no.
Northern Ireland: please don't use that word.
Too soon!
12:01 LOL
Coventry has seen its fair share of bombs too. But it's just a turn of phrase.
@@linseyyoung1772 Just the other day I I saw a cute little Heinkle bombing around Coventry cathedral. I wonder how that compares to the Ami.
This could be very useful for (Elderly) retired people that don't really need a car but would benefit from their own freedom.
CiBi1968. Good point, an alternative to a "mobility scooter", although a fair bit pricier.
@@phillipevans9414 Try telling that to me when my late father spent £10,000 on a Mobility scooter .... £6k is a snip 😉
Bit risky driving close to the bin lorry, the binmen might mistake it for a slightly larger Wheely bin!
I've never seen a wheelie bin as ugly as that!!
No worries batteries are heavy
Roy, this is below belt hit yet funny
Citroen executive : "When I said we needed a new C5 I didn`t mean-"
xaxaxaxaxaxa
What we actually need is something of a new DS or SM or CX or XM, or something like that! Not those stupidly ugly Mini-Suvs Citroën is making at the Time!
@@DPPOfficial Agreed...although I was pleasantly surprised that they made the C6 . Sadly can`t see that happening again.
Proper Citroen design philosophy, I like it. As you hinted at, you need to look at this after a short period of meditation to clear your mind of preconceptions. East your heart out Sir Clive Sinclair. Best objective review so far.
Bak seat out in a 2CV for picnics LOL. I can just see him having a picnic in the centre of town ... Its NOT meant to go out of town mate.
@@team3383 Just watched a TH-cam review by a used car sales man who drives twenty miles round trip a day in his Range Rover he says at todays fuel costs he spends ten pounds a day. he test drives Ami which costs one pound fifty pence to charge and can do forty seven miles on one charge he says he has ordered one just for transport to work.
@@kevanparker908 Unfortunately the people who really NEED a car like the Citroen Ami can't afford to just pick up the phone and order one ...
I’ve watched at least 4 other Ami reviews recently on TH-cam, but this is the only one where I really got a feel for the car. So much more entertaining and useful. Thanks Ian!!
We are attempting to drive the whole of the French Riviera in our Ami: th-cam.com/video/5_g6iga0bVU/w-d-xo.html
The two lads driving one round the south of France on TH-cam give the car some good publicity but it seems to have some weaknesses?
Hazard lights that only work with the 'ignition' key in ??🤔
A hazard in itself...
Could one hope that once turned on, they stay on when the key's removed?
@Stephen Terry Hence the solar panels they forgot to fit to the roof.
@Stephen Terry LED hazards use minimal power, even 4W bulbs, only 8W usage, and even that could be reduced.
@Stephen Terry They are hazard lights! You put them on to indicate a hazard (no pun intended), such as breaking down/an accident or leaving your vehicle in a hazardous positon etc. You wouldnt leave your keys in the ignition if you had to leave your car.
I suppose it's a bit like the 50's bubble car craze, spawned out of the need for affordable personal transport. The "manual" folding windows and general simplicity are refreshing, I get it - for the city at least.
There's also the Nobe electric car, which actually looks like it's from the 50s.
Reminds me more of a modern day Invacar - albeit with 2 seats and 4 wheels. But I don’t think it’s a new 2CV though - it can’t seat 4 for a start! It’s very interesting though!
Can it drive over a field with a basket of eggs?
@@JonathanWagener can it drive over a field?
It's more like a G-Wiz and about as desirable.
Oh ? I thought you could get 2 more on top ?
Will it carry a six foot door and door frame? My 2CV did on more than one occasion, roof rolled back of course!
Absolutely love that car , shame Miss Hubnut couldn't be with you, its very retro and great for town.
You're such a pro ian, I could watch you review anything. You even made the sponsors segment interesting. Thanks & merry christmas.
Citroen are aiming this at the scooter and public transport - not to mention the pissed French farmer market who have lost their licence.
Aah you saw THAT review.
It could also double up as a golf cart. Imagine commuting to the golf course then bypassing the golf cart rental and using the Ami. Citroen might want to develop a golf bag carrier though.
Since it cannot carry a basket with eggs without breaking them, it cannot carry 4 people, only has a 40 mile range, and a top speed of only 30miles, i am sorry, i cannot see any reference to the 2cv.. Maybe i am wrong
You are not wrong
How many people do you know who need to drive across a field with a basket of eggs? It is not a replacement for the 2CV and that is not why people are making the comparison. The 2CV was created to solve a mobility issue with the most basic device possible, so is this; it's just solving a different mobility issue. As such, it succeeds.
@nh73 It could, but the InvaCar was purpose built, offering basic motoring to people with disabilities. The Ami is, in my opinion, Citroen's electric proposal in the segment of the French microcars such as the Aixam, the Chatenet, the Microcar etc. Same idea, same package.
@nh73 I think the price tag is almost similar throughout Europe. And i don't mean the EU.
@nh73 The Ami aims at people who are in need of very basic and super low mileage transportation on weekly basis. People who are not in fond of owning a car in general and always opting for other means of transport. There aren't many but they are considerable. I myself own a 2001 poverty spec Fiat Punto 1.2, which is very economical in every aspect and does the job.
Can't believe the hazards didn't come on without starting the car.
For cities, makes some sense as a car sharing grocery getter.
Loved the "I wonder if it has ABS" brake test. 😁
I think I'm Hubnut enough. I get mildly excited about the yellow metro in the ad, rather than the brand spanking new car, thisvideo is supposed to be about.
The metro was an awful creation
@@GadgetMart Well I did say mildly. and it was more about remembering that shade of yellow. A neighbour had a metro that colour, paired with a shit brown interior.
@@benholroyd5221 😂 The best thing about the metro was using the parts (engine) to upgrade minis
Me too, my grandfather had a yellow Mk1 Metro very similar to that for over 20 years. It was written off in 2004 unfortunately.
No triangle of doom, more a Continent of Catastrophe.
4:37 lets turn the lights off so the battery does not go flat...............how apt that will be for later on in the day lol
A good slogan for a 2030 Hubnut shirt.
I think, Paul, it's a carry-over from his previous video of range anxiety in a diesel.
@@millomweb You think incorrect my friend. Ian had problems with his Rover 75 alternator on the way to this shoot and making it back home to after. The Exide battery was the star of this show!!
@@cornishhh Good one lol. The way electric cars sales are going, T shirts might be available sooner lol
@@paulrobinson3528 Well, it was Ian that mentioned the range anxiety !
Yes, I spotted the Exide too. I'm not sure it was performing well though ! Having said that, Ian's no friend of a lead-acid battery !
Matt “Furious” Richardson would definitely approve of the tea shelf!
I've said it before, Citroen on their day can be world beaters, glad 'Stellantis' hasn't diluted that spirit
I flipping love this car! I've been thinking for a long while what we need is a dirt cheap electric, zero frills. Citroen took this to it's logical conclusion... not a frill in sight! People will love this.
I love the way it looks . Futuristic yet retro.
Stick a superbike engine in it and now you got a rival for the 2CV.
Hayabusa madness! Who's gonna be first?
So glad you got to review this Ian. I think these are fabulous, and you are exactly who I'd want to see putting it through it's paces!
I don't need one, but I do want one. Best review of this I've seen, well done. Happy Christmas.
Lots of boroughs in London are 20mph zones now so I could see it working well there - if you can charge it.
That corner of disappointment is almost as big as the car!
It's the missed function of the wiper.
@@millomweb lol! very good
I'd call the whole car a cuboid of disappointment. Not to my taste, sadly.
@@PaulioBee You're not supposed to eat it !
I would rather buy this for mt teenage son than a scooter
Good job I'm not in a position of power because I wouldn't let anyone near a car until they'd passed their motorcycle test.
I think it would be great for my son to get around on
Yes, it is definitely safer than moped. And much better for rain and cold than moped.
The world's gone bad, what's wrong with the 500 quid 1st car? Then the kids learn to service and fix them with dads help and a trip to the scrapyard.
No wonder we've got a generation of people who don't know which end of a screwdriver to hold.
@@neilwalsh4058 yes that’s how I started with £200 cars , problem is my son would be bit picky about what car he had , but more so insurance costs would be off the map for and lastly my son has no interest in learning any type of mechanics ( doesn’t want dirty hands) 😒
Merry Christmas to the HubNut Channel
No disrespect to the others who have reviewed this strange little car but your review was the best I've seen. Very informative.
There are many reviews of this car, but this is the one I was waiting for! I would want to get a software hack to get at least 50mph to keep up on faster roads. The incomplete wiper coverage seems dangerous for driving on the left side of the road-the oncoming side of the road is obscured. Love to see simplicity in a modern car.
"Hark!" is the best way to start a video.
After a few weeks of seeing people review this very interesting vehicle, we finally get to see someone with real 2CV and 'mobility solution' (if we can call Tuk that?) experience give it a spin. Great review and thanks for all your videos through 2020.
We are attempting to drive the whole of the French Riviera in our Ami: th-cam.com/video/5_g6iga0bVU/w-d-xo.html
It fills a gap at that price I guess. However, it seemed mostly at home going round and round in circles; albeit possibly even more so when next to a fire engine; whilst they continually chase the elephant and open-top bus in front.
having lived with a Renault Twizy, I can see it already trumps a few issues I had, no windows, the battery ownership, the rear seat in the twizy, heating and range. The 30 mile twizy range was just a little shy of escaping range anxiety for what I used it for. I'm already in love with this little Ami, given that I am used to avoiding motorways, 30mph is plenty.
Everyone I know who might have been interested in a Twizy is put off by the battery rental. What is Renault's justification for it, other than to make money?
@@cornishhh i would have preferred to own the battery outright, and £6000 for the Ami looks a bargain right now. Having said that, the smiles-per-mile i had with the twizy I don't regret it
@@scottlawson1800how did you deal with security, potential theft?
@St John’s Soup never any problems, it draws the exact opposite attention, everyone smiles and double-takes at it, the only people I ever saw near it were just interested in what it was like, almost security in itself in the daytime. had gullwing doors that don't lock, but most dont know that you open them from the inside. (you can install plastic windows that zip but honestly never needed them- the twizy keeps you dry better than people imagine). people did pop their head inside a lot to have a look out of curiosity but it has a couple of gloveboxes inside for security (front dash and behind the rear seat) that you lock with the key. but the rear chest was a little bit fiddly so rarely used, but is more discreet if you were ever worried about something in particular. the front 'glove box' was used way more often, mostly for my sat nav/wallet/phone, but I got used to travelling with everything I needed in my bag which sat on the rear seat and it came with me when I left. and again never had a problem. if you instead mean the theft of the vehicle itself: I suppose if thieves want something bad enough they will find a way, but the twizy is (and drives) heavier than it looks, it weighs more than a reliant robin, or about half a ton to give an example, so I suppose there are easier bikes to pick up before they attempt the twizy. if you can't garage it like myself then I would suggest a car cover so it is out of sight-out of mind, and maybe typical security measures (wheel locks/alarms). but I really had no issues at all, it is what you are comfortable with and the area. by its own nature it never really is capable of travelling anywhere that you don't know well/trust (as the range is realistically more like 30-35 miles reliably) so you end up knowing the routes/destinations well. and if not possible to do that, then honestly there is maybe better vehicles for the price range the twizy finished selling at (as the citroen ami looks a real bargain in comparison, and is what I would be tempted with next. just a shame the ami is limited to 28mph, the extra 15+mph was useful at times, but you learn quick the roads and situations to avoid in any case), but the smiles per mile were simply brilliant regardless. I hope that helps.
Wow I absolutely love it. You may feel that it's slow but you just trying walking at 45 kph. Yip she feels fast enough now. Beautiful flattering view of Ravishing Rita.
What a charming little Ami.
Another glorious moment. Another appreciated road test. Am I EV impressed, well yes, I most certainly ami.
Four door hatchback with the simplicity and flexibility, soft ride and elegance of a 2CV - THAT would be good!
Happy Christmas Hub Nut and Co.
The most perfect reviewer to review the new Ami.
Super to see Citroen back to producing interesting stuff great review Ian 👍.
Happy Christmas Ian! Thanks for all your videos this year.
And to you!
@@HubNut Thanks!
Just thinking, aren't Hazard Lights supposed to work even with the ignition off - if it broke down for example?
Or if the main traction battery runs out...
While you were at PSA I hope you took them to task for the fact that virtually every car they product now comes with a triangle of doom 😂
Love it. Non-conformist, nimble, simple, basic. So refreshingly un-SUV-esque!
50kph is enough for that kind of town car. It is hardly safer than my work quad bike except that the structure hopefully negates the need for a safety helmet and gives at least some crush protection. Keeping the speed down is probably the secret to keeping it light and without all the safety guff mandated for cars, such as airbags, ABS, tyre pressure monitors and on and on.
Hello Ian. Thank you for your test. I like it. I'm french and I'm interested in this Ami. I live in a very rural mountain district in south of France : this type of quadricycle is perfect to go to the market every week and to the center of some villages where my MG ZT-T can't even fit and need to park away of my place.
This Ami is built for big cities, young people using scooters, but also for elderly people in rural areas who don't need a full size vehicle (even a C1 is sometime oversized) and buy some ridiculously overpriced diesel quadricycles like you mentioned.
Costs are low, and we can have a loan as low as 20€/month without help of local regions. It's a better move than the twizzy as far I'm concerned. And the look is pleasant.
LMAO Ian that is one of the funniest cars you have ever reviewed, i love all the bright colours and ridiculously oversized knobs its like Noddys electric car ha ha.
I watched Johnny from the late brake show test drive this, now you!
Yeah , But Ian has beter taste in footwear!
Me to.
I stopped watching Johnny Pervert, will keep watching HubNut though.
I watched Johnny drove this little car around.
@@MattBrownbill Yes he's good on Smith and Sniff but too pushy on his own.
Ian,thanks not only for this very entertaining video but for all of your content during this year like no other. From NZ to driving a small electric box your channel has been a go to dose of warmth and entertainment. Happy Christmas to you and your family and here's to many more videos in 2021.
That’s not a corner of disappointment, it’s a two bedroom flat of disappointment!
LOL!
Shouldn't the Hazard lights work without the ignition being on?
Been looking forward to your review on this one! Now THIS is a CITREON! All it needs is the Citroen comfy suspension and soft seats.
Like the original crude 2CV it has the potential to evolve into a better car that's faster and more usable and spawn different body variants for practicality.
I have to agree with Miss Hubnut, I do love this little car, its quirky looks, and for just bombing around town it looks like it does the job very well
If Ellie and TWC had a love child...
Love it! Super review Ian. I can imagine Miss HubNut and even the HubNutters would like to zip around in it.
I love the concept of these type of vehicles, but I can't help think it was would be so much more useful if the top speed could be upped to 35-40-ish mph, it'd allow it to venture out into just a few more places. Definitely excited to see what else comes around in this class!
I know they get round laws, a bit like been able to drive a plastic pig on a bike licence but at the end of the day it has seats, windows all round, doors, steering wheel and 4 wheels, its a car.
It's a £6,000 joke! 😂 You would piss an awful lot of people off with a top speed of 28 MPH 🤬
Worth buying just to annoy Bmw and Audi drivers :)
Average speed in a UK city under 12mph.
@@andycleary6209 Very true! 😂
@@tonys1636 Better off walking & saving yourself 6 grand in that case then lol
@@barriewilliams4526 As having had to give up driving on medical grounds, 2 strokes in last 12 years, Shanks' pony, bus, train or taxi is now normal mode of transport,
Hmmm, so close but does it really cut le mutard? Crying out for a version for grown ups, with more pace and range and maybe, maybe something decadent like a second wiper so you can actually see!
It really is a granny mota.
Now there's a great new car manufacturer name !
Yes, perhaps 50mph and a real world 100 mile range would make it very much more usable for a LOT of people, a 39/28/19 mph limiter buttan would keep ye license shiny and fresh too.
Maybe just a sensibly placed single wiper like the CX?
@@alan-sk7ky But would you want to use it for a 4 hour drive? How many people are that far from the co-op?
Very interesting and at 6k I thought it looks more like a old Fiat 500 . If they could make that with more speed and longer range it would be a winner 👍
Yeah, reminds me of the 500 or the OG Mini (albeit the cabin is more bulbous than the latter).
As an American (Colorado) who lusts to own a 2CV, I found this review delightful. I'm sure we will never see this vehicle sold in the States but it was a great rundown and a glimpse of things to come. I have been to the UK many times but never Coventry so the mini tour of the city center, including the McDonald's drive thru (yuck) was an added bonus. A hearty thank you from across the pond.
Citroen Ami Electric: The official car of making Rita the Rover feel like a dragster.
Wonderful content as always, Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and all those who watch and support Hubnut from all at The 70's Music & Style!
I think it looks like a modern take on the BMW isetta, or Messerschmitt bubble car..
We really need these in the Philippines where I live. Here there are often two adults and two small children and a baby on a Honda Click motor scooter or something similar. You could fit all those under cover in a Citroen Ami with no pollution and no noise and better safety. Brits and Europeans would be terrified by what people do here in the Philippines. I reckon Citroen should sell the Ami aggressively here as an alternative to scooters for families. There are no safety regulations that would prevent it and it is certainly an alternative to the very basic "tricycle" and "motorela" public transport here. I'm Australian but I live in Cagayan de Oro City Mindanao Philippines with my Filipina wife. We have a Honda Click motor scooter but I don't have a motorcycle licence and only her cousin does.
It looks cool in a bizarre way! Shame I don't have anywhere to plug in an electric car :(
How high of a problem is that on the patented Plainly difficult disaster scale ?, awesome channel btw.
These use a simple wall plug? Plus normal public charging points can be used.
They charge of a three-pin plug and the cord is in the passenger side panel! Tucks away real nice like.
They've nicked my fascia concept from when we were doing mini spiritual! This only works for somewhere like Paris where they don't have buses anyway. Can you imagine a city where you put 72 of these on a road instead of 1 bus? It also misses the point that on a scooter you can ride past the congestion caused by cars (and buses). Stay safe and well.
Very interesting, and very concisely and honestly reviewed. That we didn't see the engine or the batteries is an indication that that is not what this vehicle is primarily about. It's just a very basic but intelligently designed economy vehicle, with simple modern electric propulsion for useful and practical city transport. I could see this selling millions, even if we are not quite there as regard some of the features yet. But as you said, the 1940s 2CV is rather different from the later versions, whilst sharing many of the design features. So it also makes me wonder how a decade of improvement could change the Ami into something even more useful.
Another of Hubnut's great presentations.
He can make the dullest of motors seem interesting.
I liked this much more than I expected. Came in thinking it would be another 1200kg box of tech with screens everywhere, but I actually quite like it, looks fun to drive and certainly a nicer experience than a bus.
Considering a new Aixiam starts at € 8999, here in France, the Ami is a real steal here. If it was not for the facts that we already have 3 cars and I retire in the spring, my rural back lane commute is only 5 km each way & I only work 3 days a week. The Ami would be perfect for a country boy like me.
If I had to drive anything in Coventry I would want it to get me out of Coventry. Quickly! Nice car though, but useless for rural Somerset, so not for me. Merry Christmas Ian.
I don't know.... Could be useful for getting past the tourists on narrow lanes.
I like it! Really good idea for short city runs. Its all well and good having massive EV cars with hundreds of miles of range but for 90% of the time people just need a short range runaround. I could see people having a Tesla (other big EVs are available) and one of these for short runs.
Yep I agree a town car for shopping local and also my Chiropractor’s appointments 🤔, which I don’t have any at present but sure would need after sitting on those uncomfortable seats for even the shortest journey 😉👌🏻
Marvellously simple! The French are brilliant at this sort of thing, fair dues to them. As much as I love all things ICE and it hurts to say this . . . but . . . this is the future. Great test, many thanks Ian.
Im almost certain there are electric wheel chairs that cost around £6000. So I’d say this car is a bargain.
There are various designs of electrically-powered "booster" attachments available to enhance manual wheelchairs - they all come in at around £5000, so yes, in context, amazing car.
@@spiccybaby im talking about actual electric chairs that are designed as such from the ground up like you see really really disabled people and children use. But yes your point is valid
@M Bacon yes that’s true but the mark up on them is huge and the price is huge for what they are. I understand they are the lifeline that disabled people need but there is no reason for them to cost as much as they do. You can buy a brand new Ami for the price of or less than one of those wheel chairs. Touch controls are meaningless in terms of the price since they don’t cost a fortune to make and install them. The wheel chair companies just extort their customers/government out of a lot of money so they can line their pockets with money. So I believe that the wheelchair makers shouldn’t charge so much for their products knowing that it’s some people only choice to be able to move around and get out and about. Everyone should be allowed to make a profit but not from others disabilities.
@M Bacon ok I’ll take your word for it I guess.
@@Alexander_l322 I agree with your point Alex. They could probably sell the mobility scooters for less money, but they price them to what the max limit the insurance companies will pay for them. I think M Bacon is just not getting what you are trying to say or he doesn't want to get it and is a salesman for mobility scooters. So many things are overpriced because people will pay the money for them.
Thank you for another great road test Ian. Stay well and safe and have a fantastic Christmas
Excellent and balanced review. Hats off to Citroen for breaking the mould with this little Ami. Now let's see if the electric scooter manufacturers up their game with sensibly priced products. The Ami undercuts most (albeit at the compromise of speed).
There is something rather appealing about the Ami! Great review Ian
It's what Clive Sinclair's C5 should have been...
He did have plans for a c10 and this is more or less what it would have been.
12:22 - "I don't believe we've got ABS"... perfect comedy timing. :D
As long as it's got batteries and has to be charged up, it will only ever be ranked alongside a golf buggy.
Nah - that's just resistance to change thinking. EVs are amazing!
Internal combustion engines have fuel tanks which need to be filled with expensive liquids. What's your point?
As long as your Bugatti uses a petrol engine, and petrol(?!) , it will only ever be ranked alongside a petrol lawnmower.
As a purely city car, or an alternative to a moped or a scooter, it looks pretty useful.
But with such a short range, a low top speed and very limited luggage carrying capacity of any sort, I can't quite see it being the modern "take" on a 2CV.
Merry Christmas to you and the family, and thank you for another entertaining and thought provoking video.
I DEFINITELY prefer my old Ami 8 Estate to this rather absurd vehicle.
Nothing is absurd about this Ami . You got lost in translation, try again
@@franciscouderq1100 Fine, if you want to buy one of these, and drive it on the motorway, be my guest. Knock yourself out. You'll cause multiple accidents and much faster moving traffic has to brake hard in order to avoid you. I repeat, it's absurd, and not fit for purpose - that purpose being to drive it on the road, whether that be along the High Street or along the M40. It's also ridiculously small and not able to take an significant load. As an alternative to a bicycle, perhaps it works. But not as a car. Maybe YOU should try again.
It's illegal to drive one on a motorway. Think of it as more a four-wheeler scooter than a car.
More comfy seats, longer range and way more speed and I would have one definately! Maybe a VTS version? 🤔
@Stephen Terry I know but still be cute and fun 😉
So your hazards dont work if the ignition is not on?? how French lol
Doesn't really matter, just pick it up and deposit it in a safe spot. And if you get in a proper crash the hazards aren't gonna help you anymore anyway.
What use are hazards in town? People only use them as park anywhere devices anyway - a la Beemer at 12:42. The only real use is, "I'm stopped in the road for a reason, there's a hazard ahead, don't be a dick and drive past me, Mr BMW. Oh, you did. And where did that get you?"
@@PedroConejo1939 I know that road, Gulson road. Thats quite a bad corner and a crap place for the beemer to stop. Im surprised he put his hazards on due to them bursting in to flames due to lack of use!!!!
Ami:you will be as shaken as your drinks, James Bond walks away....
Ah a good test report ,but most brits just dont get it!!
having looked at a few of these reports nearly everyone is well impressed, once they "get it".
At least this is a lot more practicle than the Twizzy, got windows to start with!
I watched a french test last night and their is storage behind the driver seat, it accepted a surprising amount of grocery shopping,and then of course there is the front footwell.
Acceleration is also better than the Twizzy,
Have a good Xmas and New Year Hubnut family, keep the vids coming in 2021
Can you fit a tow bar ?
@@millomweb Come on ,be serious!
@@duck1946 And then take it back to the garage that fitted it and said you want it on the rear of the car ;)
Semi-serious ! Seems to have reasonable power - if you're using it locally/in town and the roads are reasonably flat, it wouldn't be out of the question - esp. if the trailer had more batteries on it :)
@@millomweb Hi,the YT vid in french i had been watching has the rear panel removed,worth a look,you can see the battery mounting, but not a lot to attach a carrier too!
This man likes every car.
I can see this being one of those short term..."does anybody remember the Ami' cars, like the Twizi.
The little Ligier we owned - another quadricycle -- was great fun with its minimalist engine.
😂 Let's take the reliability of French automotive electronics and make a fully electric car. At least it's light enough to push.
That seems a bit harsh considering that the best selling EV in Europe is the Renault ZOE. You don't see those standing at the side of the road with warninglights on waiting for a recovery truck.
The Peugeot e-208 is pretty nice as well.
I think these would be really nice in universities located in large cities! The subscription plan would be great for dorm students who want to get out of campus for shopping, restaurants, etc. while not having to worry about the hassle of car maintenance and ownership costs.
Fail Citroen. Hazzard lights should always work, regardless of the ignition switch.
Yeah especially if you break down in a country lane at night not good
@@christineayres5339 It's really not something you should be driving on a country road at night and if it's broken down, just leave the key in the ignition. It can't be nicked because it's broken down, unless someone comes along with a trailer and frankly, a key's not going to stop that. Maybe we should start thinking of solutions rather than problems.
What a hideous creation, however, what a project to fit a Yamaha R1 engine into, that would be fun.
There's something wierdly Hubnut about going to test an electric car in a car with a knackered alternator. Glad you got back safe Ian.
As a city dweller I can absolutely understand the philosophy behind this. One step up from an e-bike or scooter, it will get you where you're going with minimal fuss, dry and in relative comfort with no special clothing required. Having seen a few electric converted Reliants on TH-cam, I can't help thinking that something like this could have saved the company and allowed it to reinvent itself for the 21st century. A nice antidote to all these stupid massive SUVs that are killing pedestrians and undoing all the engine efficiency gains of the last 30 years.
One step up, several down. You lose versatility of the ebikes and scooters. Being stuck in traffic with no AC is not ideal.
Great video. Thanks for highlighting this strange tiny French vehicle. I was ready to hate the thing, painted in its battleship grey! BUT in the end, it won me over purely on economic sense, not the driving experience! For my 4 mile, 15 minute commute to work where I don't get above 30mph, what more could I want? Plus, it would keep me dry unlike a scooter. Presumably there is no road tax, but you didn't cover how long it takes to recharge and what are the running costs per mile (presumably peanuts)?
Keep the videos coming, enjoy them all, who needs Wheeler Dealers!
Love the H van and would prefer your 2CV rather than that Ami any day of the week, sorry Ian lol, Merry Christmas to you, Miss HubNut and the family.
There are loads of H vans in the UK these days used for street food. There's a company here that converts them.
That sound reminds me of a old milk float 😂
In France, those 'sans permis' cars are also popular in rural areas, not just the cities. They are often used by people who are temporarily separated from their driving licences for being caught mixing wine and wheel; and have also been used a lot by the elderly. A typical scenario might be a little old Grandmère who never learned to drive might use one of these to get around after being widowed and so losing her personal chauffeur!
Ian, given your experience with small slow cars, you are the person to test and compare this AMI. Well done!