Ami Buggy represents a new vision for Citroën Ami 100 electric – dedicated to leisure and designed for adventure…
We’ve seen the Citroen Ami as a van and as police car, now it’s time to see it as Herbie’s more adventurous eco-friendly future cousin. As a concept, the Ami is a black, yellow, and khaki fun machine designed to go places its more restrained city version could never go – with a 1960’s beach car spirit re-imagined by hipster industrial designers.
Citroen sees this tiny EV going off the grid with special off-road-capable mud-terrain tyres, and extra flared fenders to allow the wider wheels breathing space.
Up front, there is a brush guard and grilles over the lights -inspired by the Mehari 4×4 (circa 1979-1983). The front and rear bull bars are more for show than for use, but the massive (for Ami’s size) roof-mounted LED light bar provides ideal night vision for that late night hike.
Stepping into the two-seat cabin no longer requires opening a door; they’ve been launched and deemed irrelevant – although there is a transparent rainproof canvas in case of you know, rain.
Once inside, the driver sits on a heavily padded cushion, facing a steering wheel with a bizarrely placed bum bag in the centre, a mini digital dash and built-in smartphone cradle. There’s even a moveable camera holder for those perfect Instagram shots (assuming Insta is still a thing in future). Colour co-ordinated custom luggage is also available, which fits together in a tight Tetris sort of way.
Similar to the production Ami, the Buggy will be powered by an 8 horsepower motor that gains electricity from a 5.5 kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack, providing a maximum driving range of around 70 km – so don’t adventure too far from home. Safety wise, there is zero to little – although an airbag isn’t really needed if the top speed is around 45km/h.
For now, this cute Citroen is just a concept but it will be ready to hit the beach as soon as you are – and as long as it’s local.
By Bill Varetimidis
For the full article grab the January 2023 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
