Experience: A Ride in a Citroën Ami Through Paris

Launched in April 2020, Citroën’s electric quadricycle is selling like hotcakes. Our colleague from Autohebdo, Julien Billiote, took it for a spin. Impressions.

When my colleagues from Mobiwisy suggested I test an electric car, the curious motorist in me saw it as an opportunity to finally experience zero-emission driving. And then came the moment to meet the beast. Or rather, the lilliputian. Aware of its look… radical style, Citroën didn’t hesitate to embrace self-deprecation by calling the model a “toaster” during its promotion. Matte gray body, racing-inspired decor, and rear spoiler with fake carbon details, the license-free quadricycle sports a fun and offbeat face.

Spacious Interior

The first surprise comes from the interior, which is much more spacious than the overall dimensions might suggest. With its seats deeply reclined and offset from each other, it’s entirely possible to fit two tall individuals comfortably. The Citroën Ami doesn’t have a trunk, but a single person will have enough room to stash a bag or a scooter (long live multimodality!) beside them. The finishes are basic, both in the seating and the dashboard. It feels a bit like sitting on a subway seat.

The absence of door handles, replaced by push buttons outside and straps inside, also surprises. As for the windows, the experience is quite vintage with a window that opens using a clip reminiscent of old 2CVs. Then, insert the old-school key into the ignition, and the modern steed revs to life. No gear lever, only three buttons on the left side of the driver’s seat. Slightly disorienting at first, but you get used to it quickly. Let’s go!

Defogging Lifesaver

On Parisian cobblestones, driving can be a bit bumpy, but my inner bike commuter isn’t fazed. I was more worried about the 45 km/h top speed, but with Paris now a massive construction zone limited to 30 km/h, I never felt like I was bothering other drivers. My only concern: accidentally ending up on the périphérique or another fast lane, which isn’t authorized for the Ami.

The nimble, lively little vehicle maneuvers easily but remains a car, so it’s subject to the hell of traffic jams. The commute from office to home takes twice as long as cycling — and I still ride! As for parking, the compact quadricycle has a significant advantage.

Behind the wheel, the experience is fun, even though the Ami suffers from a ventilation issue that causes rapid fogging. It’s frustrating when you arrive at one of those busy roundabouts that mark the City of Light. You need to crank up the heater, risking a faster drain on the announced 70 km range.

Overall Impressions of the Citroën Ami

The Ami isn’t meant to replace my family car. However, it can serve as a secondary vehicle for short city trips, protected from the rain. While they used to be mocked when I was a teenager, quadricycles are now gaining popularity, driven by their electric motors.

Also read: Ligier Myli: “We will electrify 100% of our range”