Citroen Ami - the tiny bonkers EV Goes for a drive
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- čas přidán 23. 05. 2024
- The Citreon Ami is a tiny, bonkers electric...not a car actually! The tiny French quadricycle is an urban transport solution, which also happens to be a silly amount of fun!
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Just competed my first year of ownership, 4500 miles covered. I love my AMI. 75p to charge to do 46 miles on economy 7, standard 13 amp UK socket charging!! No expensive chargers for this one. Gets me and the wife to work and back every day. No agro from other road users and we drive on many 60mph roads. Have taken AMI to car meets and it gets a lot of attention. Just renewed insurance and paid 248 UK pounds for the year! Makes me smile every time I take Ami out on the road!!
It’s nice to see a quirky Citroen… used to be, they were ALL quirky, in a good way.
Yes. Have had a C5, and it had some (partly lovely) quirks:
inverted rear window, steering wheel with stationary airbag, door storage light activated by motion sensor, speedo-needle pointing from outside to center, center screen facing to the passenger...
As a 2009 it also was advanced with colored display in dash, massage seat, electric parking break, bonnet made of aluminium, very nice ambiente-light...
There are two in Margate. Is this one of them?
@@Romiman1 Sinclair or Citroen C5?
@@dcarbs2979 Sinclair with massage-seat?? ;-)
@@Romiman1 Pretty easy to fit.
Not to toot the ami (or my own) trumpet too loud I've owned one for a year, just clocked over 7000 miles in it and its a fun, practical daily runabout. It makes you smile to drive. It is a portaloo on wheels in its construction but its so cheap to run too. Thank you for reviewing it. Glad u enjoyed it too.
I really did, it was silly but fun. If I didnt live in a village surrounded by fast A roads Id have one
You could watch this without sound, Matt's expression while driving it tells everything you need to know about this, uh, vehicle.
I'm currently on holiday in northern France and whilst these Amis aren't exactly everywhere, I've certinly seen loads, all driven by youngsters who presumably see these as a better way of getting around than an e-scooter. Strange the difference in perception; in the UK they seem to be perceived as a bit of a joke whereas in France, they are seen exactly as the maker intended
How can a car limited to 28 mph have a 0 to 60 time quoted as 10 seconds? Surely the 0 to 60 time is NEVER.
My experience as a teenager in 1969 was with a 2cv. As an American used to boat sized cars these French mini cars were a hoot! Today as a retiree I would love one of these.
I've owned a couple of 2 CV's over the years. Can only say they are an inspiration to drive. Comfortable and economical. Would rather have a 2 CV over the Ami. It's a real car, infinitely more practicaland usable. And at anywhere between £5K and £7K for a decent one, it's never going to depreciate.
Actually, that isn't a cup holder.
It's to hold a Bluetooth speaker which you pair with your phone to provide your in quadricycle entertainment.
ah, did think it was hard to reach!
Seen a couple of CZcamsrs with these. In one the door warped due to the sun shining on it, and in another there were issues with the rather thin tubular frame!
In G.B. at the end of March 2023, they raised the price and payment plan ...it has put many people off.
Coincidentally, I drove into Liverpool this morning and the Citroen dealer had three of these weird things on sale outside
Perfect for Wales 20mph limits 😂
Who’s going to tell Hubnut
..... potholes by me would kill that thing in three days max 😂...... great review though, and great fun little vehicle and a headturner like no other.....
It is a French car ...there are no potholes in French roads ...and road tax is included in French petrol .... they spend French money on the people that pay taxes ...... mon deu what!!! Taxes spent on the people that pay them ...we will have none of that on the island ...
I really don't like EVs, but IMO things like the Ami and Twizy hit a interesting spot for independant urban traffic. The one issue I have with them however, is their price for what they are.
If you make something that shows minimalism and cheapness as something positive, then it should also be reflected in the price.
I also wish french car designers would get the freedom to make quirky cars more often, as IMO that's when they're at their best.
One of the cars I'm looking forward to pick up eventually (once prices bottom out) is the first gen Cactus, while the specs are unremarkable it's IMO one of the coolest cars from the last decade or so.
In turquoise blue it looks great
Minis and 2CVs weren't cheap or profitable either when introduced
Mm do like an early Cactus! French cars like they used to be 😊
@@2ndbaritone I'm not 100% sure on their pricing, but I think the 2CV was fairly affordable. But it's important to note that both of those were fully capable cars relative to the competition at the time.
The Ami and Twizy are avoiding many regulations for cars by being labeled as quads. They both have low range and are designed virtually exclusive for urban traffic.
We have some six-track lanes here in Brussels as well as an inner ring road where they perfectly match in the traffic, not obstructing the other road users, but following them in the flow. They are as spacious as ancient Topolinos or microcars.
These are so popular around Amsterdam (and I've seen quite a few in Barcelona recently). I think it's a great urban option for many, I kind of want one just because!!
I can't think of a single reason for buying this. £7,695 can get you a decent second hand motor.
46 miles of driving for less than £1.
(Seeing as you can’t think of a single reason for buying this)
@@PhilAinsworth-qy4ns 46 miles of driving at no more than 28 mph. No thanks.
@@richardkent Oh, you’re one of THOSE.
@@PhilAinsworth-qy4ns No need to insult people for having their own opinion. Not everyone likes the same things that you like.
@@matthewgodwin3050
You missed the point I was making.
I’m not insulting him for having an opinion; he’s welcome to dislike this car.
My point that he was completely writing it off as worthless to anyone, whereas the obvious truth is even if it’s not right for him, it is a good option for some people (eg people who do very low mileage in and around cities and town centres, or as a second car for short runs).
Why slate something that just isn’t right for you? 🤷♂️
It does look hilarious. I've driven a few Twizys in the past and the formula of a small, light , chuckable EV is just brilliant.
Like that the shift buttons are on the dash now! They used to be on the left of the driver's seat, A horrible place for them. If they were on the right of the seat it would have been tolerable!. This is MUCH better!
I did notice that they'd moved them. It is better.
Good to see Citroën doing small, interesting, cheap vehicles again. Looks like a lot of fun as a city vehicle! Top banana! 👍
As a cheap hourly car rental for people living in a city, this makes a little sense.
I remember when citroen announced they would import these into the UK and you could put £1500 down to put secure one, they were saying the price would be £4000, as soon as they announced the price as £7750+vat 99% of the secured ordered refunded
Love these vehicles ! Gives you an smile from ear to ear Which you showed Matt! I like the Fiat version more the ‘ Topolino’ ! Opel also sells them. 👍🏻👍🏻🆙 like allways!
Watch me and Mon Ami . Two English/ French guys in the south of France , who post on Sundays their adventures. Enjoyed your video .
It's a Citroen Ami - perhaps for this one episode the channel name should change from "furiousdriving" to "mildlybriskdriving" given the performance of it?! I love these little things as they're so practical for my needs, and I would absolutely have one.
Problem is, many of us have to drive on those fast roads which link towns together….
And some of us have 3 big hills between home & work….i don’t think with a top speed of 30 or whatever it can cope with it.
But there is a certain simplicity about it, which could be incorporated into other electric cars.
I bet that little battery doesn’t even need a fast charger….a household plug adapter would be sufficient.
Looks like a kids fairground ride your driving on, get it out on the open road lol.
That was the Inner Handling Circuit at Millbrook Proving Ground. I worked there years ago. It was in much better nick back then. 🤥
I’m not an EV fan but i genuinely think it has its place, this would have been a good idea for a replacement in 2003 for when the disabled lost their Invacars that couldn’t drive a regular car.
I can see a use for these in say, Delhi or Shanghai or Paris or London, where traffic congestion is bad and speeds are limited, but for my native Australia, something quite a bit more robust is required. 😝 (And by that I mean my Ford Falcon: I too despise all the SUVs everywhere these days.) 😊
I wish they made it as a L7e "heavy quadricycle". Then I'd have one
So would I , they'd sell like hot cakes .
Complete with roof spoiler. In case it all gets a bit flighty at 28mph.
The whine from the motor would do my head in.
The things on the dashboard actually hold your various pocket contents and are costumisable
Very Funky and very clever. As was the Twizzy before it. The tyres should last forever with so little power.
You could park the SUV in the Park and Ride, talk the Ami out of the boot and drive into town.
The colour scheme is quite nice.
Are the wheels and tyres smaller than normal car size ??
You can actually do a burn off in an Ami believe or not.
Think the Ami has pretty normal-sized wheels, 14 inch maybe?
That was cool. It was like a very jovial bank getaway.
TBH I think it's pretty neat
These were everywhere when I was in Milan, along with Twizys and other such contraptions. 😂They make a lot of sense in European cities which are also bike friendly but perhaps not so much here.
I see them as Opels over here in the Netherlands too. Doesn't Vauxhall have a version?
Not yet. I think quadricycles are a step too far into untested waters here in England to risk the Vauxhall brand.
The want is real.... My wife might actually approve.... There is just something so fun and Citroen about them.
Citroen need to be a bit madder, and finally this is it!
Imagine you were 13 years old, and got ahold of one of these. Awesome. You could pretend you were in an X-wing. Exciting, regardless. Enough range to have a good time, and be home in time for supper, without your mom worrying.
You may be 50 years old, and want to have the same sort of feeling you got from your push bike, all those years ago
I like it
£7,700. Get a f**king grip
here in France, you dont see many on the roads, a few may be used for shop advertising but thats all
i expected them to replace Aixam's in France, perhaps not?
I sometimes drive these at work. All I can liken them to is one of those plastic tubs…you know, the ones piled up at the entrance in Dunelm. The ride quality is…well…non-existent and the quality of the plastic is equal to a tic-tac container…horrendous!
Seems fun but £3000 too dear
It's not a cupholder - it's holder for a bluetooth speaker. Cup holders don't have much sense here in Croatia because it's illegal to drink anything during the drive. I guess it's the same in rest of the EU. We drink our coffee at coffee shop, we are not americans.
It's best suited to town duties but it doesn't quite measure up to a proper city car.
Better off with a 5 door VW Up! or Skoda Citigo or Seat Mii, it's got just enough room for four adults and a usable boot of 251 litres which expands to 959 litres with seats folded flat.
How can something made so cheaply be so expensive?! For that price, you can get a very good Sinclair C5 - probably the closest to this class. With the change you can get a V6 Jag.
As an alternative to a moped this make a ton of sense. I love it in that respect. However can you charge it from a standard 13 amp socket as for me anyway I have no possible provision for a proper home charging installation without silly expense. I could Google it but I saw this video first, sorry. Many thanks for sharing. Pizza delivery anyone although that may tax the range on a full shift, maybe half a shift in the bad weather possibly.
what gear selector is now on the dashbord? i have my rocks e 2 years now and i hated the gear selector on the seat. Does it now have a reverse light too? because i get every time be honked for reversing in the parking lot.
Peopleforget some e bicycles are 2.5 k or more
I'm surprised you hadn't already driven one Matt when they came out, a Citroen how a Citroen should be cheap and fun to drive like 2CV or AX.
Parking problems are exactly the same!
I recognise and remember the urban circuit at Millbrook. Nice video, Matt.
i remember when they were introduced "14yr old could drivet them to school"
our local chip shop has one parked outside - always raises a smile.
Has it got many chips on it???
They look a lot of fun, I see one occasionally in Lincoln, they make a lot of sense in a city
That's interesting, I've not seen that one myself. But I'm usually only going to specific locations in South Hykeham or St Giles, or driving round the bypass where one of these wouldn't make any sense.
@@Zeem4 I've only seen if a couple of times, Newport Arch area if I remember correctly
LOL… hey put one in the boot of the Crown Vic , just in case .. 😊
Looks dreadfully uncomfortable!
I have one and its smiles per miles is amazing,
until you meet a hill.
Death trap for the bewildered who go nowhere.....
If it were capable of 40mph then it might be a viable vehicle . But imagine that on any busy road with a top speed of 28 mph . How to be really unpopular .
It’s meant for city travel, where speeds are no greater than 20-30mph.
@@AutoAtlantica Yes. But the OP starts his sentence with 'if'.
@@hackdaniels7253 correct, his point was conjecture. Mine was fact.
@@AutoAtlantica Fucking hell mate. I learned to read years ago - just because it's new to you...
@@hackdaniels7253 brilliant. Not sure what point you’re trying to make, but try and have a better day!
Think I'd rather have a used Nissan Leaf thanks.
Safer, heated and roomier.
(Never thought I'd find myself saying that. 😂)
They are brilliant but far too expensive for what it us here in Ireland. A pity as I would really love one. Also it has no gears only a drive selector.
Furious driving ball cap? Where can i get one?
I need to add them to the store!
I think it would be nice driving around in a Lego brick
Was going to get one then saw the price here. Add yo that the 165 gbp road tax hitting evs in 2025 it makes no sense. Also most people won't be driving it round a cart track
Have you seen the new electric quadrucycle based on the BMW Isetta? I’d love to hear your opinions on both.
They not worth £8 grand though no way i would pay that , more like a £3 grand car at best as ive read reports of them literally cracking plastic after a few hundred miles but that could be more down to UK roads lol
I’d happily pay £8K to add one to my collection!
@@AutoAtlantica crazy 🤣
I thought a 16yr old could only drive up to 50cc mopeds, surely this is classed as more than a small capacity moped....
The engine size limit applies to category P licences (2-wheelers, e.g. mopeds). The Ami is covered by category AM, which has a limit on top speed, and a weight limit in the case that the vehicle has four wheels.
Mat .im getting scared are you getting enough sleep just no .😱🥺🤣🤣🤣
If thease 15 minute city's take off we will be getting one 😢
If only Sir Clive Sinclair had got it right...
My thumbs up, is for the video Matt. Not sure about the mode of transport !
The "Invacar" reinvented?
❤ I love this thing 😁👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Mmmm all I can say is it’s different, great video, as always Matt❤.
If you can drive on cycle lanes they be ideal
Oddly enough there seems to be a big thing about these turning over.
They seem to turn over very eaily, the center of gravity is said to be completely wrong and dangerous.
There are videos on youtube of this going around a corner on it's side, you enter a corner a little quick and it tips over.
So it's funny how this thing is being promoted especially to the young which will in no doubt be driving it to its limit.
Fortunately the young are not completely stupid and have not bothered buying it, but it is odd how a dangerous vehicle is being promoted over a convensional vehicle.
Usually when you show or buy a car, I want one. Not the case with this one though!
Did u use the tea shelf
couldnt reach it!
Får man utrusta citroen ami med kameror och sensorer för GPS
självkörning 🤔
I think Reliant missed a trick.
A perfect car for what it was designed for. Charges on a phone charger apparently...
The only thing l can say thank goodness these will never come to Australia because if the LHD
Love citroen
nice one !!
This would be a write off if it hit a rabbit
What in tar nation is that?! 🤠
I can see them as a city hire vehicle for tourists, but to own one? No thanks, I can think of better uses for £7K.
I'm not a fan of the unpainted plastic finish. You wouldn't want to take it to a car show and park it near the portaloos.
I'm glad I caught up with you. My name is Richard and this is my wife Dorothy. I am going into town this afternoon to spend a few hours in the public lavatory. I am taking my small fishing net and a bucket with a lid. Would you care to join me? We can eat some meat sandwiches and check one another for nits.
@@dorothythelabskeleton80 and to check each others holes for warts as well💊💊💊💊💊💊💊💊
I love the Fiat Topolino version.
Pointless! All the drawbacks of a car (parking, can't get round traffic jams like a scooter), with few of the benefits, apart from getting less wet in the rain!
You wouldn’t even drive it on the road?
I remember the original Citroen Ami as my father owned one when we lived in Iran in the 1970's. It was a 1962 model and the ugliest car in the universe even if it was based on 2CV mechanicals. It broke down in Shiraz with a faulty voltage regulator and we were lucky that there was a Citroen dealer in the city who fixed it on the spot. I came face to face with a very tidy example at the NEC in November and even now that front end horrifies me it is so ugly.
Not viable as an only car but even as a second car for town runs it's too expensive. I'd much rather have a Toyota iQ.
FuriousHubnut, brilliant 👍
I don't think it's meant to be driven like that. A run around town would have been more realistic.
I wish I was 16 again.
Well done. Another well researched review and a bit of lighthearted fun 😊
Sounds like a blender.
It should have a white steering wheel so your knuckles aren't so visible.😊
The Illegitimate child of an Invacar & a 2CV., without a petrol engine....Yikes!!