After revealing the new 2 CV Concept at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Citroën has released the original sketches that shaped this modern take on a classic. The concept mixes heritage with fresh design, aiming to capture the spirit of the iconic 2 CV without copying its exact shape.
Designers Balancing Tradition and Innovation
The 2 CV Concept project took nearly a year, during which designers worked hard to keep the car’s instantly recognizable charm while giving it a modern feel. They avoided making a direct copy and instead reinterpreted key design features like the silhouette, wing extensions, and bonnet ribs. Notably, the concept drops the 2 CV’s famous rear wheel covers for a cleaner, more practical look.
Citroën’s design director Pierre Leclercq explained that the 2 CV holds a special place in French culture as the most collected car of its kind, making the design stakes very high for the concept.
Exterior elements such as rounded headlights, the distinctive curved roofline, and reworked steel wheels give the concept a fresh look while respecting the original’s quirky personality.
A Modern Cabin with Nostalgic Touches
Inside, the design keeps things simple and practical, echoing the original’s minimalism but with more comfort and style. The concept features bench seats, a single-spoke steering wheel, and a center-console gear knob, all nodding to Citroën’s clever approach to everyday usability.
The cabin uses bright yellow and white colors, plaid seat patterns, and cozy materials to invoke “joie de vivre,” the cheerful spirit linked to the 2 CV. Designer Madeleine Ternisien noted the use of woven patterns in fabrics as a tribute to cane craftsmanship, adding a unique French touch.
Respecting Legacy While Looking Ahead
More than just styling, the 2 CV Concept focuses on evoking emotion and connecting with today’s drivers. Features like a manually operated canvas roof and subtle technology keep the car practical without overshadowing its essence.
The concept’s reception at the Paris Motor Show showed that people respond to this blend of memory and modernity, proving that classic designs can inspire innovation rather than just nostalgia.
Citroën’s approach is clear: reviving the 2 CV’s spirit for today’s lifestyles, not simply repeating the past. The concept opens the door to how this legendary model might influence future Citroën vehicles.
Source: media.stellantis.com