Citroën AMI First Drive
Spending some time with Ireland's smallest car currently for sale!
Citroën Ireland were kind enough to invite us the Gowan headquarters based in Citywest for a test drive of the little AMI recently. What is this tiny vehicle we hear you ask? Well this is an ultra-compact, all-electric vehicle that Citroën hopes will redefine urban mobility. Launched in 2020, the AMI was designed as an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional cars, specifically for urban environments. Its unconventional design, unique features, and focus on accessibility have made it a noteworthy addition to Citroën’s lineup and has sparked interest among city dwellers and young drivers particularly across Europe where they can be driven at a much younger age. Measuring just 2.41 meters in length, 1.39 meters in width, and 1.52 meters in height the compact size allows it to manoeuvre through narrow streets, tight corners, and congested areas effortlessly, making it ideal for city use. It has a unique, symmetric design with interchangeable body panels, reducing production costs and allowing Citroën to keep the vehicle’s price affordable.
Despite its compact design, the AMI provides a comfortable cabin for two people, with a minimalist but functional interior. Seats are basic yet comfortable, and storage is limited but sufficient for daily commuting needs. The cabin layout is simple, focusing on essentials such as a phone holder for navigation to keep costs low. The doors open in opposite directions with the passenger door opening like a traditional car, while the driver’s door is rear-hinged, adding a quirky touch to its design. The AMI is a purely electric vehicle, running on a 5.5 kWh battery that powers a small electric motor. This setup provides a modest top speed of 45 km/h, which is sufficient for city streets but limits the AMI to urban environments. You won’t be on the M50 in this little machine! The battery offers a range of approximately 70 kilometres on a single charge making it suitable for short commutes which, should also fit the needs of those who typically travel within cities. Charging the AMI is easy and a full charge takes around three hours, which can be done conveniently overnight or during the workday.
One of the AMI’s standout features is its accessibility. In several European countries, it is classified as a “quadricycle,” meaning it is subject to different regulations than traditional cars. In France, for instance, drivers as young as 14 can drive the AMI without a full driver’s license, making it accessible to younger users and those without traditional driving credentials. This broadens its appeal rather than a conventional car, aimed at teenagers, urban dwellers, and those seeking an alternative to scooters, bicycles, or public transit. Here in Ireland, you still must be 17 years of age to drive the AMI on a car license and it is priced at €9,990. Our test drive in the exclusively left hand drive AMI around Citywest and down towards Saggart to visit Avoca was fun. People tend to greet the AMI with a smile and thus you should expect plenty of attention.
Over speed ramps the short wheel base is firm but the seats go someway towards cushioning the ride. Power and speed isn’t plentiful but adequate for the short distances it has been designed for. With Ireland’s inclement weather having a roof over your head has to be a big plus over a moped. Its small size, low power requirements, and all-electric operation surely make it an energy-efficient choice for reducing urban pollution. We believe micro-mobility solutions is a trend that’s set gain serious momentum with other manufacturers ready to bring similar offerings to the Irish market. Citroën have outlined their sustainability goals and little vehicles like this, should help the Irish consumer in the shift toward electric mobility. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly option in the compact vehicle market, be sure to take a test drive. It could be the mode of transport that works for you!
