IS IT a car? Is it a van? Is it a kid's toy? No, it's none of those. According to its' makers, this tiny two seater is an all-electric, urban mobility object.
Created by Citroen - who else? - this could be the 2CV of the future: simple, minimalistic, low-powered and designed for the masses. But while the Deux Chevaux was designed to mobilise the rural French, the Citroen Ami One Concept's role would be to revolutionise city travel around the world.
Says Citroen: "Just as the 2CV made freedom of movement broadly accessible last century, Ami One Concept frees up urban mobility for everyone."
It's shorter than the smallest Smart, weighs a mere 425kg and because it won't even travel at 30mph it is classed as a quadricycle under EU rules. That means that, like a moped or small scooter, it could be driven without a full licence by anyone over 16.
Citroën has designed the Ami One Concept as an alternative to public transport, bikes and electric scooters. Fleets of the ‘mobility objects' could be rented on-demand, using an on-line app, for five minute, five hours or five days. They could also be rented for five months or leased for five years with battery, maintenance and even parking charges included in the monthly payment.
Due to be unveiled at next month's Geneva motor show, the Ami One Concept is an all-electric, zero-emissions vehicle with a top speed of 28mph and a range of 62 miles. The lithium-ion battery, stored flat under the floor can be plugged in at a public station or a wallbox with a complete charge taking just two hours. It can also be plugged into a standard socket at home using an extension cable.
The lightweight, cube-shaped body gives a nod to the 2CV with its simple construction, a folding canvas roof and even a rear-hinged driver's door designed to improve access to the miniscule luggage space behind the seats. There are identical front and rear wings and bumpers and even identical panels on the right and left.
Inside, the cabin is kept simple with a limited number of materials used. The seats feature a mesh fabric - "inspired by easy-maintenance outdoor furniture", says Citroen.
While the concept may be simple, the driving experience will be decidedly smart with the driver's smartphone central to the man-machine interface. Doors can be locked and unlocked using a QR code, there's a dedicated storage space with induction charging for the phone itself, the screen of which can be displayed on a reflective panel. A five inch screen displays driving information.
It's all clever stuff - but will it ever become a reality? Given the pace of change in modern motoring, you certainly wouldn't bet against it.