Let’s be honest: most cars are dull. They get you from A to B, guzzle fuel or electricity, and look like they were designed by a committee of accountants. But then there’s the Citroën Ami, a tiny electric contraption that seems ripped straight from a comic book. And now, with a 2025 facelift, there’s a version that’ll make even the most hardened car-hater crack a smile: the Ami Buggy. This isn’t a car—it’s a lifestyle. And what a lifestyle!
The Ami has always been an oddball. At just 2.41 meters long, it’s more like a beefed-up scooter than a proper car. With a top speed of 45 km/h, you’ll be overtaken by zealous cyclists and pensioners on mobility scooters. But speed isn’t the point. The Ami is built for the city—for narrow streets, parking spots even a bike would struggle with, and for people who think driving could be a bit more fun. And with the new Buggy edition, that fun has been cranked up to eleven.
What makes this Buggy so special? For starters, it has no doors. Yep, you read that right. Instead, there are sturdy metal tubes, like you’re in a mini-Jeep Wrangler. Want some shelter from the rain? You zip on some fabric covers, though don’t expect miracles in a downpour. There’s a roll-up roof for those rare sunny days, and a proper spoiler at the back. Why a spoiler on a car slower than a snail on sedatives? Because it looks cool, that’s why. And let’s not forget the gold 14-inch wheels, screaming, “Look at me, I’m here to have a blast!”
The Ami’s facelift gives it a face that winks at the legendary Citroën 2CV, aka the Duck. The headlights are now higher, with black surrounds that look like mischievous eyes. The front is sharper, with a wider “smile” that gives the Ami a friendly, almost cheeky vibe. The new Night Sepia color is subtle yet stylish, and you can pick from three personalization packs—Spicy, Icy, and Minty—to give your Ami even more personality. For the real show-offs, there’s the Buggy Palmeira, a bright yellow version with stickers and a dashboard mascot named Andy that nods along as you drive. Seriously, who comes up with this stuff? And why do I love it so much?
Technically, not much has changed. The Ami still has a 6 kW electric motor—about 8 hp, less than your average lawnmower. The 5.5 kWh battery gives you a range of around 75 km, enough for a day of zipping around town. Charging takes four hours from a standard outlet, so no need for a fancy home charger. And since it’s officially a quadricycle, in many countries you can drive it from age 16 with a moped license. Perfect for teens wanting something cooler than a fatbike, or older drivers who don’t want the hassle of a full license.
But let’s not pretend the Ami is flawless. It’s not built for long trips—try driving 137 km, and after twelve hours and an existential crisis, you might reach your destination. The Buggy offers little protection from bad weather, so if it rains, you’ll be wetter than a forgotten dishcloth. And while it’s nimble in the city, on an 80 km/h road, you’ll feel like a mouse among a herd of elephants. Yet none of that matters, because the Ami Buggy isn’t for practical people. It’s a toy, a statement, a four-wheeled grin.
Citroën hit a sweet spot with the Ami. Since its 2020 launch, over 75,000 units have been sold, a success that even surprised the French. The Buggy was originally a limited edition, but demand was so high it’s now in unrestricted production. In France, the base Ami costs €7,990, the Buggy €9,590, and the Palmeira €9,990. Belgian prices aren’t out yet, but expect a slight markup. For that money, you get no luxury, no speed, and no space—but a whole lot of character.
The 2025 Ami has a practical side too. A Cargo pack adds extra storage, handy for small business owners or anyone who doesn’t want to juggle groceries on their lap. And in a rare nod to inclusivity, the Ami is now wheelchair-accessible, showing Citroën is thinking beyond just trendy urbanites.
So, why would you want an Ami Buggy? Because life’s too short for boring cars. Because you don’t need a three-ton SUV in the city. Because sometimes, you just want to drive with a smile, soaked or not. This car isn’t for everyone, but for those who get it, it’s a bullseye. And honestly? I’m a bit jealous of those zipping through the streets in one while I’m stuck in my dreary sedan.
For anyone hunting for a car—whether it’s a playful Ami or something more conventional—check out our marketplace. At https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/, you’ll find a wide range of vehicles to browse, compare, and buy. Who knows, you might just find your own four-wheeled adventure.
