It is a car. Yes it's a different category than most cars. The L6e-BP category is quadricycle, specifically subcategory quadrimobile. When most people claim that L6e-BP isn't a car, they might think that M1 is a "car". But M1 is: "passenger vehicles with no more than eight seats (in addition to the driver's)" There is no vehicle classification that is specifically car. If we insread check the dictionary definition. L6e-BP is a car. a road vehicle with an engine, four wheels, and seats for a small number of people:
@@AlexSass if its good or not, depends on the criteria you priorities. - Most of my driving trips are very short; for those trips, comfort and range isn't important. - Tiny vehicles usually have lower consumption, reducing price/km. - L6 and L7 class vehicles won't have to pay in the toll roads, and reduced registration fee, where I live, - 16 year olds can get a license to drive L6 class vehicles, in my country. The Citroën Ami is almost like a TARDIS, quite roomy, almost "bigger on the inside". I want one, but I don't trust the heater to defog the windows sufficiently through the winter. Sure, if you have other criteria, then it might not be a good option. - If you rely on driving on higher speed limits, or even where L6 are banned. - If you need more range to get to your destination reliability. - If you carry more passengers. - If you need to tow a trailer. - If you want more comfortable seats. After considering the shortcomings, I still believe the Ami would be a good car for what I need from it, except defogging the windows when it's cold and/or wet.
@@AlexSassmy first message was addressing that you from the beginning make a point that it's a quadricycle, not a car. Yes, according to the vehicle classification, it is a quadricycle, more specifically a quadrimobile. But then I challenge you to find the classification/definition where it says that it's not a car. Whether it's suitable or not is a totally different question. A two seater sports car isn't good if you need a vehicle for a family of five, neither is a quadrimobile. I'm sorry but I get kind of annoyed by the claims that it's «not a car», as a way to talk trash about some micro cars, supported by their vehicle classification, when «car» isn't a specific vehicle classification. The M1 classification is often incorrectly referred to as «car». While most cars are M1, but the less common L6e-BP and L7e-CP are also cars, and possibly other classifications too.
@AlexSass You mention that the speed is reduced going back up to the mountain due to the heat. I am based in Gandia and have had my AMI for 3 weeks now - I assumed the speed reduction I see on the way home to 23kph was the 1-10 incline. Did the speed increase in the winter?
Besides the high temperature in the sun, thanks to the glass roof, I can´t fault it. I do not know why you pay such a high insurance rate, mine is 135 Euros a year, North of Barcelona. I stuck a 2kWh Battery over the motor in the front and have it charged on a solar panel when the car is charging on the big solar on the roof. The second battery powers a small AC/heater unit with800Wh (camping equipment) and that keeps the car cool or warm (it is getting to freezing here in the winter.) I also fitted a luggage rack on the back, inspired by the FIAT Topolino, same car then the AMI but chic. I do get consistently 70km of range, no problem. It is very hilly here, it is over 500m elevation down to the village and beach. I never needed that range, I rarely use it more then 50km a day. That said, I will reach 15000 km this year. My "big" car has been used once, I needed the new solar panel and that did not fit into the AMI and delivery was 3 days out, but as you know, new toys have to be there NOW. It does make a change not to spend 300Euros a month on petrol as I did with the big car. No recuperation, when the petrol is gone, its gone. You seem to like it, I still grin when I´m in it.
Fun to drive, yes. But the price in Britain is way above the estimated price which Citroen mooted before it became available here. If you're relatively strapped for cash and only need a small runabout for urban use, then it makes sense. But for the price of two or three of these, you can have a new and fully functional BEV with a top speed of over 140 kph and a range of around 400 km, which recharges in 25% of the time that the Ami takes. Or you could buy a used Nissan Leaf with twice the range of an Ami for ⅔ of the price. On an emotional level, yes, I like the Ami. But on a practical level, no; sell me a used BEV and let me spend the £2,500 saved, by not buying an Ami, on other things.
Yes just not comparable to a second hand car. Agree though when you start to compare it to second hand or even tiny cars it's not a great win. It just isn't one though. Yes we very much enjoy our actual car which cost five times this Ami but we don't use it in the same way. And we didn't buy it for replacing it. For an electric bargain car I agree second hand is the way to go although you're out of warranty including the battery and it's obviously a much bigger unit of vehicle you're after. Just depends what you want. I'd find an old leaf no fun but that's just me. And they need a different class of driving license but that doesn't matter for me even if it does for the market this is being sold to. The nearest car comparison will always win in most ways but initial amount of money. But it's way more engaging and I'd say a tad safer than the electric moped alternative I'd probably buy for the same use. That's the comparison for me. Or many years of bus pass and a long walk. Also agree with you that Citroen really needs to keep the cost down. Even here, not very far from where they are built, it's much higher than in France. That's a big problem.
390 euros for insurance? Rip off. I've been to Spain many times (specifically Sevilla once and Andalusia region about 7 times) and I know insurance is expensive over there but that's a whole new level. Nearly 400 euros a year on a vehicle as cheap and tacky as that is... really don't understand why people buy these. Expensive for what they are, crap range, poor safety in a crash (which I saw a lot of in Spain even at low speeds), and no cheaper than perhaps a ten year old hatchback that's just as efficient.
The more I reflect on this comment the more I'm certain it's just NOT for people who would buy a second hand city petrol car. The comparison is to an ebike or moped.
@@AlexSass But if you wanted an eBike or a Moped, why would you buy this? If you're buying an eBike or a moped, it's probably because you want something narrow, compact and relatively lightweight..... the Ami is nothing like either an eBike or a moped, it's far wider, no doubt significantly heavier and considerably more expensive. A new Ami on a quick google search is in the region of just under 10,000 euros. An absolute con if you ask me. Expensive, crap range, looks cheap and tacky (it has that "plastic build" look about it), and no doubt atrociously unsafe in a crash.
I think many people buy them with the thought of them being a "car". They really aren't. To me is was this or an electric bike or moped. It's more expensive than both but I'd still go for this after enjoying it so far. As a car I'd agree it's kinda pants. As a little thing to buzz around the small village, I still really rate it.
@@AlexSass yes, if someone approaches the Ami wanting to drive at the speed limit on fast roads, they have misunderstood the market they are aiming for. Ami is a small vehicle for neighborhood commutes and trips at slow speed limits. If someone would make some "winter kit" to improve charging in winter, and defogging of windows I might want to import one to Norway, but because it would unsuitable through parts of our winter, Citroën decided not to release Ami for sales in Norway, and I can't blame them,
@@AlexSassI think the music suited the video. 👍 I didn't even give it a thought until I read this comment. And I often get annoyed by music in videos.
What a fun use case! Small town is even more ideal than city use. Thanks for sharing!
It's great for us. Can imagine it's more fun here than in a city tbh but both work
It is a car.
Yes it's a different category than most cars.
The L6e-BP category is quadricycle, specifically subcategory quadrimobile.
When most people claim that L6e-BP isn't a car, they might think that M1 is a "car".
But M1 is: "passenger vehicles with no more than eight seats (in addition to the driver's)"
There is no vehicle classification that is specifically car.
If we insread check the dictionary definition. L6e-BP is a car.
a road vehicle with an engine, four wheels, and seats for a small number of people:
I am not sure it really matters. As a common "car" it really isn't very good. As a short journey cute thingy, it's great!
@@AlexSass if its good or not, depends on the criteria you priorities.
- Most of my driving trips are very short; for those trips, comfort and range isn't important.
- Tiny vehicles usually have lower consumption, reducing price/km.
- L6 and L7 class vehicles won't have to pay in the toll roads, and reduced registration fee, where I live,
- 16 year olds can get a license to drive L6 class vehicles, in my country.
The Citroën Ami is almost like a TARDIS, quite roomy, almost "bigger on the inside".
I want one, but I don't trust the heater to defog the windows sufficiently through the winter.
Sure, if you have other criteria, then it might not be a good option.
- If you rely on driving on higher speed limits, or even where L6 are banned.
- If you need more range to get to your destination reliability.
- If you carry more passengers.
- If you need to tow a trailer.
- If you want more comfortable seats.
After considering the shortcomings, I still believe the Ami would be a good car for what I need from it, except defogging the windows when it's cold and/or wet.
For sure I think you're right. Lots of people mod them but the fan is pretty basic. It might be a case of opening windows@@thorbjrnhellehaven5766
@@AlexSassmy first message was addressing that you from the beginning make a point that it's a quadricycle, not a car.
Yes, according to the vehicle classification, it is a quadricycle, more specifically a quadrimobile.
But then I challenge you to find the classification/definition where it says that it's not a car.
Whether it's suitable or not is a totally different question.
A two seater sports car isn't good if you need a vehicle for a family of five, neither is a quadrimobile.
I'm sorry but I get kind of annoyed by the claims that it's «not a car», as a way to talk trash about some micro cars, supported by their vehicle classification, when «car» isn't a specific vehicle classification. The M1 classification is often incorrectly referred to as «car». While most cars are M1, but the less common L6e-BP and L7e-CP are also cars, and possibly other classifications too.
@@thorbjrnhellehaven5766 ok.
@AlexSass You mention that the speed is reduced going back up to the mountain due to the heat. I am based in Gandia and have had my AMI for 3 weeks now - I assumed the speed reduction I see on the way home to 23kph was the 1-10 incline. Did the speed increase in the winter?
Great review!
Thank you :)
Besides the high temperature in the sun, thanks to the glass roof, I can´t fault it. I do not know why you pay such a high insurance rate, mine is 135 Euros a year, North of Barcelona. I stuck a 2kWh Battery over the motor in the front and have it charged on a solar panel when the car is charging on the big solar on the roof. The second battery powers a small AC/heater unit with800Wh (camping equipment) and that keeps the car cool or warm (it is getting to freezing here in the winter.) I also fitted a luggage rack on the back, inspired by the FIAT Topolino, same car then the AMI but chic.
I do get consistently 70km of range, no problem. It is very hilly here, it is over 500m elevation down to the village and beach. I never needed that range, I rarely use it more then 50km a day. That said, I will reach 15000 km this year. My "big" car has been used once, I needed the new solar panel and that did not fit into the AMI and delivery was 3 days out, but as you know, new toys have to be there NOW.
It does make a change not to spend 300Euros a month on petrol as I did with the big car. No recuperation, when the petrol is gone, its gone.
You seem to like it, I still grin when I´m in it.
Oh I'm loving your solar panel concept! Superb stuff. My insurance was rushed due to the hiccup with another brand :)
Personal sauna in that weather with that clear roof
Hehehe it is a bit! Fine with Windows open but it's not the most comfy thing for this weather. Better than a bike though for me.
Surely it'd be etter to buy an Citroen C1 for most people. When you account for depreciation a C1 is cheaper.
Totally agree from a purely money perspective.
Excellent.
Fun to drive, yes. But the price in Britain is way above the estimated price which Citroen mooted before it became available here. If you're relatively strapped for cash and only need a small runabout for urban use, then it makes sense. But for the price of two or three of these, you can have a new and fully functional BEV with a top speed of over 140 kph and a range of around 400 km, which recharges in 25% of the time that the Ami takes. Or you could buy a used Nissan Leaf with twice the range of an Ami for ⅔ of the price. On an emotional level, yes, I like the Ami. But on a practical level, no; sell me a used BEV and let me spend the £2,500 saved, by not buying an Ami, on other things.
Yes just not comparable to a second hand car. Agree though when you start to compare it to second hand or even tiny cars it's not a great win. It just isn't one though.
Yes we very much enjoy our actual car which cost five times this Ami but we don't use it in the same way. And we didn't buy it for replacing it. For an electric bargain car I agree second hand is the way to go although you're out of warranty including the battery and it's obviously a much bigger unit of vehicle you're after. Just depends what you want. I'd find an old leaf no fun but that's just me. And they need a different class of driving license but that doesn't matter for me even if it does for the market this is being sold to.
The nearest car comparison will always win in most ways but initial amount of money. But it's way more engaging and I'd say a tad safer than the electric moped alternative I'd probably buy for the same use. That's the comparison for me. Or many years of bus pass and a long walk.
Also agree with you that Citroen really needs to keep the cost down. Even here, not very far from where they are built, it's much higher than in France. That's a big problem.
390 euros for insurance? Rip off. I've been to Spain many times (specifically Sevilla once and Andalusia region about 7 times) and I know insurance is expensive over there but that's a whole new level. Nearly 400 euros a year on a vehicle as cheap and tacky as that is... really don't understand why people buy these. Expensive for what they are, crap range, poor safety in a crash (which I saw a lot of in Spain even at low speeds), and no cheaper than perhaps a ten year old hatchback that's just as efficient.
The more I reflect on this comment the more I'm certain it's just NOT for people who would buy a second hand city petrol car. The comparison is to an ebike or moped.
@@AlexSass But if you wanted an eBike or a Moped, why would you buy this? If you're buying an eBike or a moped, it's probably because you want something narrow, compact and relatively lightweight..... the Ami is nothing like either an eBike or a moped, it's far wider, no doubt significantly heavier and considerably more expensive. A new Ami on a quick google search is in the region of just under 10,000 euros. An absolute con if you ask me.
Expensive, crap range, looks cheap and tacky (it has that "plastic build" look about it), and no doubt atrociously unsafe in a crash.
@@thefiestaguy8831 it's certainly love or hate isn't it!
Sorry to put a spanner in the cogs but the Ami has got some terrible reviews.
I think many people buy them with the thought of them being a "car". They really aren't. To me is was this or an electric bike or moped. It's more expensive than both but I'd still go for this after enjoying it so far. As a car I'd agree it's kinda pants. As a little thing to buzz around the small village, I still really rate it.
@@AlexSass yes, if someone approaches the Ami wanting to drive at the speed limit on fast roads, they have misunderstood the market they are aiming for.
Ami is a small vehicle for neighborhood commutes and trips at slow speed limits.
If someone would make some "winter kit" to improve charging in winter, and defogging of windows I might want to import one to Norway, but because it would unsuitable through parts of our winter, Citroën decided not to release Ami for sales in Norway, and I can't blame them,
Absolutely
Not from people who understand what is for.
Music annoying
Jejeje Sorry sir
@@AlexSassI think the music suited the video. 👍
I didn't even give it a thought until I read this comment.
And I often get annoyed by music in videos.
the fiat version looks better
Oh personal preference