American Reacts to the Citroen Ami EV

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 28 гру 2023
  • Join this channel to get access to perks:
    / @iwrocker
    original - - • Citroën My Ami Buggy C...
    • NEW Citroen Ami Buggy ...
    TIP JAR - - - - - SuperThanks Button :)
    This will help improve the channel greatly, New webcam for better videos, Wheel for the hotlaps, or you can just buy me a cold drink 😎 I APPRECIATE YOU
    Send us Stuff!! 😋 IWrocker 5225 Harrison Ave PO box # 6145
    Rockford, IL 61125
    Discord - - IWrocker UA-cam - - / discord
    LIKE and Subscribe! Join One of the BEST & wholesome Communties on UA-cam, with tons of Variety in content for You to Enjoy.
    *TimTam collection Record Holder
    *Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS
  • Авто та транспорт

КОМЕНТАРІ • 468

  • @cousinluigi
    @cousinluigi 5 місяців тому +152

    Legally, this car is classed as a street legal moped/scooter in Europe, hence the low power and top speed.
    Also, in most European countries, you can get a moped license from 16 years of age, some even from 14 years of age. And in many, you also don’t need a moped license when over 18 or 21 years of age.

    • @sasiuru
      @sasiuru 5 місяців тому +9

      Currently in Finland;
      15 year : moped (50cc, 45km/h) or L6e light quadrocycle
      16 year : "light motorcycle" 125cc
      18 year : full driving license, 17 with special exception permit.
      Learning to live with one L6e diesel as son got license and have a moped car (l6e) now... A bit of a shock to EV driver to understand that it doesn't try to rip itself to pieces as those 2-cyl diesels aren't smoot running things... :D

    • @matsv201
      @matsv201 5 місяців тому +4

      In sweden you have to be 31 to not need a moped license.

    • @filipebento2099
      @filipebento2099 5 місяців тому +3

      Very good in heavy traffic cities

    • @jordanrudler2120
      @jordanrudler2120 5 місяців тому +5

      In France you need the moped license (AM) unless you are born before 1988

    • @filipebento2099
      @filipebento2099 5 місяців тому +2

      Portugal only requires a license to ride a 50cc

  • @jordanrudler2120
    @jordanrudler2120 5 місяців тому +57

    The ami aimed to people who does not have the regular driving (B class in France).
    The regulations (at least in France) makes that this category of vehicle ( called "véhicule sans permis" or vehicle without license in english) are limited to 8hp 45km/h (or about 29mph) and since 2017 to 425kg (or around 950lbs).
    Those vehicle are street legal and can be driven at the age of 14 but are not allowed on highways.

    • @helloweener2007
      @helloweener2007 5 місяців тому +3

      "The regulations (at least in France)"
      EU directives that are made in national regulations.
      Same with licenses. You need AM to drive it how you obtain AM license is national law and a little bit different. (16 years old in Austria, 15 in Germany, 14 in Italy).
      EU countries can set the minium age for the AM class between 14 and 18.

    • @boboutelama5748
      @boboutelama5748 5 місяців тому

      In my eyes, Citroën failed to bring an electric car.
      The swiss of Microlino have successfully made it though.

    • @ziggarillo
      @ziggarillo 5 місяців тому +2

      ​@boboutelama5748 The Microlino is an L7e quadricycle, roughly equivalent to a 125 cc motorcycle, limited in weight and maximum 80kmh. Its a lovely vehicle, €18,000 for the base model, the Ami base modelis is €7,600. Citroen have the C3 ev which is a proper electric car for €25,000.

    • @Mircea076
      @Mircea076 5 місяців тому +3

      @@boboutelama5748 Microlino is a tub with wheels witch should have the same price as a tub,at 18.000 you can buy a proper car not that crap,at least Citroen had the decency to understand what are they selling and put a proper price on it.

    • @leneanderthalien
      @leneanderthalien 5 місяців тому

      @@boboutelama5748 bullshit: the Microlino cost MORE THAN TWICE THE PRICE from a AMI!!!

  • @carlossaraiva8382
    @carlossaraiva8382 5 місяців тому +16

    Besides, it's used here (Portugal) for deliveries by postal and parcel services. They do a fantastic job.

    • @sirsancti5504
      @sirsancti5504 5 місяців тому

      They ditched the bubble thing by the Aveiro Uni?!
      (or was that an Aveiro-only thing?)

  • @giovannipomarico2035
    @giovannipomarico2035 5 місяців тому +64

    The Ami is that underpowered and slow because it's a "licence-less" car here in France ^^
    And to get this status you have pretty stricts criteria about weight, power and top speed.
    Meaning you can drive it from 14 years old and without needing to get your driving licence.
    For full on cars, you need your driving licence and you can't get it before you're 18.
    (These micro cars cars are also popular among older people who got their licence confiscated)
    Never had the opportunity to try one but several people told me they are pretty fun to drive actually.
    Citroen doesn't usually make this kind of cars, most of the time they are made by specialised brands like Ligier, Aixam or Chatenet

    • @pikminologueraisin2139
      @pikminologueraisin2139 5 місяців тому +2

      yeah the perk of this car is that middle-aged women can drive it

    • @magnusblendulf3081
      @magnusblendulf3081 5 місяців тому +2

      Same thing here in Sweden with the "license-free" vehicles with a top speed of 25Kmh, no weight limit though, I have seen young kids with large Truck tractors in this configuration.

    • @augure2589
      @augure2589 5 місяців тому +3

      It’s the same regulation that’s scooters. The vehicule don’t allow to go over 45kph and forbidden on freeways. There is a very soft licence for at least 14yo kids to drive it. But it’s 10 times more expensive that a regular cheap used car! It’s ridiculous, ensalable unless to big cities with big budgets for there very center.

    • @572Btriode
      @572Btriode 5 місяців тому

      @@augure2589 Yep, at least 14yo.

    • @olivierdk2
      @olivierdk2 5 місяців тому

      It is essentially a production vehicle made from the OLI concept car/pick up truck which has the motto : less is best.
      ua-cam.com/video/JrFupUJALCY/v-deo.html

  • @Rilcy2003
    @Rilcy2003 5 місяців тому +22

    Keep in mind that Citroen Ami only costs 6000 €/$ and that you can fully charge it on regular electrical outlet within 8 hours.
    Plus you don't need a drive licence to enjoy it.
    It's perfect for short distance in big cities ;)

    • @miskatonic6210
      @miskatonic6210 5 місяців тому

      "Only" 6000€.

    • @michiel5160
      @michiel5160 5 місяців тому +1

      How do you charge it when you live in a city apartement?

    • @ziggarillo
      @ziggarillo 5 місяців тому

      No,€7,900 now for the base model.

    • @ziggarillo
      @ziggarillo 5 місяців тому

      ​@@michiel5160You drop a cable out of a window

    • @Rilcy2003
      @Rilcy2003 5 місяців тому

      @@ziggarillo You are partially right => 7000€. In France, there is a "ecological bonus" (bonus écologique) of 900€.

  • @grahamtruckel
    @grahamtruckel 5 місяців тому +9

    Looks perfect for the Isle of Wight, where I live. Although I've never seen one! Reminds me of the Mini-Moke as seen in The Prisoner - "I am not a number, I am a free man"

    • @chrisperyagh
      @chrisperyagh 5 місяців тому

      I only know the whereabouts of one in Chichester which I've seen parked on a driveway.

  • @claasengelbart2268
    @claasengelbart2268 5 місяців тому +2

    The french word "Ami" means "Friend". The German Car Manufacturer Adam Opel AG has a license for the Citroen Ami and produce this car under his own label and name: Opel Rocks- E (speaking "Roxy") in Germany.

  • @christophedurante6212
    @christophedurante6212 5 місяців тому +6

    Citroën's "jeep" is the Mehari... another thing that should interest you.

  • @raymartin7172
    @raymartin7172 5 місяців тому +9

    30 miles per hour is adequate for urban driving. A 48 mile range is enough for urban driving. This quadricycle costs about the same as a cheap motorbike, offers more weather protection, and makes sense for short journeys. I would consider one, given where I live, given that I don't like to use my ice car for journeys less than two miles, but don't like using public transport

    • @noseboop4354
      @noseboop4354 5 місяців тому

      Not practical for the US and Canada. My commute is 20 miles, so in the winter the range would likely fall below the 40 miles required for a round trip. And my commute is quite short, most of my colleagues commute 50 miles or more.

  • @fernandorodrigues1939
    @fernandorodrigues1939 5 місяців тому +8

    Where I live some post offices have some of the "normal" ones, so postman can deliver mail in city centers easily and free of emissions! The only thing diferent it's the livery and no passenger sit, uses that place for mail!

  • @Alfadrottning86
    @Alfadrottning86 5 місяців тому +14

    it sounds very similar to my Renault Twizzy. Mine is street legal (in Reykjavík) .. but considered a "motorized vehicle" (more like a motorized wheelchair actually). Its top speed is 50 km/h, fully electric with a range of around 45km on one charge. (used to be 50). It offers room for 1 person (a second one CAN sit behind me .. actually, it better be a good friend, because the second person literally sits in the seat, while i (the driver) would sit kind of in their lap) - but there is also a real 2 seat version (one behind the other again) ... It has no doors (which is a bummer in Iceland - as it rains quite a lot .. not to mention its cold)
    So this one seems to be the spiritual twin of my Renault .. no surprise there, its French, too.

    • @GoldenCroc
      @GoldenCroc 5 місяців тому

      Twizzy is classed as a 4 wheeled motorcycle, this is classed as a 4 wheeled moped/scooter. Perhaps yours has some kind of special Icelandic regulations limit, or also classed as a moped, because normal Twizzys are faster than 50km/h, about 80 or so is possible. You can also get doors to fit the twizzy, if you so wish.
      Also, I like your name " Alfadrottning86 ", didnt know you had that type of spelling in icelandic, me being from Sweden, it seemed swedish to me. Learn something new everyday I suppose.

    • @simaorodrigues6285
      @simaorodrigues6285 5 місяців тому

      @@GoldenCroc They make two versions of the Twizy; the Twizy 85 that can reach 85km/h (which is the one you're thinking about), but also the Twizy 45 which can only reach 45km/h.

    • @ziggarillo
      @ziggarillo 5 місяців тому

      ​@GoldenCroc They did 2 versions of the Twizy an L6e " sans permis" version,limited to 45kph and the L7e version limited to 80 kph.

  • @barny4586
    @barny4586 5 місяців тому +10

    The ami is called a citycar, they are very popular in large cities all over Europe, together with other citycars such as the Renault Twizy. They are made to be small and nippy and to be used around all the small roads within European cities.
    I can confirm that in some European countries you CAN drive these citycars/microcars without a driving license and in many other countries can be driven from 14 y/o with a very basic license.

  • @gregtruy
    @gregtruy 5 місяців тому +2

    The nice thing is that the front panel is exactly the same like the back panel. Even the doors are the same.

  • @nigelpluck3342
    @nigelpluck3342 5 місяців тому +8

    I’m in Ireland and have never seen one but there is one model of car that I see once in a while that you should check out if you haven’t already, the Renault Twizy. It’s a 2 seat electric car, the passenger seat is behind the driver, and the cabin is narrower than the wheelbase

  • @Simple_mechanic_guy
    @Simple_mechanic_guy 5 місяців тому +7

    Hello from 🇫🇷. On of my friend have one of them (regular one). It's not a car but a quadricycle (literally a moped on four wheels) and it's by law the max speed is 45 km/h.
    BTW as it's stellantis now there is a Fiat and an Opel version of the Ami (friend in French). And it's a pretty good success.
    The other French electric quadricycle is even weirder : Renault twizzy. Check it 😉

    • @andredulac4456
      @andredulac4456 5 місяців тому +1

      The thing that scares me the most about the Twizy... is that some versions go to 80km/h 😅

  • @astree214
    @astree214 5 місяців тому +5

    AMI, with a A like in "car", you where right :-)
    Ami also means "friend" in french.
    Look for the Citroën AMI 6, you'll see it's a very old car in fact, from the 60's :-P

  • @nhcs2k
    @nhcs2k 5 місяців тому +6

    As already said, it is meant to be driven from a teenager age on, here in Germany from 16 years on, with a moped license.
    Parents may have a better feeling, when their kids have a roof and proper windshield around them and can't fall like on a regular 2-wheeled moped.

  • @chucku00
    @chucku00 5 місяців тому +5

    In France, quadricycles represent a sizeable part of the motor vehicles market, previously mostly on the countryside but nowadays electric quadricycles are becoming way more common in big urban areas.

  • @ratman_flo7496
    @ratman_flo7496 5 місяців тому +19

    Hi Ian,
    in Germany the Citroen AMI (what is translated to "Friend") was available in 1961 until 1978. Yes, it was a bigger 2CV. Then the AMI ElectricVehicle came and it seems to me it was instand sold, haven't seen one beside Car-Fairs. But there is the equal Opel Rocks-E (or e-Rocks?) we have a few of them in my small Town with 20k-Inhabitats.
    This AMI is seen as Quad in Germany and for Vehicles with a Top-Speed of 45km/h (=28mph) you only need the Licence "AM" you can get when you're 15yo. You also just need a rear Insurance-Plate/Sticker that also means you don't have to pay Car-Taxes, not a whole Pair of Licence-Plates. Like a small Scooter or Vehicle for Disabled with 45km/h max you're not allowed to drive on the Autobahn or Schnellstraße (Highway/Expressway).
    Especially in France there are many of those small Vehicles, for Example "Ligier", "Microcars", "Aixam"
    My Favorit was the Renault Twizy (Petrol or EV, 45km/h or faster with bigger Plates) or is the Evergreen Piaggio Ape (Tuktuk-like, 45km/h or faster). And i'm a bit jealous of the british Car-Reglements because i've seen a Video of a Street-legal Ape with an Suzuki-Hayabusa-Engine (Okay, it would scare me to Death😅)...

    • @Bud_Terence
      @Bud_Terence 5 місяців тому +1

      And not to forget, the 3-d one in the line, the Fiat Topolino (also based on the Citroen Ami), with just 2 ropes as doors. 😂

    • @johnnyrosenberg9522
      @johnnyrosenberg9522 5 місяців тому

      The Renault Twizy is also available with a top speed of 80 km/h, and you are allowed to drive those on the motorway (at least here in Sweden), but you also need a B driving license, of course. I did a quick test run with one a few years ago and I kind of liked it, except the suspension was horrible. Felt like there was no suspension at all.

    • @sirsancti5504
      @sirsancti5504 5 місяців тому

      The 60's AMI you refered there, had a rotary engine.
      Yes, a Wankel!

    • @mariokuppers5686
      @mariokuppers5686 5 місяців тому

      We never got official the AMI only the boring Rocks.e and in a couple of weeks even the Fiat Topolino. The Hand full AMI in Germany are self importet by there owners from France and have an more than qustionable Warranty Status. Why Stellantis doesn´t sell the AMI in Germany but only the boring Rocks-e at the moment is there own secret because i´m pretty sure that th AMI would sell miles better than the Rocks-e

    • @ratman_flo7496
      @ratman_flo7496 5 місяців тому

      I bet they can sell the Opel more expensive than "only a Citroen"@@mariokuppers5686

  • @jeanbenoitbencrafter
    @jeanbenoitbencrafter 5 місяців тому +2

    it's a huge success here in France and Italy. We see them everywhere in town.

  • @Lext87
    @Lext87 5 місяців тому +6

    Here in the Netherlands most of them are registered as a moped.
    But they are also able to be registered as a car and probably then the top speed can be higher.
    They are also available through Opel as the Rocks. Since Opel is part of the PSA group nowadays.

    • @matthiashejlskov5008
      @matthiashejlskov5008 5 місяців тому

      The top speed remains 45km/h. It's also sold under the fiat brand, psa became part of stellantis a few years ago that also includes fiat and a bunch of american brands.

  • @sasiuru
    @sasiuru 5 місяців тому +3

    4:48 : 2 seater quadrocycle, street legal. In europe there is a type of a car/quadrocycle that can be driven without license. Sadly that licence free option is not here in Finland, and my son had 3 hours of driving lessons and few theory hours + test (theory + drive) to obtain that license. More commonly quadrocycles are diesel engine with 5-8hp 2 cylinder non-turbo 0.4-0.5l engines. Speed is limited to 45km/h by law. Commonly used for teens (15-17 years) to commute to school and hobbies. Full driving license for normal cars can be obtained on age of 18 or with exception permit on age of 17.

  • @mikeanderson2730
    @mikeanderson2730 5 місяців тому +6

    You need to remember that this is an AM car in the EU. Witch means that in most countries it is legal for 15yr old drivers. Even perfect for people who lost their drivers licence (you can never lose AM licence) and need a way to shop, collect packages or visit friends. Even as a cheap second car for familys, to go on smaller arrend around town.

  • @christophedurante6212
    @christophedurante6212 5 місяців тому +5

    We have a bunch of that here .... They are allowed on the streets but not highways ... Citroên Oli prototype and its design is very cool too.

  • @Whos_boots_are_those_shoes
    @Whos_boots_are_those_shoes 5 місяців тому +2

    In England it's classed as a quadracycle , They are lightweight, low-powered and small vehicles that only require a pass on a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) test - and the individual must hold a provisional licence before you can drive. So basically the same as a moped/scooter . At least that's what I think

  • @konobikundude
    @konobikundude 5 місяців тому +2

    "Not a daily driver" is probably down to a north american perspective. Commuting and shopping in europe are often different to american expectations and this type of vehicle fitting in better to an urban planning more centered to walkability.

  • @josecunhaesilva5713
    @josecunhaesilva5713 5 місяців тому +3

    The Citroen Ami (1961-1978) was a 602cc underpowered car. In 1973 they came up with the Citroen Ami Super with a 1015cc boxer motor that fits the new emerging Citroen GS Series. I was a happy owner of that car in gold light brown colour. It was a great car. Worth to know more about it.

    • @roygavin8219
      @roygavin8219 5 місяців тому

      I had an Ami Super in citron yellow. Brilliant! Doorhandles on the deck all the way 😊😊😊😊😊

    • @josecunhaesilva5713
      @josecunhaesilva5713 5 місяців тому +1

      @@roygavin8219 🙂🙂🙂

  • @zepedrofd
    @zepedrofd 5 місяців тому +2

    The speed isn't limited for technical reasons but mainly to fall in the category that allows you to drive it without a licence.
    For teenagers mainly, or if the police took away your licence.
    Another fun and original one is from Renault: the Twizzy.

  • @georgeratcliffe7752
    @georgeratcliffe7752 5 місяців тому +1

    I saw one of two of these in Paris in Summer 2022, but I am yet to see one here in the UK
    (I assume all of them are used as city runabouts in London and they wouldn't make sense around where I live)
    I have seen a couple of Renault Twizzies around though (YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY CHECK OUT THE TWIZZY)
    And also I occasionally see Aixams and Microcars (all of which fall into this category in Europe, but make no sense in the UK as you need a full licence)

  • @VinDieselS70
    @VinDieselS70 5 місяців тому +2

    The french are specialists of making funny and unusual cars such as the Renault Wind, Renault Twitzy, Cugnot Fardier from 1771, Helicron, the 2CV Sahara with two engine and Mixhelin PLR with 10 wheels and two V8 engines just to name a few 😂

  • @markalexander71332
    @markalexander71332 5 місяців тому +5

    Hey Ian, look up the older Citroen ami 6 from the 50's. They look great. Hello from Germany 🇩🇪

    • @thierryf67
      @thierryf67 5 місяців тому

      it was the "little big" sister of the mythic 2CV.

    • @KoldingDenmark
      @KoldingDenmark 5 місяців тому +1

      You took the word out of my mouth.
      We have a growing love for the Ami 6.

  • @5688gamble
    @5688gamble 5 місяців тому +2

    These would be ideal in congested cities where space is limited. You really wouldn't need it to go faster in most cities, and parking would be a breeze!

  • @CitronCassis
    @CitronCassis 5 місяців тому +1

    Fun fact : the normal AMI (the blue one) has 2 doors that are exactly the same on both side, to decrease the price of the car and the reparation.
    It is quite funny, the door on the left side is normal but the door on the right side is attached and opens funnily.
    The interior and exterior design is so cool, better than the Renault Twizzy (electrical) for me.

  • @paulstan8877
    @paulstan8877 5 місяців тому +1

    The Citroën AMI is a small electric car. It only has one battery and one electric motor as standard.
    Each country has its own legislation for this model in Europe, but in France it can be driven in town and on the road. Only expressways above 90 km/h are prohibited (motorway, dual carriageway, etc.) Afterwards, the bodywork changes to diversify the range. In France we can drive from 14 years old with a road safety test.

  • @BennoWitter
    @BennoWitter 5 місяців тому +4

    Americans would put this onto the back of their trucks and ride it into the store, so they don't have to walk.

    • @101steel4
      @101steel4 5 місяців тому

      😂😂😂

  • @johnnyrvf
    @johnnyrvf 5 місяців тому +1

    It’s taken a while but here in SW France, they are catching on. I see at least one regularly driving around on the local roads.

  • @benoit6026
    @benoit6026 5 місяців тому +1

    Kyle Conner from OutOfSpecReviews drove one in LasVegas last year if I’m correct. He found it fun to drive as I can remember. It was a special version with a Valeo label that could drive 80 km/h (software modification)

  • @obijon7441
    @obijon7441 5 місяців тому

    Coincidentally i've just seen a tv commercial for the new Citroën Ami here in the UK, about 10mins before this popped up in my feed.

  • @larsyvindgrindrud8341
    @larsyvindgrindrud8341 5 місяців тому

    In Norway we have a similar vehicle called Paxter. You will find several videos on UA-cam.

  • @jabbeuss
    @jabbeuss 5 місяців тому +14

    This car is designed for young people; in France, you can drive it from the age of 14 without a license

    • @superxispa
      @superxispa 5 місяців тому +1

      In Spain at the same age, but we need an AM license, a moped license and it is limited to 45 kmh.
      Greetings

    • @jordanrudler2120
      @jordanrudler2120 5 місяців тому +1

      That's the same in France, unless you are born before 1988 you have to pass the AM license

  • @seijika46
    @seijika46 2 місяці тому

    The roll-away sunroof is reminicent of the old 2CV fabric roof. (Also with the way it seemed none the worse for wear after falling on its side and probably light enough that a couple of people could push it back up again and be able to drive away.)

  • @Franckyhu
    @Franckyhu 5 місяців тому +1

    Reason to have regular and suicide opening door, since the doors are identical, it is made on the same machine. The front and the back is identical, made by the same machine. This is how they make it cheaper.

  • @1grizzlyrizzo
    @1grizzlyrizzo 4 місяці тому

    I've seen two up here in Scotland, one in the area of Stirling and another out at North Berwick. They are great little runabouts for short distances, and if you have solar at home then you'll never need to buy fuel again, which you'd need to drive a good distance out of where I've seen them to buy fuel.

  • @johnnyrosenberg9522
    @johnnyrosenberg9522 5 місяців тому +1

    There was another Ami by Citroën back in the 1960's. It was a completely different car, they just reused the name, but it's interesting nevertheless. I'm sure there videos about it here in UA-cam.

  • @module79l28
    @module79l28 5 місяців тому +7

    This is the modern day Ami, Ian, the original Ami was produced between 1961 and 1978 and was just a normal car. Since you like the unique look of older Citröens you should take a look at it to see how quirky looking it was, especially the early version. There was one on the bottom right picture at 15:15 but you missed it.
    Btw, "ami" means friend in English. 😉

    • @MrTheStare
      @MrTheStare 5 місяців тому +1

      They used the older version of the ami in the gendarmes movies from louis de funes. The base for it was actually the same as for the 2cv

    • @module79l28
      @module79l28 5 місяців тому

      @@MrTheStare - I'm aware of that but I doubt Ian has ever watched a Louis de Funès movie. 😄

    • @MrTheStare
      @MrTheStare 5 місяців тому

      @@module79l28 doubtfull he did, but he has certainly watched some scenes (remember the cross country with the 2cv).

    • @sirsancti5504
      @sirsancti5504 5 місяців тому

      Just a normal car?! The original Ami had a rotary engine!

    • @module79l28
      @module79l28 5 місяців тому +1

      @@sirsancti5504 - That was just a prototype, of which they made only a few units for testing purposes. It never went into production. All the Amis had air-cooled flat engines, a flat-2 in the early models and a flat-4 in the Super model. So yes, it was just a normal car.

  • @Kurukuu
    @Kurukuu 5 місяців тому +1

    The aim for the Ami is the city, with short travel times, so it doesn't need a lot of confort

  • @Avagion
    @Avagion 2 місяці тому

    I've been enjoying your videos very much. Tip from another citroën afficionado: check the Citroën Méhari, the sort-of plastic 2cv offroad buggy.
    Maybe you should also check the French manufacturer Matra. The company started (and still is i think) in the space and aeronautics industry. They later made weird cars, sometimes with other more 'normal' brand cars. Check the Simca-Matra Rancho, Matra Bagheera and Matra Murena. They even made a futuristic looking V6 minivan for Renault, the Renault Avantime.

  • @VampyrMygg
    @VampyrMygg 5 місяців тому +1

    The Ami is actually a "homage" or "retro" remake of an old model, as in the 60s and 70s you got a Citroen Ami, which was like a mix between a Citroen 2CV and a Ford Anglia (the car from Harry Potter) as it had that weir rear window that sloped inwards from the roof like the Anglia.
    The old ones were followed by a number though, I only remember Ami 6 and Ami 8, not sure what the numbers mean tho.
    Also, the new Ami is classified as an electric quadracycle, so you might need a smaller license than for a car to drive it, like a moped (50cc) license, or a light motorcycle (125cc) license, or maybe even just a Tractor license.

  • @PyroTechitten
    @PyroTechitten 5 місяців тому +3

    Sad thing about the Ami in the UK is that very few insurers are willing to actually insure it ( I think 3) so it's crazy expensive to insure one of these.

    • @VinDieselS70
      @VinDieselS70 5 місяців тому +1

      I saw one in Irvine in Scotland the other day so must be worth it I guess as it's excellent as a city car and perfect for ULEZ/ LEZ zones

  • @stuborn-complaining-german
    @stuborn-complaining-german 5 місяців тому +1

    First thing that came to my mind: "Oh, so they gave a golf cart to the Citroen designers..." 😅
    Looks fun for the city though!
    I live out in the country, and we have quite many Piaggio Ape around here that younger people from farms and small villages use to get to the train station and school. The big advantage of the Ape is, that it has a fully closed cabin, and they even use it in the winter in the snow...

  • @botteaustephane5135
    @botteaustephane5135 5 місяців тому +1

    Huge success at least in France . You can see planty of this QUADRICYCLE near schools . A safer scooter, made for parents tranquility…

  • @panamafloyd1469
    @panamafloyd1469 5 місяців тому

    1:48 - Ian, us 'road race folks' have a saying.."Friends don't let friends 'early apex'." Maybe he was just trying to keep from crossing the centerline..but damn. I think that's the "Grand Hotel Hairpin", Turn 6 on the current track map. Dude's trip uphill is counter-race direction, he was running race direction downhill (if I got it right) when he rolled it. Apex on that one is about half-way through the thing, even if you're trying to stay in your lane. As crazy as Monaco is for modern F1, I love it. First time I ever saw road racing in the Southern US was the Monaco GP on ABC's "Wide World of Sports" when I was a kid in the late 1960s.
    As far as the Ami goes, it reminds me of a side-by-side! My family vacation in Gatlinburg, TN, there were dozens of SxS that had headlights/taillights/blinkers fitted to make them street-legal. They were a lot faster, though - I think most of them had motorcycle engines. I'm also laughing with you at the plastic rain windows at 7:17 ..I started in old British sportscars, and many of the cheaper ones had plastic side windows that you had to place in a track at the top of the door before you put the top up. You're right about 'horses for courses', though. My mom retired to the Florida Panhandle, something like the Ami would be perfect for her old Beach Girl lifestyle. Running around town, picking up a few groceries, boiling some fresh shrimp over an open fire next to the sand dunes..yeah. I wish more little cars like this were available in the US.
    Back to the guy that rolled it at Monaco: Elwood & Jake say it's Ladies' Night at the Grand Hotel Ballroom..
    ua-cam.com/video/Z5Z6PPhAogQ/v-deo.html

  • @luiscambra1952
    @luiscambra1952 5 місяців тому

    The parts on it. Like front and rear panels are the same and as well the doors thats why they open each way.

  • @oli-barelin
    @oli-barelin 5 місяців тому +1

    The Citroën Ami has two brothers. The Opel e-Rocks and the Fiat Topolino.

  • @glaframb
    @glaframb 5 місяців тому +1

    Ami means friend in French.
    My Ami Buggy => My Friend Buggy or Miami Buggy a word play on the word Ami Miami and Buggy,

  • @tacet3045
    @tacet3045 17 днів тому

    Drove an Ami when I was on Paxos, one of the small Greek islands, and it was ideal as the island is only about 10 miles long. It was excellent. Although I do wish it was the buggy version as that thing is pure 80's concept "lifestyle" car like the Ford Splash & Pontiac Stinger.

  • @LeSarthois
    @LeSarthois 5 місяців тому

    For the short you watched, if I recall well, the AMI was modified to go faster than normally permitted.
    In the US the AMI would be classified as a NEV, so yes, pretty much a golf cart type of vehicle.
    I haven't seen one IRL yet, but If I could I would get one.
    There are some in the US, you should check AgingWheels video on the one he tried.
    If you like quirky cars, there is the Renault Twizy. Some made it to the US under the Nissan brand, in a car sharing program in San Francisco. However I think I read that they were retired recently.

  • @PeDr0.UY131
    @PeDr0.UY131 5 місяців тому +1

    Citroën was always the rebellious boy of the French automotive industry. always revolutionizing with designs and innovations, that not everyone liked, but that never stopped them.

    • @miskatonic6210
      @miskatonic6210 5 місяців тому

      Except it's not exclusive to Citroen and rebellious at all, because Fiat and Opel sell the exact same thing.

  • @namewithheldbygoogleforsec673
    @namewithheldbygoogleforsec673 5 місяців тому

    @IWrocker, i could see Steve Urkel (from Family Matters) driving that car! In Family Matters he drove a three wheeled car where the door to get in was also the front of the car (with the windscreen (windshield). 😂

  • @charlesunderwood6334
    @charlesunderwood6334 5 місяців тому

    Saw some recently in Rome and thought they were great, driving down minute cobbled streets; I have now seen a couple in London doing deliveries.

  • @andrewbrown1712
    @andrewbrown1712 5 місяців тому +1

    “Me and Mon Ami” is a UA-cam channel run by 2 Ami-owning Brits in the South of France. It is an entertaining and insightful look at running an Ami, while neither Brit has a driving licence .

    • @EudesRJ
      @EudesRJ 5 місяців тому +1

      I love that channel, “since none of us have a driver license, let’s get a car that does requires it and drive around” 😂

  • @JoaoPedroTiago
    @JoaoPedroTiago 5 місяців тому

    I've been wanting an AMI cause its a very simple city car and for my city weather and needs has the range and capabilities . (usually this category is for under 18 drivers and also sometimes older people.) in the future there should be a "more powerfull" version(40Kw +/- 50hp) , but it will be a "adult" version. there is also a "cargo" version . My city mailman use them

  • @andredulac4456
    @andredulac4456 5 місяців тому +1

    The Ami was built to be the less expensive EV on the european market, that's why the front and the back are the same, the doors are the same to reduce the cost at the maximum, it even have the 2CV openning system for the (half) windows ^^ it's basically 4 wheels, a battery, a motor and 2 seats in a plastic box ^^
    While working, I've seen plenty of them on resarch and industrial campus, so the employees can move across the all area and transport some stuff pretty easily

  • @LaurArdam
    @LaurArdam 5 місяців тому +1

    In France, this car does not require a license and can be driven by 16-year-olds. It's often used as an alternative to the scooter, which is considered too dangerous on the road. I'm seeing more and more of these cars, which can be parked at home in small gardens.

  • @helloweener2007
    @helloweener2007 5 місяців тому

    It is a light vehicle classified LE6
    Light 4-wheel engine powered vehicle with max 425kg (without batteries), max 45 km/h (28 mph) and max 50 ccm or 6kW power.
    This weights 471kg with batterie and has a 6kW electro engine.
    The off road versions are all concept cars.
    You can have it in light blue as Citroen Ami EV, grey as Opel e-rocks, and mint green as Fiat Topolino.
    Fiat, Opel, Vauxhall, Peugeot and Citroen are all brands from Groupe PSA.
    Peugeot bought all.

  • @dejanhuskic7102
    @dejanhuskic7102 5 місяців тому

    In Belgrade from where I am I can't remember that I see but we do have Renault Twizy with is also weird car. Interesting choice for name Ami because Citroen did have model Ami from 1961 to 1979 which was mechanically 2 CV with '60s style

  • @kunzworld2309
    @kunzworld2309 5 місяців тому

    Fun fact. To reduce costs the front and back are the same. Just the lights in the panel are different

  • @johnfrancismaglinchey4192
    @johnfrancismaglinchey4192 5 місяців тому +1

    In the largest cities In Europe,,,this little thing is used for shopping,,, and is becoming more popular,,, with other models coming forward soon.

  • @michaelalsterin3061
    @michaelalsterin3061 20 днів тому

    Citroën engineers has always been bold and thinking "out of the box"! Waaay out of the box😄 I´ve had 2 Citroëns through the years and high on my "Want one" list is a 2CV and convert it with i BMW motorcyclemotor🤪

  • @Elkfazer1
    @Elkfazer1 5 місяців тому +1

    Don't leave one of these parked next to your wheelie-bin or you might find the trashmen trying to empty it into their truck. 😂

  • @Realjulius184
    @Realjulius184 5 місяців тому

    Opel makes the exact same car named "Opel Rocks-E" both brands part of the stellantis car group.

  • @karlmcgowan9375
    @karlmcgowan9375 5 місяців тому +2

    Ian, i don't know if you've done this yet, but you should check the worlds smallest, the p50. It's 130 cm long and 99 cm wide.

  • @ROBOTRIX_eu
    @ROBOTRIX_eu 5 місяців тому +1

    ..i like it! ..almost a Smart.. for cities, small villages, countryside, or near beach, looks great .. Has Summer vibes, like Citroen Mehari.. check Citroen Mehari.. ..and Red Bull Kamaz Dakar vs Rally car..

  • @francoisfortin5826
    @francoisfortin5826 5 місяців тому

    A few years ago they did a commercial where a model of them transform into a robot
    It was shot in Vancouver city (British Columbia / Canada)

  • @ritalino7323
    @ritalino7323 5 місяців тому

    If I'm correct it's considered a street car but only for cities or national roads. To enter a highway you need to be above 50 km/h (not sure in miles/h). So you can use it inside cities where 50 km/h is the max you can go or in national roads where the max is 80/90 km/h without a minimum velocity

  • @DavidCookeZ80
    @DavidCookeZ80 5 місяців тому

    I'm honestly not surprised the Ami rolled on that bend in Monaco - it's both steep and a tighter turn than it looks approaching it, and that doesn't come across on the video. I've only ever driven down it in a Fiat van with a refridgerated compartment on the back, but it's part of the GP circuit. It's honestly a "practical" vehicle in tiny perched villages with narrow roads. Also, I've been told, because it's sans permis you can still drive one if you've lost your car license - for example by being done for DUI - not sure how true that is.

  • @KjellEson
    @KjellEson 5 місяців тому

    4:56 This is a moped car manufactured by French Citroën.
    makes regular cars and has done so since 1919.
    Citroën is now more part of the automotive group Stellantis N.V.
    The group is French - Italian and owns the car manufacturers
    Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, Mopar, Fiat, Abarth, Peugot, Opel, Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Citroën.
    The head office is located in Amserdam in the Netherlands.

  • @grommeuleur1648
    @grommeuleur1648 5 місяців тому +2

    Hello !!
    In the town where I live, there are starting to be a lot of them... It's incredibly ugly, and without the slightest performance... But they can be rented directly from the town hall for a few days for really cheap. .. You can park absolutely anywhere because it is small, and perfectly sufficient for daily urban trips.

  • @DomingoDeSantaClara
    @DomingoDeSantaClara 5 місяців тому +2

    The Matchbox toy is actually a 1:1 replica😂

  • @RicoZed
    @RicoZed 5 місяців тому

    This tiny car is very popular in France, i m living in middle size city and i cant travel a day without seeing one.
    Teenagers love it. It is cool, affordable you can drive it without a licence. You just need 14 yr old ,, the munimal legal age is 18 yr old for a regular car.
    This Ami is a great alternative to city scooters.

  • @andymclanza
    @andymclanza 5 місяців тому

    Where i live, Sicily (Italy), it's very diffused among youngs. You can drive, in Italy, with an Am driving licence that you can get on your 14 birthday. It's fun, cheap, and practical for the urban envioriornament. It is a perfect EV , it make more sense than an Hummer EV...

  • @optimusmaximus9646
    @optimusmaximus9646 5 місяців тому

    Reminds me of Daimler AG's Smart Car.

  • @MYJ61
    @MYJ61 5 місяців тому

    There is also an Opel badged version.

  • @etienne8110
    @etienne8110 5 місяців тому

    It has a few things going for it.
    Supercheap. Ideal for dense urbanized environnement (where you have everything in tops 50km),light, electric, easy access (no license needed, low price)
    It fills the niche for the urban/periurban small car for a very competitiv price.

  • @sirsancti5504
    @sirsancti5504 5 місяців тому +1

    Fun fact: there was a Citroën Ami in the 60's (maybe 70's) which had.. A rotary engine! (Yes, a Wankel! Like Mazda has).

  • @ramstutz1972
    @ramstutz1972 5 місяців тому +2

    If you like this car, check out the Microlino!

  • @gedece
    @gedece 5 місяців тому

    It's a name that goes way back, to the Citroen Ami 8, which had a whole family of starter models.

  • @paulocarvalho6480
    @paulocarvalho6480 5 місяців тому +1

    To fit Ian in this car, you have to take out the seat and have a bigger sun roof.😂 Ian, since you love vintage and somewhat wierd cars, have a look at the BMW Isetta. It's an egg concept car from the late 50's.

  • @nathaliec.2396
    @nathaliec.2396 5 місяців тому +1

    Hello, I am Belgian and I have had a Citroen Ami for 2 years, her name is Simone and I love her.

    • @CitronCassis
      @CitronCassis 5 місяців тому

      « En voiture Simone ». I love it. 😂

    • @nathaliec.2396
      @nathaliec.2396 5 місяців тому

      C'est toi qui klaxonnes!@@CitronCassis

  • @ivanh.d3297
    @ivanh.d3297 5 місяців тому

    In Slovenia a private ambulance service made a Citroen Ami as a mobile commercial for their service. It is painted like an ambulance, but it says on it “not an ambulance”. In future it should cary an AED

  • @pubsapass1214
    @pubsapass1214 5 місяців тому +1

    It's a daily car for city, and it's what it's made for. And the other purpose, is child. In France, 14y old children can drive this, and for parents who can afford it, it's WAY MORE safety than usual scooter or 50cc motorcycle. And it's usually not sell, it's rent.

  • @joaocarlosribas7716
    @joaocarlosribas7716 5 місяців тому +1

    In Portugal, a16y old can drive this. It's awesome. 49km max speed.

    • @willycarle3088
      @willycarle3088 5 місяців тому

      it's 14yo in France and you'll see dozens of them in front of schools !

  • @Karl-me4mh
    @Karl-me4mh 5 місяців тому +2

    As far as I know that Citroen Ami that went through Monaco crashed in a corner that is part of the Monaco Grand Prix. And for that reason is a Formula 1 corner. Just ... that tiny Ami is not a race car ;D. So you're supposed to drive that corner at speed at certain times. But you're supposed to do that in a proper car.
    Btw, in Germany they're sold as Opel Rocks-e and I've never seen a single one on the road so far.

    • @andredulac4456
      @andredulac4456 5 місяців тому

      Now I want to see a racing version of the Ami, with additionnal small wheels on the sides for better stability 😅

    • @olli1068
      @olli1068 5 місяців тому

      I just walked by an Opel dealership and thought: "wait, that plastic box looks familiar!". They offered a version of the Rocks-e for a bit under 10 k€. At first glance it looked nice, but after reading a few test reports I understand why I haven't seen any of these on the street.

  • @ZOrdZ
    @ZOrdZ 5 місяців тому

    In Portugal, very commonly used as mail delivery. Also, by the young (over 16), no driving license is required, a simple "license" you have to acquire. Quite nice little car to use day by day. If you only make about 30Km a day.....

  • @marcgp6927
    @marcgp6927 5 місяців тому

    This quirky style is due to the parts being interchangeable, lowering their cost. The exact same panel forms the front and the back, the exact same door goes to the right and left sides, ...

  • @ALCLCFVIS
    @ALCLCFVIS 5 місяців тому

    it's not a car, it's a "quadriccyle" and those saying they are under powered check it performing in urban traffic (roundabouts, intersections). The one's I see more often are used for mail delivery (passenger side is turned in cargo area)

  • @jacquelinevisser4593
    @jacquelinevisser4593 5 місяців тому +1

    If you are even more interested in other micro cars, then you can look up the Ligier ens the Axam and they have different models.

  • @Phiyedough
    @Phiyedough 5 місяців тому

    For some years there have been tiny 50cc cars in France called "voiturettes". You can indeed drive them there without a licence, hence the low top speed.

  • @nickriedel8026
    @nickriedel8026 5 місяців тому

    i think i could be a practical thing. specially for the last mile. the Citroen Ami and its Brothers Opel Rocks and Fiat Topolino, all scooters technically, can be versatile in food deliveries (also pretty cheap), can be mini rental cars in cities. Its technically a pretty neat little thing. Even though its made just for fun.

  • @ilariabarnett8700
    @ilariabarnett8700 5 місяців тому

    My sister has one. I went on it few times but it can t go any faster than 48 km per hour and you can't go through tunnels with it, which is a bit of a pain. It doesn't need a special plug to charge and it can be parked in moped spaces. Cool but I am not taken by it.