Skip advert
Advertisement

Technology Award 2021: Citroen Ami

The Citroen Ami is the 2021 Auto Express Technology Award winner

On first inspection, granting our Technology Award to the Citroen Ami might seem a little odd. After all, there’s no infotainment system, or even a light switch. It lands its killer blow not with these fripperies, but with some exceptionally clever, almost Alec Issigonis-levels of thinking. Here, the Ami nails its brief perfectly. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The smart design and engineering have a laser-like focus on simplicity and cost. Should the Ami come to the UK, expect a £5,450 price tag or rental through car- sharing schemes.

The push-me-pull-you styling means the same panels can be used front and rear; only the lights are different. The doors are identical, too, which means the left-hand one is rear-hinged, while the right opens in the usual fashion. 

Not only does that mean it’s cheaper to make, but it’s also cheaper to repair, which is particularly important in an urban environment. It’s perfect for congested city streets; a minute turning circle and wheel-at-each-corner stance matter more here than its 28mph top speed. Most of all, though, the Ami is enormous fun.

New Car Awards 2021: the winners

Special edition of Auto Express

For the full experience, make sure you pick up a copy of our special New Car Awards collectors' edition of the Auto Express magazine, which is available in shops now.

Auto Express Issue 1,685

You can buy individual issues of Auto Express or subscribe for even bigger discounts on the magazine cover price. You can currently Subscribe and get 6 issues for just £1 or download our digital edition direct to your desktop, phone or tablet.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Citroen 2CV: £13k electric city car to lean on brand nostalgia
Citroen 2CV exclusive image 2026

New Citroen 2CV: £13k electric city car to lean on brand nostalgia

A 2CV-inspired small car is in the works, designed to bridge the gap between the Ami quadricycle and e-C3 supermini
News
24 Apr 2026
Stellantis recalls 10k diesels: engine parts could fall off cars and vans from Peugeot, Vauxhall and others
Citroen Berlingo Van - front cornering

Stellantis recalls 10k diesels: engine parts could fall off cars and vans from Peugeot, Vauxhall and others

Models including the Vauxhall Corsa to the Peugeot Partner have been recalled over a water pump pulley issue for the BlueHDi diesel engine
News
16 Apr 2026
What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks
Electric car charging mega test - Renault 5 front angled

What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks

More than 40 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever-growing list?
News
2 Apr 2026
Vauxhall, Peugeot, Fiat and others recall 40,000+ UK cars over mild-hybrid fire risk
Stellantis logo

Vauxhall, Peugeot, Fiat and others recall 40,000+ UK cars over mild-hybrid fire risk

More than 700,000 cars have been recalled globally due to what’s described as “insufficient clearance” between the particulate filter pipe and the bel…
News
1 Apr 2026

Most Popular

Jaguar Land Rover recalls 170,000 SUVs with UK cars experiencing similar problems
Land Rover Defender 110 Trophy Edition - front action

Jaguar Land Rover recalls 170,000 SUVs with UK cars experiencing similar problems

JLR has recalled models from across the Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover ranges over a faulty DC-DC converter module
News
30 Apr 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Omoda 7 offers space and super-low running costs for just £229 a month
Omoda 7 - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: Omoda 7 offers space and super-low running costs for just £229 a month

The Omoda 7 is the latest Chinese SUV to arrive in Britain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 30 April.
News
30 Apr 2026
New Peugeot 208: electric supermini to channel iconic 205
New Peugeot 208 exclusive image - front

New Peugeot 208: electric supermini to channel iconic 205

The new Peugeot 208 will be previewed at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, but our exclusive images show how it could look
News
1 May 2026

Find a car with the experts