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

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
8 Apr 2025
Rétromobile 2025: inside France’s giant classic car show
Rétromobile 2025

Rétromobile 2025: inside France’s giant classic car show

Classic car shows can draw in massive crowds but Rétromobile is on a different scale…
News
5 Feb 2025
No new Citroen 2CV! Boss disappoints fans of the classic but promises 'affordable' and 'different' cars
No new Citroen 2CV

No new Citroen 2CV! Boss disappoints fans of the classic but promises 'affordable' and 'different' cars

Contrary to reports, Citroen isn’t eyeing up a modern 2CV, but will double down on offering “different” family cars
News
22 Jan 2025
Stellantis bets big on hybrid cars with expanded line-up plan
Peugeot 5008 - badge

Stellantis bets big on hybrid cars with expanded line-up plan

Parent company of Peugeot, Citroen and Alfa Romeo won’t hedge its bets, with plans afoot to bolster HEV offer
News
14 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025