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

Used Citroen 2CV (1948-1990) buyer’s guide: bonkers, but guaranteed to make you smile
Used Citroen 2CV - front

Used Citroen 2CV (1948-1990) buyer’s guide: bonkers, but guaranteed to make you smile

A full used buyer's guide on the iconic Citroen 2CV that was in production between 1948 and 1990
Used car tests
3 Nov 2025
What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full ECG car 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 ECG car list with our best (and worst) picks

Over 40 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever-growing list?
News
16 Oct 2025
9 coolest SUVs coming soon: new models aiming to take the 4x4 market by storm
Coolest SUVs coming soon - September 2025 header image

9 coolest SUVs coming soon: new models aiming to take the 4x4 market by storm

Thought SUVs couldn't be cool? Here are some forthcoming contenders that should have the grunt – and the looks
Best cars & vans
24 Sep 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

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

Here are the most important new cars from Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more that you need to know about
Best cars & vans
22 Sep 2025

Most Popular

Why are Chinese cars flooding the UK?
New Omoda 5 and Jaecoo 7

Why are Chinese cars flooding the UK?

We investigate why the British market is so attractive to Chinese brands
Features
31 Oct 2025
The Renault 4 looks irresistible thanks to its bargain pricing
Opinion - Renault 4

The Renault 4 looks irresistible thanks to its bargain pricing

Mike Rutherford takes a look at the New Car World Championships, where the Renault 4 took top honours
Opinion
2 Nov 2025
Renault 5 outsells Tesla Model Y, but both are beaten by Jaecoo 7
Renault 5 - front cornering

Renault 5 outsells Tesla Model Y, but both are beaten by Jaecoo 7

Renault’s retro hatchback topped the EV sales charts in October, but even it couldn’t come close to internal-combustion alternatives from China
News
5 Nov 2025