The Legacy of the Citroën 2CV
The iconic Citroën 2CV made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 1948, marking the beginning of a significant automotive journey that has lasted 78 years. At the upcoming Paris Motor Show 2026, commencing on 12 October 2026, Citroën revealed a prototype electric vehicle (EV) bearing the name 2CV. This model is not the only classic to be reimagined; Renault has also introduced a modern take on the original Espace minivan, launched in 1984, while Alpine has revitalised the sporty A310 from 1971. Peugeot, too, has made headlines by reintroducing the legendary 205 T16, a World Rally Championship (WRC) champion, alongside the RCZ coupe from 2009, now infused with electric technology.
The resurgence of these models is largely driven by the increasing standardisation of electric vehicles. Additionally, Chinese-backed brands like Smart, a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, along with AION, the electric vehicle brand of Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), have launched new models aimed at the European market. Below, we explore 11 standout vehicles from this wave of innovation, organised by theme.
Electrification Breathing New Life into Legends
The Citroën 2CV Concept showcases the numbers “48/90/26” on its windscreen, symbolising its storied heritage: 1948, the year the original model was unveiled; 1990, when production ceased; and 2026, the year this prototype emerged. The original 2CV was designed to transport four people and 50 kilograms of potatoes at a speed of 60 km/h, earning its reputation as a “car for the people,” with over 5 million units produced.
The new 2CV Concept retains the classic features, including round headlights, a nearly vertical windscreen, and a curved roof, while its overall length has been reduced to 3,760 mm. The target weight is approximately one tonne, and it aims to keep costs down by using a smaller battery to achieve weight reduction. Citroën plans to integrate this electric vehicle into its range by 2028, with production set to occur in Europe, targeting a starting price of around €15,000 (approximately $16,850). However, details regarding the platform, battery capacity, and range remain undisclosed.
The interior design departs from conventional dashboards, opting for a removable 3D-printed basket instead of a central console. Modern touches include a manually retractable fabric sunroof and a removable “Radioën” that can function as an external speaker, embodying a contemporary interpretation of the original’s simplicity. A playful element is also present, with a turtle emblem on the brake pedal and a rabbit on the accelerator.
Xavier Chardon, CEO of Citroën, emphasises, “Reinventing the 2CV is not about replicating a car from the past; it’s about reimagining what made this vehicle unique: its simplicity, affordability, and the freedom it provided.”
A Commercial Twist with the 2CV Fourgonnette Concept
Alongside the 2CV Concept, Citroën showcased its commercial variant, the “2CV Fourgonnette Concept.” The original Fourgonnette was a small commercial vehicle that aided artisans, merchants, and delivery workers for generations, and this prototype aims to revive that silhouette in an electric form. However, Citroën presents this model as an internal “Passion Project” and has not indicated any immediate plans for commercialisation, with specifications yet to be released.
This playful approach to commercial vehicles, which are often purely utilitarian, is encapsulated in Chardon’s words: “Being useful should never mean being ordinary.”
Peugeot’s Electric Performance Tribute
Marking 40 years since the Peugeot 205 T16 clinched the WRC title in 1985 and 1986, the E-T16 CONCEPT has been unveiled as a high-performance electric prototype, showcasing the next generation of the compact E-208. With the introduction of this vehicle, Peugeot has created a new segment dubbed “hyper compact.” Featuring three motors—one at the front and two at the rear—this model delivers an impressive total output of 816 horsepower. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and reaches 300 km/h in 16 seconds, making it the most powerful model in Peugeot’s history, excluding the prototype “208 T16” created for Pikes Peak.
The E-T16 incorporates an 85 kWh battery and an 800 V architecture, offering a maximum range of 400 km (according to the WLTP cycle) and the capability to charge from 10% to 80% in under 15 minutes. The luminous red line encircling the body pays homage to the distinctive red stripes of the 205 T16. The latest i-Cockpit features electronic steering controlled by electrical signals and a new steering control system named “Hypersquare.” Matthias Hossan, Peugeot’s design director, remarks, “The E-T16 CONCEPT reinterprets the lines of the future E-208, pushing every proportion to the extreme.”
Celebrating Alpine’s Heritage with the A310 Vision
The Alpine A310, introduced in 1971 as the successor to the A110, which won the inaugural WRC title in 1973, is commemorated in 2026, marking the 55th anniversary of the four-cylinder version and the 50th anniversary of the V6 model. The A310 Vision, unveiled this year, is a unique design concept that showcases the new “APP (Alpine Performance Platform),” referencing the design elements of both the four-cylinder and V6 models with its flared wheel arches.
This low-slung body, measuring 4,550 mm in length, 2,030 mm in width (maximum at the rear), and 1,180 mm in height, is constructed from aluminium. Notable features include a bubble-shaped translucent cabin, retractable headlights that activate upon starting, and triangular “A”-shaped wheels reminiscent of previous models. Specifications regarding the engine and performance are yet to be announced, with Alpine clarifying that this vehicle does not foreshadow future production models.
Peugeot RCZ Vision: A Statement for the Future
The RCZ, a sports coupe introduced in 2009 and produced until 2015, has been succeeded by the RCZ Vision, which Peugeot describes as a bold statement of the brand’s future. This model employs Stellantis’s latest “STLA One” platform, boasting an output of 500 horsepower and a maximum range of 600 km. Equipped with a solid-state battery developed in partnership with Factorial Energy and utilising a 1,000 V architecture, it can charge from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes. Furthermore, it is the first Peugeot to feature electronic brake-by-wire technology and includes a MicroLED transparent display, accommodating four passengers with rear seats suitable for adults.
Alan Favey, Peugeot’s CEO, stated, “With the RCZ Vision, we are demonstrating our vision for a car that is firmly focused on the future.” Nevertheless, release dates and pricing details remain undisclosed.
Rethinking Minivans and Family Vehicles
The original Espace, hailed as the “father of the minivan” by Renault’s design director, has been modernised in the form of the electric “E-Space Concept.” Measuring 4,700 mm in length, 2,020 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, it resembles the first-generation model, with 23-inch wheels positioned at the four corners. In an era dominated by SUVs, this prototype represents a deliberate reimagining of the minivan as a “living car.”
The vehicle’s interior is particularly noteworthy, featuring six independent seats arranged in three rows on a flat floor. By rotating the second row 180 degrees, the seating configuration transforms into a TGV-style layout, facing the third row. The traditional dashboard has been replaced by a full-width curved display named “OpenR Panorama,” which will be introduced in upcoming models such as the “Rafale” and “Scenic.” The design draws inspiration from the Farnsworth House, created by Mies van der Rohe.
Specifications regarding the propulsion system and battery have yet to be disclosed, with Renault stating that there are currently no plans for mass production. Fabrice Camborive, Renault’s CEO, remarked, “The E-Space Concept illustrates how our traditions can inspire the future.”
Fiat’s Bold Multipla Concepts
The “600 Multipla” of 1956 was a six-seater measuring approximately 3.5 metres in length, while the 1998 “Multipla” could accommodate six passengers across two rows, all within a length of under 4 metres. The new “Multipla” prototype continues this lineage, described as a “3-in-1” vehicle that combines the spaciousness of a minivan, the character of an SUV, and