Citroen has revealed new concept car based on its new Ami electric microcar. The My Ami Buggy Concept is described as a car aimed at ‘adventurers on the roads or beach tracks’ and takes inspiration from the brand’s classic Mehari safari cars of the 1970s. 

While the standard Ami could hardly be described as over-equipped, the Buggy’s doors have been removed, replaced by transparent rainproof canvas that can be pulled back in bad weather, in a nod to the Mehari. These are fitted with zippers to enclose the passenger compartment. For drivers wanting more fresh air, the canvas doors can be removed, rolled up and stored behind the seats in dedicated storage bags.

The Buggy rides on a set of chunky wheels fitted with off-road tyres and features protective bull-bars and the front and rear, along with off-road headlight grilles. At the side, the Ami’s silhouette is beefed up with a set of wider wheelarches and tubular protection along the bottom of the doors. 

The Buggy’s roof-rack and spare wheel emphasise what Citroen describes as the concept’s ‘spirit of adventure’ while the LED light bar on the roof’s leading edge boosts the rather lacklustre performance of the Ami’s standard headlights. The light bar also includes a built-in speaker that Citroen claims is perfect for adding atmosphere around a camp fire. However, given the extensive use of plastic in the Buggy’s construction, camp fires are probably best avoided. 

An extended roof ‘cap’ has been fitted above the windscreen, running out from the roof and offering protection against adverse weather conditions. It provides shade in summer by shielding the rays of midday sun.

Buggy's doorless frames designed for owners who feel the need to sketch things mid-journey

Inside, the Buggy features new Advanced Comfort® seat cushions, the foam of which has been increased from 35mm on Ami to 70mm. According to Citroen, they can easily be removed from the shell and are interchangeable and washable. They are made by assembling two shells, one on top of the other – inspired by the design of a buoy -creating a link with the world of beach accessories.

The storage bins on the dashboard have been specially redesigned for My Ami Buggy Concept and incporporate a matt gold metal storage rack iabove the bins to prevent objects from moving.

A special range of luggage has been designed, with each item fitting perfectly into the Buggy’s interior spaces. The bum bag attaches to a magnet in the centre of the steering wheel, specially recessed to accommodate it, and can also be worn on the belt via its loop. A sailor’s bag with a flap has its own place under the dashboard, in the storage space that holds a cabin suitcase in Ami. It’s held at the bottom by a tubular structure to stop it falling over. 

A storage space is also built into the doors at seat height. This can hold a large detachable bag and can be opened from the inside. What Citroen desbribes as a ‘fun button’ unlocks the doors, which are rear-hinged as on the Ami.

Citroen has given no indication as to whether the Buggy will make production, but given its lack of weather protection and one-off features, it would seem unlikely.

Check out our review and video of the Citroen Ami HERE. 

Ami Buggy is perfect for those short-haul camping trips. But watch those panels around the camp fire...