With the world being encouraged to move from carbon based fuels to renewables I love the concept of this little car. As someone who enjoys driving and uses my car for my holidays, travelling the whole of the UK, I am a little worried about a couple of things. I know people will perhaps suggest get on the train or go by coach, but I am a dinosaur when it come to keeping my independent mode for transport. Your review was brilliant and solely based on an owners point of view, offering the watcher a "warts and all" open and unbiased viewpoint, thank you.
Best car review I've seen. Mature, relevant, not trying to impress. This is the standard by which others should be measured. To be fair - he had the advantage of long usage, unlike most reviewers of new cars, but still. Good.
Finally got mine delivered. I live in Brussels and this car is perfect for driving in the city that is now a 30KM/H one anyway! Indeed the car is still rare so people turn their head and smile! I live in a house with solar panels, so charging the car is almost free. This is the car I use locally, for driving long range I have a Prius. Anyway I can say your review is 100% correct and honest. This car has the potential of becoming iconic. Not to mention its contribution in reducing drastically air and noise pollution in cities.
This is simply the best review of the Ami on RUclips. Most industry"experts" only drive a car for a few hours or in some cases a few minutes before writing a review. As you may remember I own a Twizy and that is a car I felt I had to own from the minute I first saw pictures of it. The Ami appealed to me in the same way and I intended to buy one as an additional vehicle. I could not give up the Twizy as the 50mph top speed is a major advantage that outways the better interior space and weather protection that the Ami offers. However I was surprised at the much higher price for a UK supplied Ami than one purchased in France. £6500 would be fine but not £8500 which I think is too high. If I buy an Ami in the future I will buy it in France second hand and import it myself. As it has been incredibly warm here in sunny Norfolk, UK, I have been frying in my Twizy even though I drive around with the windows removed. I am working on some removable air vents that clamp to the doors and force air inside the car as it drives along. This idea would also work on the Ami, I will keep you posted!
@@MeandMonAmi I made a mistake in my comment which I have since corrected. I should have said that I was surprised ay the high launch price of the AMI in the UK.
The review is fantastic there is no denying that it just a shame it is about this dreadful looking thing that frankly I cannot imagine many people wanting to own. For a car that doesn't know its butt from its face is clearly designed by some graduate straight from uni with little or no knowledge of what people actually want. Mind you I would big it up if someone paid me. With such a limited mileage on a charge you need a charger at the end of every 2nd road and that is not going to happen.
@@geebix It's marmite for sure, but personally I think it's beautiful in its simplicity - a breath of fresh air amongst the design trinketry of main stream vehicles. As for the range, the streets must be awfully long where you live. Maybe you forget the premise of this vehicle - teenagers in France are a big market force there, it fits that category perfectly, and overlaps the demographic who admire the utiltarian, quirky design that performs the intended brief (short, local journeys) at a decent price for a new vehicle.
What an AWESOME vlog with AMAZING scenery too. I feel here in the UK, the most amazing part for the Ami is the £19.99 a month for contract hire (with a £2500 deposit). That's cheaper than buying one outright when you figure in servicing, MOT, repairs and depreciation along with only a 3 year warranty for the battery. I always feel the an electric car is best suited to contract hire and then replacing it every 2 or 3 years as the main cost is the battery to replace. £19.99 a month to have a car is groundbreaking. This could be AMAZING for retired people on limited income and it would open a complete new life for them. I'm excited by electric cars. As a city dweller and mountain biker, I can't wait for the day when we have no more smelly diesel fumes polluting our air along with the clanking noise that they make. Really exciting times :) :) :) PS LOVED my Mummy's Citroén LNA in the vintage years when i was a child :)
Given there are decade old EVs on the road with very healthy batteries don't think battery replacement is something you should worry about. Although there are other expensive parts that can fail so until the spare parts market is equally healthy a warranty is a good idea.
@@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968 You don't get the deposit back, it is non-refundable. It is part of any lease car contract. So when you factor in the £2500 deposit, plus the £20 a month rental fee, plus your insurance, you are talking around £120 a month to drive this thing.
@@fishmeister2625 This is the legal definition of "A deposit" (a returnable sum payable on the hire or rental of something, to cover possible loss or damage) Are you confused with "Down payment" ?
What an excellent review. Thank you! 🙂 I'm a Brit in the north of England who sold her (1 litre petrol) hatchback over a decade ago; since then I've ridden an old mountain bike worth about £30 [thirty]. I do 70 essential miles a week in all weathers; the bike has been modified to carry 50 lbs of groceries in panniers, and itself weighs about 50 lbs unladen. I'm skint, living on an annual [sic] budget of under £1,000 [one-thousand]. I'll never be able to afford an EV of any description. Cycling in Britain is a miserable experience. The rain, the wind, the rough and ancient roads, the lack of space, and the often violent hostility of motorists make it thoroughly unpleasant. But at least it's free. I love the idea of a tiny electric vehicle - never mind not pedalling, just getting out of the lousy weather would be nice - but I think the Ami's cons outweigh its pros. It's cute, but the price is outrageously high, and the sub-30 mph top speed would be a serious drawback in Britain. Safety wouldn't be a concern for me. I'm used to having a crash-test rating of 0.00; I'm a grown-up and prepared to take my chances. For the past ten years my boobs have been my front airbags and my backside my rear crumple zone. As a cyclist (and a woman) I know that I'm one of the most hated people on the road. Brits really, really, REALLY loathe cyclists. I drove cars without incident for decades, so I know whereof I speak, and I also know what triggers road rage. I'm also a petrolhead - I was an amateur rally driver back in the Group-B era, so I know all about the joys of driving; I also know what winds British motorists up: bad manners and being held back by slow traffic are top of the list. Caravans and farm vehicles on country lanes are worst because there's no way to squeeze past them. Bikes are less galling because they're so narrow, but it's not nice to know that you're always in the way. Whether I'm in town or not, I ride defensively, take care, and obey all the laws and conventions. I keep close to the kerb, I signal, I use my mirrors; I don't hog lanes, I don't dither, weave or wobble; I never ride through red lights; I never ride on pedestrian-only pavements. I spend a lot of time smiling sweetly, making friendly eye-contact, waving 'thanks', giving way, and making it absolutely clear that I know I'm being a jolly nuisance (even though I'm not). Pretending to be nice is more exhausting than pedalling. I'm quite fit so I ride quickly, aiming to average 25 mph. I'm 5' 6" and 9½ stone but ludicrously top-heavy (NN-cup); most lads in cars are too busy laughing, staring mocking, shouting abuse, or waving mobile phone cameras at me to drive me off the road, but there's always a first time. If traffic is heavy I'll dismount, get off the road, and walk alongside my bike on the pavement. It's safer that way. As I said, cyclists are openly hated where I live. We have no dedicated cycle lanes, and it's irresponsible to crawl along blocking traffic; that's something that would make the Ami unsuitable pour moi. A car or bus can force its way past a bike when the red mist descends, but the Ami's a moving roadblock and would soon become a target for vigilante vandals once parked. Smashed up, daubed with graffiti, or even rolled onto its roof, with 'hilarious' TikTok uploads of inverted Amis all over the internet. Yeah. Very funny. A bike's easier to ignore. British motorists aren't tolerant. There's no French tradition of 'sans permit' here; we used to have tiny road-legal invalid carriages used by people with personal mobility issues (remember the Invacar?); they were noisy, dirty and inefficient, but had a top speed of over 60 mph. They were phased out years ago. Today's drivers wouldn't have the patience to share the roads with them. The Ami resembles a cleaner, greener, modern-day Invacar. It'd be fine it it cost half as much and could manage 50 mph. Meanwhile, I'll carry on cycling.😞
I agree. It will take government legislation to provide a provision for special electric vehicles in the UK. If the government is serious enough this will happen in thirty years time.
As much as I love the concept of this car, I can't imagine driving it in Germany. In German towns, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h, and sometimes 60 km/h on major roads. Many cars and motorcycles drive even a little faster. So as a comparatively tiny and little protected part of traffic, I have to keep up in terms of speed, if I don't want to provoke others into dangerous overtaking maneuvers. I very much hope that Citroën can decide to expand on this concept and offer an affordable successor to the Smart ForTwo. This one was unfortunately quite expensive in both gasoline and electric versions, and now it's sadly no longer available at all. Thanks for the insights and keep up the good work!
Now about the air conditioning.. Before I left Spain, I had to buy an a/c for the first time ever in 2019. The heat was unbearable. So I go the little ice-box on Amazon for about €30. In the heat of Madrid it was a life-saver. This is a little box - 5" x5" x5". It has a USB-driven fan at rear and has a drawer at front that takes inserts from your freezer ice-box. You pour a drop of water into the top section(or ice cubes if you like). I fancy you could mount it between the two head restraints maybe. Mount a shade in the rear window. I kept it by my head at night and it still brings back sweet memories of being able to sleep, in a summer when there were no normal moments to relax.
Thank you for your comprehensive and unbiased road review with the pluses and negative clearly spelled out . My concern in UK was the ability to charge at public chargers , my underground parking having a couple of standard charging post , fortunately UK law has solved the problem and they must come supplied with a compatible standard charging cable adaptor .Now I must wait patiently for a test drive . Despite my friend saying it reminds him of the old 3 wheel invalid carriage albeit it now has 4 wheels .
This was a fun review! I live in Japan where there are no plans to sell the Ami or any quadricycle. I think it is a fantastic concept and I love the simplicity of everything about it. Another issue for U.K. is the steering wheel on the left side.
I really like it a lot, not sure it would work in rural America, but I really like this lil car!!!❤️ to me this is what an EV should be, basic and fun, anyone that had a 60’s Beatle can handle the cold, you kind of remind me of my favorite automobile reviewer Honest John, not appearance but style, enjoyed it so much.
I came on the channel because of the AMI and the feedbacks shared by Tim and Mr Boo, this video is a nice summing up with all the Pros and the Cons (but without the charms and the views of the usual trips so if you're here just today, you have plenty of good stuff to watch :D )
If you are still looking for that AC unit, you should contact Daymak in Mississauga Ontario Canada. I have a Boomer Buggy from then which is about half the size of the Ami, and it has an AC unit as standard equipment.
The range worried us but has not proven half as big an issue as we expected and it’s surprising how much stuff you can get in behind seats and in the suitcase slot at the front
Absolutely brilliant little machine. Citroen do it again. Let's hope they get their act together and bring them out to Oz. And thanks for the no bullshit 4000km review. Great stuff!
what a GREAT review of the Ami, I've been watching your videos since I placed my order last September. I love your honesty and unbiased reviews, I've placed my order for my own Ami and it should be here in October (made a video of this). keep up the Vlogs and the quality videos 👍👍
So, your channel has been my catalyst. I paid my advance deposit and now I’ve been able to order today! So, my Ami is on its way. Expected September. Can’t wait. We’ll see the difference it makes owning one in Stoke and not the South of France. Keep up the adventures. Love the channel 👍🏻♥️
You ve said it all! Just a little precision for the steamy windows issue. I do have a tool that enables to wipe from my driving seat because the distance is huge between us and the windshield. Another point is the range when the weather is cold, and the heat is on, and there are 2 persons in the car, your range will be 40 kms not 75, if you drive full speed. Thanks for your videos , i love them, for they show how FUN it is to own an AMI !😂
Thanks glad you are enjoying. we’ve never suffered anything like that range drop in any conditions. Sometimes when very cold a lower top speed on hills but that’s it. Obviously below zero and that may change
To heat it up in the morning fill up a big water tight container with hot water and place it on the passenger side 15 minutes before the off. It’ll help to keep it warm whilst travelling.
Quite informing, and after 1500 Km. I can confirm everything you say. It's awesome to be able to charge the Ami almost everywhere and even for small stops. It's a pity that in Italy Schuko plugs are not available for public use at charging stations (for security reasons); the only other small disadvantage is the speed limited to 45km/h, I look forward to a "pumped" version that can reach at least 70 Km/h with the same autonomy range. Bye!!
I enjoyed hearing about Elton. The Pro's and the Con's will help folk who are interested in buying an Ami. I am enjoying all the wonderful places Elton is bringing us! I do worry about you fellas driving when it's so hot.Can't wait for the next trip! Love from Vermont
I can see this effectively replacing the old blue disabled 'cars' we used to have in the UK! My mum has arthritis and had to give up driving, she might be able to use this though!
LOVE THIS CHANNEL! I’m in the UK and seriously considering the AMI! So much so I went to my Citroen Dealer tonight to have a look!! Booking test drive 2morro!
For seating related back issues I find one of those strung rotating wooden bsll seat covers, itself covered by a heavy duty plastic seat cover works an absolute treat. In contintental climes it would probably need a wicking cotton over cover.
We've watched many of your videos about the Ami (we will watch them all eventually!) and are definitely looking forward to collecting our Ami Pop in September here in Manchester. 🙂
I'd love to say I'll buy one, but the truth is, if I bought a car with the top speed being slow enough to drag race a golf cart I don't know how the neighbors would take it. LOL I love that you purchased one because I can see all the wonderful view that you have to offer. Truthfully, I am glad for you guys it seems like you're really enjoying it. Until next time, bye.
Condensation: get big silica gel dessicant bags, stick them under the seats, replace them every week, they will dry the air. Very handy for all cars in winter.
@@MeandMonAmi I don't drive myself, always been a car fan, watch car vids regularly...yours was honestly one of the most informative, unpretentious and real-road I've seen for ages, thank you.
man I just love this alternative vehicles like this. The simplicity and fun. The issue living in south of Sweden is that the car infrastructure is made exclusively for normal cars. And every year people are driving bigger and heavier cars, especially now with the huge batteries in all-electric vehicles (2ton+). On rural roads people drive at 70km/h, but more often than not they exceed the limit at 100km/h, which would make me super uncomfortable in an Ami. It's a real shame, I wish car traffic was more restricted to highways. while the traffic infrastructure for city traffic and rural roads would use more vehicles like these. I can definitely see the Ami being exceptional in other places, especially in southern Europe with narrow winding roads where speeds are naturally limited just by the roads themselves. It's a shame such a solution isn't an option here. The Ami isn't even sold here by understandable reasons. And since I want to avoid owning a car, my solution has been bicycle, bicycle trailer, electric skateboard, and public transit. It serves 99.99% of my previous car use. I can do most things with bicycle + trailer. The electric skateboard is super easy to bring on transit, but has a downside of being quite heavy and I am unable lock it up and leave it like a bicycle. But for all the cases when I have clear destination. Like visiting my brother, mother etc. the train + skateboard makes a lot of sense. :)
Thanks and tbh that’s been my story up to getting an Ami. E bikes and solexes and scooters. I am convinced in urban environments these types of vehicle are the way to go
I live in a village where 28MPH would not be a problem, but once leaving the village we are straight on to 60MPH roads with little to no overtaking spaces. I don’t see the problem with holding everyone to less than half the speed limit, but the rest of the world will. It’s great if you like to see empty roads! As all the traffic will be stuck behind you, you will end up being a mobile road hazard and hated more than the faster tractors.
As someone who a few years back considered buying a G-Wiz the thought of this car appeals to me. But I think the practicality of driving it in the UK, with a maximum speed of 28mph even on the back lanes you'll either have to drive it like a very considerate tractor driver (pulling in every few minutes to let your entourage pass) or risk being lynched by impatient SUV drivers. Loving your videos, a real breath of fresh air.
@@MeandMonAmi I was tented to buy an AMI for my self, but now, i am searching how to buy a XEV YoYo, that is also a quadricicle, with 150km of autonomy, AC and full multimedia display, and very very fun car. Of course is more expensive than an Ami.
If a the second model has a speed of up to 45mph, I think this could be accepted. As for not having AC and heating vents for the window’s, it is very much like cars before early 80’s. It’s not a get in and drive when you have condensation on the inside. I can see some of the appeal in going to basics. No electric system faults and likely to be cheap parts. The car isn’t really good for UK winter driving, it could be cheap and easy motoring at other times.
A fantastic review thanks for sharing helping me make a purchase decision. I have now caught up with all your videos I have enjoy following your journey I think I need to watch them all again. Keep up the good work and can’t wait for next weeks instalment
A super video Tim on the pros and cons of the Ami. Just one more con, although maybe not that important really, the Ami will be left hand drive only in the UK. Great to see your drive around Nice etc. Looks lovely 🙂
@@chatters7969 Yes, I'm sure. We have a few large left-hand drive American cars near where I live and they seem to manage ok. The wide of the lanes is a different issue lol 😆
Yeah but you could fit a Chinese diesel heater. I fit a Chinese heater in a little pod car I had and it was toasty warm 😜😁👍 btw love your video. Very educational and great review of this little gem. Cheers and thank you 👍😎oh yeah and you got me. I’m now a subscriber too🤭😉🤩have a great day✌🏻
The fact that sans permis vehicules are woven into French motoring is a good one. Britain's car market is about bigger and better. The other thing is the cost in the UK. Nearly 8.5k leave a lot of other options open. The need for a full licence also puts it in direct competition with cars. I'll wait for my test drive but probably won't get one
Loved your review. Regarding your fans.If there's one thing to glean from the UK 2022 heatwaves is the advice to point your fans out the window to draw in cooler air from the other window.
I’m in the uk, I pre ordered mine in feb for £250, just been sent the online link and ordered the pop, took the finance option. Going to pay a £3000 deposit then £27 over a two year agreement which is length of warranty. At the end I’ll decide what I’m going to do
Hats off to Citroen and great review btw. It's not for me but I see it as the start of a concept that will soon solve the problem of city congestion. The SMART car, in my opinion, would make the perfect platform. It just needs to be cheap (let's say £14k) and go a bit faster (50mph/75kmhr). Give it a genuine all year range of 60miles/90km and you have a vehicle for 95% of daily driving around towns and cities. Driving "clubs" would buy them in the thousands. There's so little maintenance involved in EV ownership.
Thanks. I think we will be seeing many more of this type of vehicle in the years to come. The Ami could go faster but it was designed for the sans permis market here and is selling very well in that sector I think
A brilliant video! This is the first time I’ve come across this fab little car or your channel but I’ll be viewing a lot more. An excellent review covering anything and everything I’d want to know in an enthusiastic but realistic way. Great stuff 😁
A lot of London and Wales is now 20 MPH so perhaps not a problem. More places are dropping the speed limit to twenty in residentcial areas. It's to do with noise/polution/saftey.
This review is awesome. I have an Ami with just under 3k now and this is spot on! I agree, the best Ami review on RUclips and I watched a few. Some additions from my experience: the Ami does the 75 km range if you go back to the same elevation in the summer and it does it reliably. You have to charge it fully until it switches off for a few times, though, so the battery management has a chance to calibrate and in general do its job. The Ami battery is LiFePO4 (by E4V), the best tech there is for this application. It's rated at 6000+ cycles, so it handles the charge cycles for about 15 years if you charge it fully every single day of the year, which you typically won't. Some issues are no issues for me: seats, mid rear view mirror (I don't have one, and I don't need it), I don't find the factory cable reeling problematic. Heat is an issue to a lesser degree, but I have the fans. Steaming is a problem: the window treatment was the ultimate solution for me as also suggested in the video. There was an immediate issue, at least for me, that's not mentioned: I had to add interior lights as the Ami doesn't have them. Bought a higher performance tube type USB camp light and cable tied it to the steel frame on the inside, does the job perfectly.
Thanks Very much. Our heat problem is exacerbated by having to park in direct sun so we start out in bad shape. Thanks for battery info. I agree it delivers the range promised at least in the temps we have.
Thanks Very much. Our heat problem is exacerbated by having to park in direct sun so we start out in bad shape. Thanks for battery info. I agree it delivers the range promised at least in the temps we have.
@@nct948 Sorry, also based in France. I think it can't be more difficult in the UK compared to France, it can be real nightmare here, but Allianz got a good deal for me at the end. I also lived in the UK for a few years, car insurance in general was a no brainer there. However, you can try Allianz in the UK they had the Ami already in their system. It's complicated in France, because it's different whether you have a drivers licence or not. It's cheaper if you do. I'd think you could get a better deal, if you don't go the usual comparison site way, since the vehicle is a bit odd. I insured it as an add-on vehicle, and that was cheap. It's similar in insurance terms to an ebike / scooter that needs a licence plate.
Funny that you say you’ve put on a couple pounds since not using your e bike, would be a fun thing if the Ami worked on a pedal version, I think the e bike is only allowed do 45 kph also. As usual great content and always find that I never fast forward your videos. Stay safe
Absolutely brilliant EV review! For me, by far the best I've seen in a very long time. You told us how it is (a rare thing in YT EV reviews) and covered so many relevant points. Anyone seriously considering buying an Elton need look no further than this. Really, and seriously, it's an excellent review. I found myself comparing Elton to a Renault Twizy, and I'd say he wins hands (wheels?) down. Much more spacious and user-friendly, far better equipped (after all, he has *doors*), and incomparably cheaper. Oh, re the seat firmness and your (modest) weight gain, as long as you stay away from that bike of yours it sounds as though you're going in the right direction for comfier driving. Thanks again. Loved it!
I have fitted an outside weather proof plug at the front of the house and required a 5m extension cable with a female euro 2 pin one end and a uk make three pin the other, I plan to connect it to the euro female socket and push that in the door recess. I have connected the outside socket to a 3kw rated Wi-Fi smart switch so I can turn the charge off and on remotely or set a timing schedule. I have a 3kw solar panel system so set it up to charge in the day for free. Ami charges at only 1.8kw
Here in the Desert Southwest of the US we use high quality ceramic tint film that block up to 95% of UV rays. The film needs to be professionally applied by someone who knows what they’re doing or else it bubbles up and looks awful. But it does work.
@@MeandMonAmi Make sure to use ceramic tint film. The “ceramic” part has to do with tiny particles embedded in the film. Ceramic tint looks just like any other film but it is more expensive and is able to block much more UV rays than any other film. It comes in densities from transparent to almost opaque. People here use the transparent for the windscreen and darker tints for side windows. The density permitted is governed by a wide variety of different state laws in the US. I have no idea if there are window tint regulations in France or the UK.
@@MeandMonAmi would be worth adapting. The only issue would be getting the wiper adapting over the shortest part of the windscreen. Mine used to have a pump action in the arm which drew it down in the center portion and extend again over the sides
Brilliant. Made me laugh and nod in agreement a lot. New subscriber and now will binge watch your older videos 😀. I have driven an Ami in the UK (a busy city dual carriageway in Swansea). Not had so many waves and smiles since 2001 when I had one of the first LHD Smarts in Birmingham. Sadly, it simply is not fast enough for the rural area we live in currently (will have big tractors overtaking 😧), but would love to own one in the future (and would rent one in a city).
Tim , some cars have a “ clap hands together” style of windscreen wiper to cover most of the screen. Maybe Citroen could add it as an option ? Great review anyway . Must see if the Ami has come to Belfast yet .
Fantastic review - thank you! Personally, I love the design and small form factor. I wish I could say it was the car for me in the UK. But as I work from home I have no commute, and I cycle (Swytch conversion) small local distances, so the only journeys we'd really need it for are longer journeys on main roads and for longer distances (over ten miles radius). For me the Microlino ticks more boxes, but it's way more expensive and still not available here, and I still love the simple utilitarian design of the Ami (I have fond memories of running around in my parents' 2CV back in the 90s with the passenger seat removed and a lawn mower/baggage/dog installed instead). The only way I could justify it is for the small local journeys we do, delivering fruit from the orchard on a Friday morning in a 27km round trip, or the trips to the vets or local village when it's too wet or cold to want to cycle. I'd love to see Citroen make a version with double the range and speed (130km and 90kmh) - that would mean city hopping would be a reality and day trips away from the city would be a very real possibility. I'm sure they'll get there - the French always think outside the box in a way the Brits are often scared to.
Great review. It's the top speed here in the uk that's the problem I live slightly out of a city surrounded by 60mph speed limits. You can drive this on a provisional licence here in the UK and you can also drive a 125 cc motorbike or scooter capable of 60 mph. If it could do 50 mph I'd get one.
A lovely review. Unfortunately, I think it will be short-lived in the UK. A 28 mph limit would frankly be deadly on a dual carriage way, and you'd need to avoid all motorways. As an alternative to local bike use, it looks fun, but it risks being misunderstood, and could lead to serious accidents, in the wrong hands, on the wrong roads.
Thanks. TBH they are banned on motorways here. It will be interesting to see if they work in U.K. we love ours but as I say in the review you have to look at your own use case
@@MeandMonAmi For your location, it seems a good fit. It'll be interesting to see how they market it in the UK. Have a look at UV protection window tints. They're effective at cutting down glare and heat getting in. They add no weight or power consumption. Depending on laws, fit to side and rear windows. Use a specialist installer for a factory fit look.
The heat and cold reminds me of motoring in the 1970s, small cars like the original Ami6 and Ami8, the Dyane, the wCV, the Renault 4, Trabant, Fiat 500, Daf 44 etc.. even the Land rover Series 3 none had aircon or great heating, you just got on with it. You didn't expect the inside of your vehicle to be like your living room. I recall as a boy, travelling to Spain, Italy and the South of France in my dad's cars and none of them had aircon, you just opened the windows and got on with it. Does the sunroof open on this thing?
I’m fine with basic not least cos I’ve never had another car of any type but opening the windows with all that glass and a plastic roof in ten hottest summer in french history doesn’t quite cut it.. we love our ami though
Truly cracking video of the most important aspects of ownership of this vehicle. This gives all the information that the smart-a*** reviewers never give. The vehicle is a huge compromise compared to a car and a true alternative to riding a scooter or similar (without the traffic filtering option, granted). You addressed areas that I would not have easily come up with having driven a car for 50 years, but realise that they definitely make a difference, eg steamy windows/wiper/cold cabin and more. By the way, why not put a paraffin heater in the car to keep it warm on winter days?- great idea, you, like me must be of the age to remember those! I suggest that no one in the UK should drive/own one of these who are under 40, they are unlikely to have the application/grit to use it safely!
Thanks Very much. There’s something about this quad that (so far) makes you forgive any of its faults. I suspect but don’t know that the 2CV was very similar in that respect.
@@MeandMonAmi It was, similar to the Renault 4 that I owned, and its simplicity made it the most loved of the 23 cars I have ever owned. Vive simplicite...
This randomly popped up in my feed, nice review looks like a fun and practical car for running around town but personally I would not want to be in a crash this(or any car for that matter) but this looks like it would offer very little protection to its occupants will be interesting to see the euro ncap review. Any thanks for the video top job
Sadly I cancelled my Ami reservation. It just seemed too expensive in the UK. I felt the Citroen communication and customer service was lacking and it was a bit take it or leave attitude. The good news is that I will still watch your entertaining channel and maybe I will buy a used Ami if one comes on the market in the future.
@@SimsVlog Yes the price was an anti climax. I was hoping they would do something special for the ones who had paid the reservation fee. I had to think with my head and not my heart! The refund took ages to complete.
What about mirror tint on the sunroof and rear windows to reflect the sunlight and keep it cooler inside? Also how about a solar panel on the roof to help keep the battery topped up? Oh my mind is racing away with ideas. Thank you for the time you put into this video and for sharing. 👍+ 🔔
Try out a so-called swamp cooler. You can probably find one that uses USB and you can set it on the dash. Might just about be good enough for this use case.
Yes, I was thinking these micro cars are best used, primarily in urban settings. Interesting information on the differences in the cultural attitudes regarding these small cars...
Thanks Mike. I guess it is made for a specific market of voiture sans permis here in France and though the air con is an issue it’s one we kind of accept given we paid under €6k with eco bonuses etc. In the U.K. it’s going to be quite a bit more expensive than that I think
Don't think you mentioned it, unless I missed it in which case I apologize, but how is it driving at night? Have you tried? Are the cars lights sufficient? I absolutely love the Ami. An instant classic in my view. Also I have been enjoying watching a few of your videos. Keep them coming.
Thanks. We haven’t had any problems driving at night. Day times you sometimes get flashed by others who think you have left your lights on (which you have but of course don’t have a choice!)
as for the temperature, you really need to get that stuff which you normally use behind a radiator. This reflective stuff. Make curtains out of it, and close up them windows. It will reduce the heat somewhat. It will not keep it cold like a freezer but it will work especially if in direct sunlight. It keeps the inside from heating up, radiating its heat into the interior. Give it a try. The most obvious way to reduce the heat inside is: park in the shade. But reducing the amount of sunshine in the car by reflecting it back, to prevent it from heating up the interior, it really helps. Obviously this depends on the amount of time left in the sun. But, curtains. Just stick some rods on the roof with some tie wraps or perhaps a few bolts into the frame. Or just a wire between the framework with a curtain of this reflective stuff which you normally put behind a radiator. And btw, get into contact with more people, because if we can get at least 10 of us, i am in for that Rally with this Ami. Sounds like great fun to try.
Interesting video thanks, especially the cold weather and fogging up in the winter. Funnily enough although the release date in the uk has passed, I see from the Citroen website that UK insurance is still being sought and that there are no test drives available. I’m so on the fence but feel this may save us a bit of costs in our very short commutes to work here in Weymouth. Thanks for sharing. Andy. P.S. another sub here 👍
With the world being encouraged to move from carbon based fuels to renewables I love the concept of this little car. As someone who enjoys driving and uses my car for my holidays, travelling the whole of the UK, I am a little worried about a couple of things. I know people will perhaps suggest get on the train or go by coach, but I am a dinosaur when it come to keeping my independent mode for transport. Your review was brilliant and solely based on an owners point of view, offering the watcher a "warts and all" open and unbiased viewpoint, thank you.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed
Best car review I've seen. Mature, relevant, not trying to impress. This is the standard by which others should be measured. To be fair - he had the advantage of long usage, unlike most reviewers of new cars, but still. Good.
Thanks very much. I’m glad you found it useful
I live in a block of flats....utterly impractical for me and no air con is an absolute no no.
@@brokeandtiredwe have to move from our confort zone! The Planet is dying ot too much air conditioners !
Finally got mine delivered. I live in Brussels and this car is perfect for driving in the city that is now a 30KM/H one anyway! Indeed the car is still rare so people turn their head and smile! I live in a house with solar panels, so charging the car is almost free. This is the car I use locally, for driving long range I have a Prius. Anyway I can say your review is 100% correct and honest. This car has the potential of becoming iconic. Not to mention its contribution in reducing drastically air and noise pollution in cities.
Pleased you are enjoying. It’s not perfect (what is?) but I agree that the potential is enormous.
@@MeandMonAmi I guess there will soon be mods for delivery jobs (e.g. replacing the passenger seat with a rack or insulated box for food deliveries).
This is simply the best review of the Ami on RUclips. Most industry"experts" only drive a car for a few hours or in some cases a few minutes before writing a review. As you may remember I own a Twizy and that is a car I felt I had to own from the minute I first saw pictures of it. The Ami appealed to me in the same way and I intended to buy one as an additional vehicle. I could not give up the Twizy as the 50mph top speed is a major advantage that outways the better interior space and weather protection that the Ami offers. However I was surprised at the much higher price for a UK supplied Ami than one purchased in France. £6500 would be fine but not £8500 which I think is too high. If I buy an Ami in the future I will buy it in France second hand and import it myself.
As it has been incredibly warm here in sunny Norfolk, UK, I have been frying in my Twizy even though I drive around with the windows removed. I am working on some removable air vents that clamp to the doors and force air inside the car as it drives along. This idea would also work on the Ami, I will keep you posted!
Thanks Andrew. Yes I think the air vent idea is a good one we improvised something similar the other day but it was very Heath Robinson!
@@MeandMonAmi I made a mistake in my comment which I have since corrected. I should have said that I was surprised ay the high launch price of the AMI in the UK.
The review is fantastic there is no denying that it just a shame it is about this dreadful looking thing that frankly I cannot imagine many people wanting to own. For a car that doesn't know its butt from its face is clearly designed by some graduate straight from uni with little or no knowledge of what people actually want. Mind you I would big it up if someone paid me. With such a limited mileage on a charge you need a charger at the end of every 2nd road and that is not going to happen.
@@geebix No one is paying us I assure you. We genuinely love the design but as I say it’s marmite
@@geebix It's marmite for sure, but personally I think it's beautiful in its simplicity - a breath of fresh air amongst the design trinketry of main stream vehicles. As for the range, the streets must be awfully long where you live. Maybe you forget the premise of this vehicle - teenagers in France are a big market force there, it fits that category perfectly, and overlaps the demographic who admire the utiltarian, quirky design that performs the intended brief (short, local journeys) at a decent price for a new vehicle.
No nonsense, relaxing, informative, entertaining video. It's like having an easy summer day with a good friend.
Many thanks
What an AWESOME vlog with AMAZING scenery too. I feel here in the UK, the most amazing part for the Ami is the £19.99 a month for contract hire (with a £2500 deposit). That's cheaper than buying one outright when you figure in servicing, MOT, repairs and depreciation along with only a 3 year warranty for the battery. I always feel the an electric car is best suited to contract hire and then replacing it every 2 or 3 years as the main cost is the battery to replace. £19.99 a month to have a car is groundbreaking. This could be AMAZING for retired people on limited income and it would open a complete new life for them. I'm excited by electric cars. As a city dweller and mountain biker, I can't wait for the day when we have no more smelly diesel fumes polluting our air along with the clanking noise that they make. Really exciting times :) :) :) PS LOVED my Mummy's Citroén LNA in the vintage years when i was a child :)
Thanks. Yes we bought outright because the eco bonus here etc and it was also quite a bit cheaper then than now
Given there are decade old EVs on the road with very healthy batteries don't think battery replacement is something you should worry about. Although there are other expensive parts that can fail so until the spare parts market is equally healthy a warranty is a good idea.
That deposit is as good as lost.. They will be searching for any excuse to relieve you of it.😂
@@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968 You don't get the deposit back, it is non-refundable. It is part of any lease car contract. So when you factor in the £2500 deposit, plus the £20 a month rental fee, plus your insurance, you are talking around £120 a month to drive this thing.
@@fishmeister2625 This is the legal definition of "A deposit" (a returnable sum payable on the hire or rental of something, to cover possible loss or damage) Are you confused with "Down payment" ?
What an excellent review. Thank you! 🙂 I'm a Brit in the north of England who sold her (1 litre petrol) hatchback over a decade ago; since then I've ridden an old mountain bike worth about £30 [thirty]. I do 70 essential miles a week in all weathers; the bike has been modified to carry 50 lbs of groceries in panniers, and itself weighs about 50 lbs unladen.
I'm skint, living on an annual [sic] budget of under £1,000 [one-thousand]. I'll never be able to afford an EV of any description.
Cycling in Britain is a miserable experience. The rain, the wind, the rough and ancient roads, the lack of space, and the often violent hostility of motorists make it thoroughly unpleasant.
But at least it's free.
I love the idea of a tiny electric vehicle - never mind not pedalling, just getting out of the lousy weather would be nice - but I think the Ami's cons outweigh its pros. It's cute, but the price is outrageously high, and the sub-30 mph top speed would be a serious drawback in Britain.
Safety wouldn't be a concern for me. I'm used to having a crash-test rating of 0.00; I'm a grown-up and prepared to take my chances. For the past ten years my boobs have been my front airbags and my backside my rear crumple zone.
As a cyclist (and a woman) I know that I'm one of the most hated people on the road. Brits really, really, REALLY loathe cyclists. I drove cars without incident for decades, so I know whereof I speak, and I also know what triggers road rage.
I'm also a petrolhead - I was an amateur rally driver back in the Group-B era, so I know all about the joys of driving; I also know what winds British motorists up: bad manners and being held back by slow traffic are top of the list.
Caravans and farm vehicles on country lanes are worst because there's no way to squeeze past them. Bikes are less galling because they're so narrow, but it's not nice to know that you're always in the way.
Whether I'm in town or not, I ride defensively, take care, and obey all the laws and conventions. I keep close to the kerb, I signal, I use my mirrors; I don't hog lanes, I don't dither, weave or wobble; I never ride through red lights; I never ride on pedestrian-only pavements.
I spend a lot of time smiling sweetly, making friendly eye-contact, waving 'thanks', giving way, and making it absolutely clear that I know I'm being a jolly nuisance (even though I'm not). Pretending to be nice is more exhausting than pedalling.
I'm quite fit so I ride quickly, aiming to average 25 mph. I'm 5' 6" and 9½ stone but ludicrously top-heavy (NN-cup); most lads in cars are too busy laughing, staring mocking, shouting abuse, or waving mobile phone cameras at me to drive me off the road, but there's always a first time.
If traffic is heavy I'll dismount, get off the road, and walk alongside my bike on the pavement. It's safer that way.
As I said, cyclists are openly hated where I live. We have no dedicated cycle lanes, and it's irresponsible to crawl along blocking traffic; that's something that would make the Ami unsuitable pour moi.
A car or bus can force its way past a bike when the red mist descends, but the Ami's a moving roadblock and would soon become a target for vigilante vandals once parked. Smashed up, daubed with graffiti, or even rolled onto its roof, with 'hilarious' TikTok uploads of inverted Amis all over the internet. Yeah. Very funny.
A bike's easier to ignore.
British motorists aren't tolerant. There's no French tradition of 'sans permit' here; we used to have tiny road-legal invalid carriages used by people with personal mobility issues (remember the Invacar?); they were noisy, dirty and inefficient, but had a top speed of over 60 mph. They were phased out years ago. Today's drivers wouldn't have the patience to share the roads with them.
The Ami resembles a cleaner, greener, modern-day Invacar. It'd be fine it it cost half as much and could manage 50 mph.
Meanwhile, I'll carry on cycling.😞
Glad you enjoyed the review. Don’t stop cycling (I haven’t) Be interesting to see how the ami pans out in the UK
You could look out for a second-hand Mahindra E20. Not much bigger than the Ami, but with a top speed of 55mph. Not as cool looking as the Ami though.
I agree. It will take government legislation to provide a provision for special electric vehicles in the UK. If the government is serious enough this will happen in thirty years time.
What a fabulous and “honest’ and practical review… the information and feelings presented in this video are so far, the best I have seen… thank you 😊
Thank you so much!
Very honest and clear review 10/10
Thanks
As much as I love the concept of this car, I can't imagine driving it in Germany. In German towns, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h, and sometimes 60 km/h on major roads. Many cars and motorcycles drive even a little faster. So as a comparatively tiny and little protected part of traffic, I have to keep up in terms of speed, if I don't want to provoke others into dangerous overtaking maneuvers. I very much hope that Citroën can decide to expand on this concept and offer an affordable successor to the Smart ForTwo. This one was unfortunately quite expensive in both gasoline and electric versions, and now it's sadly no longer available at all. Thanks for the insights and keep up the good work!
Thanks. As I always say the French are are used to these type of reduced speed vehicle…
Now about the air conditioning.. Before I left Spain, I had to buy an a/c for the first time ever in 2019. The heat was unbearable. So I go the little ice-box on Amazon for about €30. In the heat of Madrid it was a life-saver. This is a little box - 5" x5" x5". It has a USB-driven fan at rear and has a drawer at front that takes inserts from your freezer ice-box. You pour a drop of water into the top section(or ice cubes if you like). I fancy you could mount it between the two head restraints maybe. Mount a shade in the rear window. I kept it by my head at night and it still brings back sweet memories of being able to sleep, in a summer when there were no normal moments to relax.
Thanks Steve. I think we will have to try something similar!
Thank you for your comprehensive and unbiased road review with the pluses and negative clearly spelled out . My concern in UK was the ability to charge at public chargers , my underground parking having a couple of standard charging post , fortunately UK law has solved the problem and they must come supplied with a compatible standard charging cable adaptor .Now I must wait patiently for a test drive . Despite my friend saying it reminds him of the old 3 wheel invalid carriage albeit it now has 4 wheels .
Thanks Richard. As I say design wise it’s marmite!
Yup pretty sure if you have access to a standard 3 pin U.K. socket then the adaptor from the continental two pin should sort you out!
This was a fun review! I live in Japan where there are no plans to sell the Ami or any quadricycle. I think it is a fantastic concept and I love the simplicity of everything about it. Another issue for U.K. is the steering wheel on the left side.
Yes I’d forgotten that quite big detail!
I really like it a lot, not sure it would work in rural America, but I really like this lil car!!!❤️ to me this is what an EV should be, basic and fun, anyone that had a 60’s Beatle can handle the cold, you kind of remind me of my favorite automobile reviewer Honest John, not appearance but style, enjoyed it so much.
Thanks. Love Beetles!
I came on the channel because of the AMI and the feedbacks shared by Tim and Mr Boo, this video is a nice summing up with all the Pros and the Cons (but without the charms and the views of the usual trips so if you're here just today, you have plenty of good stuff to watch :D )
More adventures to come but right now it’s very hard to move anywhere on the riviera because of the heat and traffic!
If you are still looking for that AC unit, you should contact Daymak in Mississauga Ontario Canada. I have a Boomer Buggy from then which is about half the size of the Ami, and it has an AC unit as standard equipment.
Thanks Daniel
It looks like it could be very useful for some people. I like the simplicity but the range and lack of cargo space would be a killer for me.
The range worried us but has not proven half as big an issue as we expected and it’s surprising how much stuff you can get in behind seats and in the suitcase slot at the front
Absolutely brilliant little machine. Citroen do it again. Let's hope they get their act together and bring them out to Oz. And thanks for the no bullshit 4000km review. Great stuff!
Thanks Peter
what a GREAT review of the Ami,
I've been watching your videos since I placed my order last September.
I love your honesty and unbiased reviews, I've placed my order for my own Ami and it should be here in October (made a video of this).
keep up the Vlogs and the quality videos
👍👍
Thanks John. I hope you enjoy
So, your channel has been my catalyst. I paid my advance deposit and now I’ve been able to order today! So, my Ami is on its way. Expected September. Can’t wait. We’ll see the difference it makes owning one in Stoke and not the South of France. Keep up the adventures. Love the channel 👍🏻♥️
it’s all OUR fault now! I hope it gives you as much pleasure as we’ve had!
You ve said it all!
Just a little precision for the steamy windows issue. I do have a tool that enables to wipe from my driving seat because the distance is huge between us and the windshield.
Another point is the range when the weather is cold, and the heat is on, and there are 2 persons in the car, your range will be 40 kms not 75, if you drive full speed.
Thanks for your videos , i love them, for they show how FUN it is to own an AMI !😂
Thanks glad you are enjoying. we’ve never suffered anything like that range drop in any conditions. Sometimes when very cold a lower top speed on hills but that’s it. Obviously below zero and that may change
To heat it up in the morning fill up a big water tight container with hot water and place it on the passenger side 15 minutes before the off. It’ll help to keep it warm whilst travelling.
That sounds like a tip borne of experience!
One of the best reviews so far (including the ones of the real cars too), even with the excess of "bear in mind" in it ( :-P ).
Great video!
Thanks. I’m laughing at ‘bear in mind’!
Quite informing, and after 1500 Km. I can confirm everything you say. It's awesome to be able to charge the Ami almost everywhere and even for small stops. It's a pity that in Italy Schuko plugs are not available for public use at charging stations (for security reasons); the only other small disadvantage is the speed limited to 45km/h, I look forward to a "pumped" version that can reach at least 70 Km/h with the same autonomy range. Bye!!
Glad you agree. Yes we have to use our shuko in Italy and I keep expecting it to get nicked!
Are there real plans from Citroen to bring more powerful version to market?
I enjoyed hearing about Elton. The Pro's and the Con's will help folk who are interested in buying an Ami. I am enjoying all the wonderful places Elton is bringing us! I do worry about you fellas driving when it's so hot.Can't wait for the next trip! Love from Vermont
Thanks Rebekah. The heat is curtailing adventures at the moment but more to come !
@@MeandMonAmi I love your adventures but, I am happy to wait till the temps go down.We don't want the channel to be "Me and Mon Ami 911".
@@rebekahlow8375 indeed! We’re certainly having to shoot things closer to home until the heat abates.
I can see this effectively replacing the old blue disabled 'cars' we used to have in the UK! My mum has arthritis and had to give up driving, she might be able to use this though!
Yes though I don’t know the licensing rules for disabled drivers in the U.K. now..
LOVE THIS CHANNEL! I’m in the UK and seriously considering the AMI! So much so I went to my Citroen Dealer tonight to have a look!! Booking test drive 2morro!
Thanks. Hope you like it!
I don't know what it is but I love little cars like this. They're just super cute.
I agree
For seating related back issues I find one of those strung rotating wooden bsll seat covers, itself covered by a heavy duty plastic seat cover works an absolute treat. In contintental climes it would probably need a wicking cotton over cover.
Thanks I’ve always wondered what they did!
A gorgeous, honest and fun review 🥳 Fab! 💕
Thanks Dan
Nice to see Villefranche again, I spent a week there this summer, but I didn't see your Ami! 😎👍
We were about!
Very good review looks like fun
Thanks
We've watched many of your videos about the Ami (we will watch them all eventually!) and are definitely looking forward to collecting our Ami Pop in September here in Manchester. 🙂
Thanks Stephen. How exciting. Ami will look cool in Mancs I think
Its like an electric citroen 2CV from back in the day simple and cheap i like it ❤
Exactly
I'd love to say I'll buy one, but the truth is, if I bought a car with the top speed being slow enough to drag race a golf cart I don't know how the neighbors would take it. LOL I love that you purchased one because I can see all the wonderful view that you have to offer. Truthfully, I am glad for you guys it seems like you're really enjoying it. Until next time, bye.
Thanks Pat. You know what Quentin Crisp said about the neighbours: ‘never try to keep up with the Jones’s, drag them down to your level, its cheaper’!
Such a sensible episode. So looking forward to getting ours. Thank you.
Hope you enjoy!
Condensation: get big silica gel dessicant bags, stick them under the seats, replace them every week, they will dry the air. Very handy for all cars in winter.
Gonna try that!
Well done. Very informative and useful description. Always enjoy your adventures in Elton.
Thanks Gavin.
Excellent, very professional video , worthy of a motoring magazine.
Jeremy Clarkson should be quaking in his boots .
Keep the videos coming .
Thanks Richard. I’m sure Jeremy will cope;
Think I just watched a car review by someone who knows nowt 'bout cars!?! Very refreshing 😂👍
Never owned one except this!
@@MeandMonAmi I don't drive myself, always been a car fan, watch car vids regularly...yours was honestly one of the most informative, unpretentious and real-road I've seen for ages, thank you.
man I just love this alternative vehicles like this. The simplicity and fun. The issue living in south of Sweden is that the car infrastructure is made exclusively for normal cars. And every year people are driving bigger and heavier cars, especially now with the huge batteries in all-electric vehicles (2ton+). On rural roads people drive at 70km/h, but more often than not they exceed the limit at 100km/h, which would make me super uncomfortable in an Ami. It's a real shame, I wish car traffic was more restricted to highways. while the traffic infrastructure for city traffic and rural roads would use more vehicles like these.
I can definitely see the Ami being exceptional in other places, especially in southern Europe with narrow winding roads where speeds are naturally limited just by the roads themselves. It's a shame such a solution isn't an option here. The Ami isn't even sold here by understandable reasons. And since I want to avoid owning a car, my solution has been bicycle, bicycle trailer, electric skateboard, and public transit. It serves 99.99% of my previous car use. I can do most things with bicycle + trailer. The electric skateboard is super easy to bring on transit, but has a downside of being quite heavy and I am unable lock it up and leave it like a bicycle. But for all the cases when I have clear destination. Like visiting my brother, mother etc. the train + skateboard makes a lot of sense. :)
Thanks and tbh that’s been my story up to getting an Ami. E bikes and solexes and scooters. I am convinced in urban environments these types of vehicle are the way to go
Great video. Looking forward to taking delivery of my Ami Tonic within the next month 😊
Fab hope you enjoy!
This is the Citroen 2CV of the XXI century. Fabulous!
I tend to agree
Great vid, well done. Im looking forward to seeing the first Ami on uk roads
yes me too!
I live in a village where 28MPH would not be a problem, but once leaving the village we are straight on to 60MPH roads with little to no overtaking spaces. I don’t see the problem with holding everyone to less than half the speed limit, but the rest of the world will. It’s great if you like to see empty roads! As all the traffic will be stuck behind you, you will end up being a mobile road hazard and hated more than the faster tractors.
Yup as I say it has to work for your use case really..
A brilliant review. It’s also going to be useful in busy UK resorts were you see a lot of smart cars
Thanks. Yes I can see it in U.K. resorts!
The downsides remind me of my Citroen 2CV & Dyanne owning days. Great practical review. Lots of love from a coolish Glasgow.
Yup I suspect your reading Is very accurate. I spent a lot of time in coolish Glasgow!
Thank you for this review. I think you are marvellous. The quadracycle is alright as well.
Thanks Vivvie
I only ride bicycles for now. The issue now is not having a good cargo. This vehicle is interesting solution to that.
Yup I love cycling but there’s a limit to what you can carry
As someone who a few years back considered buying a G-Wiz the thought of this car appeals to me. But I think the practicality of driving it in the UK, with a maximum speed of 28mph even on the back lanes you'll either have to drive it like a very considerate tractor driver (pulling in every few minutes to let your entourage pass) or risk being lynched by impatient SUV drivers. Loving your videos, a real breath of fresh air.
Thanks Jason. Oh just do it anyway;
So that's where honest John went, great review thanks
Ha. Thanks
Very interesting and honest opinian, about Citroën AMI. Thank you for your sincere opinion!
My pleasure!
Thank you so much for all the share around the Ami. Great job!
Thanks Nelson
@@MeandMonAmi I was tented to buy an AMI for my self, but now, i am searching how to buy a XEV YoYo, that is also a quadricicle, with 150km of autonomy, AC and full multimedia display, and very very fun car. Of course is more expensive than an Ami.
Thank you, Thank you, thank you,!
At last
An completely honest review
All the best.
Thanks for watching!
If a the second model has a speed of up to 45mph, I think this could be accepted.
As for not having AC and heating vents for the window’s, it is very much like cars before early 80’s. It’s not a get in and drive when you have condensation on the inside. I can see some of the appeal in going to basics. No electric system faults and likely to be cheap parts.
The car isn’t really good for UK winter driving, it could be cheap and easy motoring at other times.
I very much doubt they will up the speed given its created for the voiture sans permis market in France but who knows..
@@MeandMonAmi It would also have to be re-categorised in the UK if the max speed changed. Good honest review, thanks.
Apply white vinyl to roof and sides. Should lower temp significantly
Interesting. I do think the black soaks up so much heat
Brilliant review. Explained exactly what I wanted to know. Temperature in winter summer and seats. Bingo.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed
A fantastic review thanks for sharing helping me make a purchase decision. I have now caught up with all your videos I have enjoy following your journey I think I need to watch them all again. Keep up the good work and can’t wait for next weeks instalment
Thanks Owen!
Saving up asap , expected date around august next year unless inflation continues upwards . A removable top half would be a fun future option.
Yup. Fiat are doing one and Citroen have a buggy version’
A super video Tim on the pros and cons of the Ami. Just one more con, although maybe not that important really, the Ami will be left hand drive only in the UK. Great to see your drive around Nice etc. Looks lovely 🙂
Thanks Andrew. Yes a good point re left hand drive. Obvs doesn’t matter for us here..
Yep your right, LHD, although it’s so small you are only about 30cm from the RHD position so not as bad as you think!
@@chatters7969 Yes, I'm sure. We have a few large left-hand drive American cars near where I live and they seem to manage ok. The wide of the lanes is a different issue lol 😆
Yeah but you could fit a Chinese diesel heater. I fit a Chinese heater in a little pod car I had and it was toasty warm 😜😁👍 btw love your video. Very educational and great review of this little gem. Cheers and thank you 👍😎oh yeah and you got me. I’m now a subscriber too🤭😉🤩have a great day✌🏻
Thanks Jay! Glad to have you on board!
Brilliant videos guys have so enjoyed watching them and look forward to more from you both and the Ami
Thanks Steve
The fact that sans permis vehicules are woven into French motoring is a good one. Britain's car market is about bigger and better. The other thing is the cost in the UK. Nearly 8.5k leave a lot of other options open. The need for a full licence also puts it in direct competition with cars. I'll wait for my test drive but probably won't get one
I do think needing a licence in the U.K. impacts the decision for sure
Loved your review.
Regarding your fans.If there's one thing to glean from the UK 2022 heatwaves is the advice to point your fans out the window to draw in cooler air from the other window.
Thanks and thank for the tips. Gonna try that!
I’m in the uk, I pre ordered mine in feb for £250, just been sent the online link and ordered the pop, took the finance option. Going to pay a £3000 deposit then £27 over a two year agreement which is length of warranty. At the end I’ll decide what I’m going to do
Hope you enjoy!
@@MeandMonAmi thanks, all the adventures you have been on despite the 45 miles of autonomy have inspired me!
Hats off to Citroen and great review btw.
It's not for me but I see it as the start of a concept that will soon solve the problem of city congestion.
The SMART car, in my opinion, would make the perfect platform. It just needs to be cheap (let's say £14k) and go a bit faster (50mph/75kmhr). Give it a genuine all year range of 60miles/90km and you have a vehicle for 95% of daily driving around towns and cities.
Driving "clubs" would buy them in the thousands. There's so little maintenance involved in EV ownership.
Thanks. I think we will be seeing many more of this type of vehicle in the years to come. The Ami could go faster but it was designed for the sans permis market here and is selling very well in that sector I think
A brilliant video! This is the first time I’ve come across this fab little car or your channel but I’ll be viewing a lot more. An excellent review covering anything and everything I’d want to know in an enthusiastic but realistic way. Great stuff 😁
Thanks Dawster!
A lot of London and Wales is now 20 MPH so perhaps not a problem. More places are dropping the speed limit to twenty in residentcial areas. It's to do with noise/polution/saftey.
Absolutely there are so few roads where our top speed is an issue. There are some but they are the minority
This review is awesome. I have an Ami with just under 3k now and this is spot on! I agree, the best Ami review on RUclips and I watched a few.
Some additions from my experience: the Ami does the 75 km range if you go back to the same elevation in the summer and it does it reliably. You have to charge it fully until it switches off for a few times, though, so the battery management has a chance to calibrate and in general do its job. The Ami battery is LiFePO4 (by E4V), the best tech there is for this application. It's rated at 6000+ cycles, so it handles the charge cycles for about 15 years if you charge it fully every single day of the year, which you typically won't.
Some issues are no issues for me: seats, mid rear view mirror (I don't have one, and I don't need it), I don't find the factory cable reeling problematic. Heat is an issue to a lesser degree, but I have the fans. Steaming is a problem: the window treatment was the ultimate solution for me as also suggested in the video.
There was an immediate issue, at least for me, that's not mentioned: I had to add interior lights as the Ami doesn't have them. Bought a higher performance tube type USB camp light and cable tied it to the steel frame on the inside, does the job perfectly.
is there no difficulty finding an insurance for it in the UK (I assume that's where you are based)?
Thanks Very much. Our heat problem is exacerbated by having to park in direct sun so we start out in bad shape. Thanks for battery info. I agree it delivers the range promised at least in the temps we have.
We are based in France.
Thanks Very much. Our heat problem is exacerbated by having to park in direct sun so we start out in bad shape. Thanks for battery info. I agree it delivers the range promised at least in the temps we have.
@@nct948 Sorry, also based in France. I think it can't be more difficult in the UK compared to France, it can be real nightmare here, but Allianz got a good deal for me at the end. I also lived in the UK for a few years, car insurance in general was a no brainer there. However, you can try Allianz in the UK they had the Ami already in their system. It's complicated in France, because it's different whether you have a drivers licence or not. It's cheaper if you do. I'd think you could get a better deal, if you don't go the usual comparison site way, since the vehicle is a bit odd. I insured it as an add-on vehicle, and that was cheap. It's similar in insurance terms to an ebike / scooter that needs a licence plate.
Great video, wouldn't mind one of these to tootle off to the local shop (4 miles away)..
Perfect
Funny that you say you’ve put on a couple pounds since not using your e bike, would be a fun thing if the Ami worked on a pedal version, I think the e bike is only allowed do 45 kph also. As usual great content and always find that I never fast forward your videos. Stay safe
Thanks Paul
This is a really good review, it will help you if a lot you are considering buying one
Thanks Henk
Absolutely brilliant EV review! For me, by far the best I've seen in a very long time. You told us how it is (a rare thing in YT EV reviews) and covered so many relevant points. Anyone seriously considering buying an Elton need look no further than this. Really, and seriously, it's an excellent review. I found myself comparing Elton to a Renault Twizy, and I'd say he wins hands (wheels?) down. Much more spacious and user-friendly, far better equipped (after all, he has *doors*), and incomparably cheaper. Oh, re the seat firmness and your (modest) weight gain, as long as you stay away from that bike of yours it sounds as though you're going in the right direction for comfier driving. Thanks again. Loved it!
thanks so much Avid!
I have fitted an outside weather proof plug at the front of the house and required a 5m extension cable with a female euro 2 pin one end and a uk make three pin the other, I plan to connect it to the euro female socket and push that in the door recess. I have connected the outside socket to a 3kw rated Wi-Fi smart switch so I can turn the charge off and on remotely or set a timing schedule. I have a 3kw solar panel system so set it up to charge in the day for free. Ami charges at only 1.8kw
That sounds like a good plan and the adaptor should fit into the door recess (our standard one does)
Good for France, it may not be for you but it does have wit and charm
Absolutely 👍
Here in the Desert Southwest of the US we use high quality ceramic tint film that block up to 95% of UV rays. The film needs to be professionally applied by someone who knows what they’re doing or else it bubbles up and looks awful. But it does work.
Thanks Richard. We are going to look into this
@@MeandMonAmi Make sure to use ceramic tint film. The “ceramic” part has to do with tiny particles embedded in the film. Ceramic tint looks just like any other film but it is more expensive and is able to block much more UV rays than any other film. It comes in densities from transparent to almost opaque. People here use the transparent for the windscreen and darker tints for side windows. The density permitted is governed by a wide variety of different state laws in the US. I have no idea if there are window tint regulations in France or the UK.
They should have adopted the Mercedes trick for a single windscreen wiper. They are centralised and work fabulously.
Maybe that is a mod someone will do…
@@MeandMonAmi would be worth adapting. The only issue would be getting the wiper adapting over the shortest part of the windscreen. Mine used to have a pump action in the arm which drew it down in the center portion and extend again over the sides
Brilliant. Made me laugh and nod in agreement a lot. New subscriber and now will binge watch your older videos 😀. I have driven an Ami in the UK (a busy city dual carriageway in Swansea). Not had so many waves and smiles since 2001 when I had one of the first LHD Smarts in Birmingham. Sadly, it simply is not fast enough for the rural area we live in currently (will have big tractors overtaking 😧), but would love to own one in the future (and would rent one in a city).
Thanks Ali. Do it anyway, the tractors will cope!;
really loved your review... I wonder if they will sell it here in America...
Thanks Gary. I wonder. There’s certainly a lot of interest judging by how many US viewers we have
Tim , some cars have a “ clap hands together” style of windscreen wiper to cover most of the screen. Maybe Citroen could add it as an option ?
Great review anyway . Must see if the Ami has come to Belfast yet .
I’m going to look them up. I only discovered ‘suicide doors’ yesterday!
Fantastic review - thank you! Personally, I love the design and small form factor. I wish I could say it was the car for me in the UK. But as I work from home I have no commute, and I cycle (Swytch conversion) small local distances, so the only journeys we'd really need it for are longer journeys on main roads and for longer distances (over ten miles radius). For me the Microlino ticks more boxes, but it's way more expensive and still not available here, and I still love the simple utilitarian design of the Ami (I have fond memories of running around in my parents' 2CV back in the 90s with the passenger seat removed and a lawn mower/baggage/dog installed instead). The only way I could justify it is for the small local journeys we do, delivering fruit from the orchard on a Friday morning in a 27km round trip, or the trips to the vets or local village when it's too wet or cold to want to cycle. I'd love to see Citroen make a version with double the range and speed (130km and 90kmh) - that would mean city hopping would be a reality and day trips away from the city would be a very real possibility. I'm sure they'll get there - the French always think outside the box in a way the Brits are often scared to.
Thanks Duncan. I adore the design too but as I say in the video it has to work for you. It works brilliantly for us round here.
Great review. It's the top speed here in the uk that's the problem I live slightly out of a city surrounded by 60mph speed limits. You can drive this on a provisional licence here in the UK and you can also drive a 125 cc motorbike or scooter capable of 60 mph. If it could do 50 mph I'd get one.
Thanks. Yup, you definitely need to think about your use case. It works for us and only occasionally are we aware of holding people up
A lovely review. Unfortunately, I think it will be short-lived in the UK. A 28 mph limit would frankly be deadly on a dual carriage way, and you'd need to avoid all motorways. As an alternative to local bike use, it looks fun, but it risks being misunderstood, and could lead to serious accidents, in the wrong hands, on the wrong roads.
Thanks. TBH they are banned on motorways here. It will be interesting to see if they work in U.K. we love ours but as I say in the review you have to look at your own use case
@@MeandMonAmi For your location, it seems a good fit. It'll be interesting to see how they market it in the UK. Have a look at UV protection window tints. They're effective at cutting down glare and heat getting in. They add no weight or power consumption. Depending on laws, fit to side and rear windows. Use a specialist installer for a factory fit look.
The heat and cold reminds me of motoring in the 1970s, small cars like the original Ami6 and Ami8, the Dyane, the wCV, the Renault 4, Trabant, Fiat 500, Daf 44 etc.. even the Land rover Series 3 none had aircon or great heating, you just got on with it. You didn't expect the inside of your vehicle to be like your living room.
I recall as a boy, travelling to Spain, Italy and the South of France in my dad's cars and none of them had aircon, you just opened the windows and got on with it.
Does the sunroof open on this thing?
I’m fine with basic not least cos I’ve never had another car of any type but opening the windows with all that glass and a plastic roof in ten hottest summer in french history doesn’t quite cut it.. we love our ami though
Truly cracking video of the most important aspects of ownership of this vehicle. This gives all the information that the smart-a*** reviewers never give. The vehicle is a huge compromise compared to a car and a true alternative to riding a scooter or similar (without the traffic filtering option, granted). You addressed areas that I would not have easily come up with having driven a car for 50 years, but realise that they definitely make a difference, eg steamy windows/wiper/cold cabin and more. By the way, why not put a paraffin heater in the car to keep it warm on winter days?- great idea, you, like me must be of the age to remember those! I suggest that no one in the UK should drive/own one of these who are under 40, they are unlikely to have the application/grit to use it safely!
Thanks Very much. There’s something about this quad that (so far) makes you forgive any of its faults. I suspect but don’t know that the 2CV was very similar in that respect.
@@MeandMonAmi It was, similar to the Renault 4 that I owned, and its simplicity made it the most loved of the 23 cars I have ever owned. Vive simplicite...
This randomly popped up in my feed, nice review looks like a fun and practical car for running around town but personally I would not want to be in a crash this(or any car for that matter) but this looks like it would offer very little protection to its occupants will be interesting to see the euro ncap review. Any thanks for the video top job
Thanks James. As I said in the video quads offer less crash protection than other conventional cars.
Sadly I cancelled my Ami reservation. It just seemed too expensive in the UK. I felt the Citroen communication and customer service was lacking and it was a bit take it or leave attitude. The good news is that I will still watch your entertaining channel and maybe I will buy a used Ami if one comes on the market in the future.
Sorry to hear but be aware, its really a city car. If you need more of out of your vehicle, the Ami’s limitations won’t make you happy.
i did the same, and for the same reason you did, especially with their original guide price increasing by £3000!
@@NormanF62 I love microcars so it was only going to be used as a fun car.
@@SimsVlog Yes the price was an anti climax. I was hoping they would do something special for the ones who had paid the reservation fee. I had to think with my head and not my heart! The refund took ages to complete.
Thanks Charlie. See how things pan out could be a good tactic…
What about mirror tint on the sunroof and rear windows to reflect the sunlight and keep it cooler inside? Also how about a solar panel on the roof to help keep the battery topped up? Oh my mind is racing away with ideas. Thank you for the time you put into this video and for sharing. 👍+ 🔔
Thanks John. I have a solar video coming this week (hopefully!)
Great vid. Pity about the irritating banjo/guitar interludes.
Try out a so-called swamp cooler. You can probably find one that uses USB and you can set it on the dash. Might just about be good enough for this use case.
Thanks
Terrific review - thanks!
Thanks Colin
Ideal for New Zealand small villages!
Ideal for small villages I’d have said!
definetly gonna wait for the toppolino 🌻
Yes, I was thinking these micro cars are best used, primarily in urban settings.
Interesting information on the differences in the cultural attitudes regarding these small cars...
Thanks Meredith. If you check out our other videos you’ll see we’ve gone to some pretty wild places in ours
Fantastic review and interesting concept but too limited. A higher top speed of say 75 mph and air con/heating and it would be a winner.
Thanks Mike. I guess it is made for a specific market of voiture sans permis here in France and though the air con is an issue it’s one we kind of accept given we paid under €6k with eco bonuses etc. In the U.K. it’s going to be quite a bit more expensive than that I think
@@MeandMonAmi no worries tbh I was just thinking out loud. If it suits it looks like a lot of fun 🤩
camping shops sell evaporative re chargeable cooling fans that would sit nicely in the back
Are they like swamp coolers?
@@MeandMonAmi yep ....quite effective
If its like glasshouse maybe window solar film could make it much cooler....?
Thanks. Shall look into it!
Don't think you mentioned it, unless I missed it in which case I apologize, but how is it driving at night? Have you tried? Are the cars lights sufficient?
I absolutely love the Ami. An instant classic in my view. Also I have been enjoying watching a few of your videos. Keep them coming.
Thanks. We haven’t had any problems driving at night. Day times you sometimes get flashed by others who think you have left your lights on (which you have but of course don’t have a choice!)
Sir, you should get into contact with Citroën and sell these videos as promotion to their car.
You got me sold on one of em.
as for the temperature, you really need to get that stuff which you normally use behind a radiator. This reflective stuff.
Make curtains out of it, and close up them windows.
It will reduce the heat somewhat. It will not keep it cold like a freezer but it will work especially if in direct sunlight.
It keeps the inside from heating up, radiating its heat into the interior.
Give it a try.
The most obvious way to reduce the heat inside is: park in the shade.
But reducing the amount of sunshine in the car by reflecting it back, to prevent it from heating up the interior, it really helps.
Obviously this depends on the amount of time left in the sun.
But, curtains.
Just stick some rods on the roof with some tie wraps or perhaps a few bolts into the frame. Or just a wire between the framework with a curtain of this reflective stuff which you normally put behind a radiator.
And btw, get into contact with more people, because if we can get at least 10 of us, i am in for that Rally with this Ami.
Sounds like great fun to try.
Thanks. We have a plan we hope they may help with ..
Interesting video thanks, especially the cold weather and fogging up in the winter.
Funnily enough although the release date in the uk has passed, I see from the Citroen website that UK insurance is still being sought and that there are no test drives available.
I’m so on the fence but feel this may save us a bit of costs in our very short commutes to work here in Weymouth.
Thanks for sharing. Andy.
P.S. another sub here 👍
I think it all depends on your use case. For us its been fantastic thus far for the money.