Citroen Ami: A Tiny EV With Big Ambitions to Rival MG Comet in India

By Muskan Kumari

Published on:

Citroen

India’s EV space is evolving rapidly, especially in the urban mobility segment. With rising fuel prices and traffic congestion in metro cities, compact electric cars are becoming the smart choice for everyday commuting. In this context, Citroen Ami, the quirky and ultra-compact EV from the French automaker, could be a game-changer — especially as a potential rival to the MG Comet.

While the MG Comet has already gained attention for its futuristic design and compact footprint, the Citroen Ami brings an even more minimalist, practical, and urban-focused approach. But can this small wonder compete with the MG Comet in real-world scenarios? Let’s explore.


🚗 Overview of Citroen Ami

Launched in Europe as a solution to inner-city travel, the Citroen Ami is a micro EV that doesn’t even qualify as a full-fledged car in many countries — it’s categorized as a quadricycle. But don’t let that fool you. This tiny two-seater has a bold vision: to make urban mobility affordable, sustainable, and fun.

Key Highlights of the Citroen Ami:

  • Fully electric with zero emissions
  • Ultra-compact length of just 2.41 meters
  • 5.5 kWh battery offering around 75 km range
  • Top speed: 45 km/h
  • Recharge time: 3 hours via standard socket
  • Futuristic, symmetrical design (identical front and rear)

This makes the Ami not just small in size but also in environmental impact, making it ideal for college students, city commuters, and delivery personnel.


🚘 MG Comet at a Glance

The MG Comet EV, currently available in India, is also a compact city-focused electric vehicle. It is larger and more feature-packed than the Ami, and has found buyers among young professionals and first-time EV owners.

Key Highlights of the MG Comet:

  • 17.3 kWh battery
  • Range: Around 230 km
  • Top speed: Approx. 100 km/h
  • Seats: 4
  • Features: Dual-screen infotainment, connected car tech, parking sensors

Clearly, the Comet is a more complete vehicle in terms of space and features, but it also comes with a higher price and weight.


⚖️ Citroen Ami vs MG Comet: Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureCitroen AmiMG Comet EV
Length2.41 m2.97 m
Battery5.5 kWh17.3 kWh
Range75 km230 km
Top Speed45 km/h100 km/h
Charging Time3 hours (AC)7-8 hours (AC)
Seating Capacity24
Price (Expected in India)₹4–5 lakh₹6.99–8.58 lakh

🔋 Performance & Purpose

The Citroen Ami is clearly built for short-range, low-speed, high-efficiency urban travel. It’s not designed for highway use, and that’s completely intentional. On the other hand, the MG Comet, though small, can be used for slightly longer commutes and is better equipped for inter-city travel.

So the question isn’t “which is better?” but rather — what do you need your EV to do?

  • Choose Citroen Ami if you need a no-fuss, point-A-to-B commuter within the city.
  • Choose MG Comet if you’re looking for a more tech-savvy, spacious daily car.

🎯 Who Is the Target Buyer for Citroen Ami?

If Citroen launches the Ami in India, the target customers will likely be:

  • Students and first-time drivers
  • Elderly urban commuters
  • Fleet operators for last-mile delivery
  • Environmentally conscious buyers

Its expected low price tag (around ₹4 to ₹5 lakh) could make it one of the most affordable electric vehicles in India, thus opening up EV adoption even among middle-class households.


🌍 Sustainability and Urban Planning Edge

The Ami’s ultra-compact size helps in reducing congestion, and its small battery size puts less stress on power grids. It could be the ideal fit for India’s smart cities movement, especially in congested urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, where parking and space are limited.


🧠 Innovation in Simplicity

One of the most innovative aspects of the Citroen Ami is its symmetrical design. The doors on both sides open in opposite directions (suicide doors), the front and rear look identical, and the interiors are kept extremely minimal.

It may not offer touchscreen displays or premium trims like the Comet, but it excels in affordability, ease of maintenance, and uniqueness.


🛠️ Challenges to Citroen Ami in India

Before we get too excited, there are challenges:

  • Speed Limitation: A 45 km/h top speed may not be practical even in city traffic
  • 2-Seater Limitation: Reduces versatility for families
  • Safety Regulations: India may require adjustments to meet crash norms
  • Public Perception: Quadricycles are often seen as “toys” or “gimmicks”

However, with the growing need for eco-friendly last-mile solutions and personal urban mobility, there is definitely a niche market waiting to be tapped.


🚀 Should MG Be Worried?

Yes and no.

MG Comet serves a slightly more premium, tech-conscious segment. If Citroen can position the Ami as an ultra-budget EV with a cool factor, it won’t eat into Comet’s market but will expand the urban EV segment.

What MG should watch out for is fleet sales and student buyers who might prefer the Ami’s practicality and pricing over the Comet’s features.


🔮 Conclusion: A Disruptive Contender in the Making

The Citroen Ami isn’t trying to be a conventional car — and that’s exactly its strength. If brought to India at a competitive price, it could revolutionize urban commuting just as scooters and mopeds did in earlier decades.

MG Comet may continue to dominate the urban EV space with its premium positioning, but the Citroen Ami could democratize EV ownership, allowing thousands more to step into electric mobility.

Ami may be small in size, but its potential impact is enormous.

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