This autumn car industry experienced two new product launches that had far greater reach than the usual new model releases. Some people mocked Citroën’s 2 CV Concept for being no match for the flying Tesla Roadster. However each of these two cars has its place. Each design asks important question – what we are looking for in a modern vehicle?
Off the ramp
Flying cars have been an unfulfilled dream for decades and voilà – Tesla Roadster has been literally launched off a giant ramp during a live-streamed event in Texas. A remarkable achievement and true showmanship right in time before the annual shareholders’ meeting. The technology that let the car actually safely land is jaw-dropping. Designwise one may say Tesla Roadster looks a bit like it was inspired with the Lamborghini Countach but it does look fresh. Overall it may be over the top but hey, this is the first serious attempt towards a flying car that actually worked and looked good doing it.
Modern can be cute
In comparison the design of the new 2 CV Concept, shown at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, may seem as inconspicuous as President’s Macron face was puzzled while inspecting it. However when you think twice, isn’t this tiny Citroën a perfect response to all the doubts we all have towards modern electric cars? It has all that made the original Ugly Duckling the adorable companion of the whole generations. The cherry on top is the interior that is so unapologetic that can be appreciated by literally every target group – men and women, juniors and seniors and the price! Yes, unlike the New Beetle, Mini or Fiat 500 the Citroën has still fairly democratic price.
Hence, both cars seem to tackle the technology challenges we all think of. One by trying to fulfill the long awaited promise of the futuristic flying vehicle and the other of the technology being seamless and elegant again.
Tekst: Szymon Wachal
