Between 1979 and 1983, Citroën built a groovy little open-topped 4x4 called the Mehari. It was based on Dyane and 2CV mechanicals and looked a bit like a military staff car.
Next year, the Mehari will make a comeback. Well, the name will, but this time it’s going to be an all-electric mini-SUV – and unlike the original, it’s going to come in a range of eyeball-searing colours.
Citroën says the e-Mehari will have a range of 124 miles and a charging time of 13 hours via a domestic plug (five less at a roadside station). A top speed of 68mph suggests it’s intended for city use only, yet it has a hose-out interior, so we shudder to think of what Citroën expects owners to get up to.
A fold-down rear seat may be of assistance, and so may a canvas roof which can be part-folded so that as much or as little as you want can be exposed to the elements.
The Mehari will be capable of seating four people. French people, mainly, as that’s where it will be sold.
So if you’re ‘looking for an alternative vehicle with a positive outlook on life, attentive to trends and to the environment,’ you’ll have to keep looking.
