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In the early seventies, the automotive world was introduced to the unique and innovative 1972 Citroen Urbain I Mini-Zup. Created by Jacques Né and his team, this urban car was designed to navigate city streets with ease, all while offering a compact and efficient driving experience.
One of the most striking features of the Mini-Zup was its rear-wheel-drive system, paired with a 602 cm3 flat-twin engine that was detuned to 12 bhp. This setup provided maximum low-speed torque, making it ideal for city driving. With a weight of only 370 kg, the Mini-Zup occupied half the road space of a conventional car, measuring just 1.98m in length and 1.45m in width.
Despite its small size, the Mini-Zup was not lacking in innovation. The roof was removable, along with the windscreen, allowing for an open-air driving experience. In the event of damage to the sliding cockpit mechanism, occupants could escape through the rear window, which opened from the inside.
The Mini-Zup also came in an electrically powered version, showcasing Citroen's forward-thinking approach to alternative powertrains. However, in the end, the decision was made to introduce the Peugeot 104 based LN instead.
With a top speed of 70 kph, the Mini-Zup may not have been a speed demon, but it excelled in its intended purpose as an urban commuter. Its compact size and efficient design made it a perfect choice for navigating crowded city streets with ease.
Although the Mini-Zup never made it to production, it left a lasting impression on the automotive world with its innovative design and forward-thinking features. Dating back to the seventies, the Mini-Zup remains a symbol of Citroen's commitment to pushing the boundaries of urban transportation.
