Mini Moke fans take note, there's a cheeky new open-top beach buggy on the scene called the E-Mehari and its creator, Citroen, wants to sell right around the world – potentially in Australia.
Reprising the classic Mehari name given to the Citroen 2CV-based classic from the 1960s, and taking a little inspiration from the British Mini Moke of the same vintage, the E-Mehari is a compact four-seater runabout that runs on electricity.
It has a top speed of 110km/h and a range of 200km thanks to a 30kWh Lithium metal polymer battery pack and is pitched at beach-goers, resorts and hotel owners.
Indeed, like the iconic Mini Moke, this French creation is designed to be a simple, fuss-free holiday rental or island runabout. It features removable roof elements, plastic seats and floors for easy hose-down maintenance, plus a rear bench seat that can folded to fit more beach gear such as surf boards and the like.
Priced from €25,000 in France, or almost $A40,000, the E-Mehari isn't as cheap as it is cheerful, but it could beat the Mini Moke's Aussie comeback.
During the vehicle's public debut at the 2016 Geneva motor show, Citroen CEO, Linda Jackson, told motoring.com.au that the E-Mehari may be sold to Australians seeking fun in the sun.
"E-Mehari is being launched today as a world premiere and obviously that's going to be available globally," said the boss of the French car-maker.
And does that mean Australia too?
"That’s something we need to look at, to work out the business case. It's like Cactus, which started as purely European, only European, and now we are developing it into Australia."
The straight-talking CEO said the E-Mehari has right-hand drive (RHD) capability. Indeed, it's already earmarked for the UK.
"There's no technical reason we couldn’t bring it to Australia. Other than homologation and your roads, to work things through," Jackson said.
What's your view on the E-Mehari? Could it become the next Mini Moke and bring some summer loving to the Citroen brand in Australia? Have your say in the comments section below.