It was based on the same platform chassis as the Citroën 2CV, sharing its advanced independent front to rear interconnected suspension.

[3] Bijou bodies were initially moulded by a company called "Whitson & Co", close to Citroën's Slough premises,[3] but it later proved necessary to transfer this work to another supplier.

[4] Disappointing sales levels for the UK's own Citroën seem to have been down to the Bijou's price, which at the time of the 1959 motor show was £674.

[3] At this time the British market was acutely price sensitive, and buyers could choose a Ford Popular with four seats and a much larger engine for £494.

The Bijou's more modern styling gave it a higher top speed and lower cruising fuel consumption than the equivalent 2CV; however, the greater weight of the bodywork had an adverse impact on the car's more general performance, especially its acceleration.