First revealed two years ago, the Microlino has been homologated for European roads, with production set to start in December 2018 followed by first deliveries in Switzerland soon after. The Microlino is the work of Micro Mobility Systems, a Swiss company that deals with urban mobility solutions.
The Microlino is a modern take on bubble cars made in the 1950s and 1960s like the Isetta, FMR Tg500, Messerschmitt KR175 and Peel P50. It features a 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor that is capable of generating 110 Nm of torque, with a 0-50 km/h time of five seconds and a limited top speed of 90 km/h.
Said motor is powered a lithium-ion battery that comes in two capacities – eight kWh and 14.4 kWh. Based on homologation tests, the smaller unit is said to offer up to 126 km of range, while the bigger battery offers up to 202 km.
Recharging the battery using Mode 1 or 2 (standard power outlet) will take either four hours with a two kW connection and two hours using a four kW link. On a six kW outlet with a Type 2 connection, it will take just one hour to charge the lithium iron phosphate battery.
Dimension-wise, the Microlino measures just 2,435 mm long, 1,500 mm wide and 1,459 mm tall – the curb weight is 450 kg without the battery and driver. Despite its compact cabin size, this adorable little thing comes with 300 litres of boot space behind the front seats, which is more than what a Mazda 2 hatchback offers.
Access to the interior is done via the front-opening door, just like on an Isetta, making it ideal for cross-parking as passengers will alight directly on the sidewalk. The Microlino is priced at around 12,000 euros (RM56,850) and is available in eight colours – Zurich Blue, Milano Red, Amsterdam Orange, Paris Mint, Barcelona Brown, London Grey, Gotham Black and Vienna White.
While it might be called a bubble “car,” the Microlino is actually classified as a heavy quadricycle (L7e) with four wheels – light quadricycles (L6e) must have an unladen mass not more than 425 kg. As a result, it isn’t subject to the same level of safety standards as regular cars, including crash tests. What do you think? Is this an ideal runabout for those that travel around Kuala Lumpur?
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
i think this will be great for Penang, given size of the road in penang and usually only 1 person/car during traffic.
However, air conditioning for our weather and if they can get the cost cheaper than an Axia. then only it might workout for our region.
Kawaii!!
As Tata Nano ended production, this EU version begans.
too similar with the classic BMW Isetta. Hopefully, they have the copyright to do so.
The patent has been expired for quite a while.
EV version of mr bean’s ride
reminds me of peel p50 which can be drivien into elevators, and the isetta car with similar front door which jeremy clarkson found has no reverse gear. hahaha
I wish to know when it will hit kl, coz I really love to have one in Malaysia. Can anyone explain the custom and etc charge to bring one in
When is Microlino will be launched in Malaysia?, For sure I’m gonna get it ..