This is not a car, the brand itself says so. So what is it? For those who are older, it will help to know that they have defined it as the modern Isetta. Indeed, some 70 years later, a Swiss company called Micro has copied the idea of the legendary microcar manufactured after World War II.
But the modern Microlino, as it is called, has nothing to do technologically with the popular “egg car” of the 1950s. It obeys the idea of a new form of mobility: micromobility. A vehicle designed to improve traffic and air quality in cities like Barcelona or Madrid. A way to save space, a daring vehicle for sustainable individual (or two-person) mobility. Not in vain, it has up to 50% fewer parts than a conventional car. And it doesn't have the inconvenience of inclement weather like motorcycles.
In Spain it is distributed by Astara, a group that also has the Aiways, Maxus, Mitsubishi, Subaru and SsangYong brands. Born in Switzerland and designed and manufactured in Turin (Italy), it is the ideal combination between a motorcycle and a car. But structurally it is not a car, even if it is registered, it is a quadricycle.
It measures just 2.5 meters in length, has two seats and a surprisingly large 230-litre boot. Located behind, it fits a week's shopping and much more.
The electric motor has a power of 12.5 kWh (about 25 HP) and allows a maximum speed of 90 km/h. Enough for the city and for some interurban trips. But it is a vehicle, above all, urban. And it is designed for the city. Little more.
With a weight of 513 kg, it can achieve a range of 175 km. Another advantage is that the battery charges in about 3 hours from a household outlet. Or in 1 hour at a higher power charging station. It should be noted that the maximum charging power is 2.6 kW.
But its main characteristic, like the Isetta of the 50s, is that it opens at the front. That is, it does not have doors on the sides and the interior is accessed through the front door, the only one in the vehicle. The two side windows are sliding, manually operated. And it only has one windshield wiper.
Another curiosity are the two small headlights, round and located high, which at the back incorporate the manually adjustable exterior mirrors. Of course, too small to control everything that happens around the city. And there is no central interior mirror, since the design would not allow anything to be seen through the rear window. In any case, visibility is good due to the notable glass surface.
The brand is presenting the original urban model in the Gràcia neighborhood of Barcelona. A good place for the tiny Microlino to demonstrate its street virtues.
Starting from the Loft de Gràcia on Montmany Street, the vehicle instantly shows its ease in wandering around. It is agile and manageable, although somewhat noisy when accelerating. It is understandable given the structural difficulties for its isolation. And you park in any space, something that is appreciated in a city like Barcelona.
The most fun thing about the Microlino circulating through Barcelona is the empathy it creates. That is to say, in addition to feeling constantly watched, people usually smile when they see you appear. It causes a sensation, one would say. More, I dare say, than any Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche, more “normal” cars next to this “rolling ball”. It is surprising how small and narrow it is. So much so, that a Smart, next to it, looks like a large sedan. Literal.
Inside, once we have entered through the front door, we find a very basic driving position. The one-piece seat, which is shared with the passenger, is double and slides longitudinally.
The small instrument panel is configurable in two presentations, the conventional handbrake is on the left and, also on the left, we have a rotary control to select modes D (drive), N (neutral) and R (reverse).
In the same door, once closed and acting as a dashboard, there is a practical holder for the smartphone and a small touch screen for some basic functions such as heating.
The Microlino weighs very little and is a two-seater vehicle. Therefore, the 25.5 HP is enough to get around the city. In this way, acceleration from 0 to 50 km/h is more than correct. On the other hand, the space in the cabin is small and the driver and passenger “find each other” easily.
We have already explained that it is somewhat noisy when accelerating, but it is also funny since it is not annoying and serves to make the driving experience more “intense.”
It has no power steering and the suspension is hard. The driving is reminiscent of a kart. In fact, any pothole or irregularity in the asphalt is instantly transmitted to the occupants. But both the suspension and the design of the rear axle contribute to giving us a pleasant feeling of stability.
In Spain, the access version is sold, Dolce (22,990 euros), and another somewhat more exclusive and sporty version called Competizione (23,560 euros), both with the 10.5 kWh battery. Other 6 kWh and 14 kWh battery options have to arrive later.
Common equipment includes a sunroof (to make it a really fun convertible), vegan leather sports steering wheel, sport mode for faster acceleration, and heating. Air conditioning is not contemplated.
The Dolce version is available in Santorini white, Amsterdam orange, Milano red, Zürich blue and Paris white. In turn, the Competizione version is offered in matte colors London green, Berlin gray, Atlantis blue and Gotham black.
The price in Spain of the Microlino is high, which is why Astara offers two options to be able to drive it in the form of a monthly subscription. The first, 450 euros per month, through Astara Move. The second is financing through Santander Consumer with a fee of 249 euros per month. These options do not include ownership, but do include insurance, maintenance, unlimited mileage, and taxes.
In short, it is not a cheap vehicle and it may seem like a whim, but we assure you that the experience of driving it is completely rewarding and that it is all advantages in a big city.
