Microlino Test: An Unexpected Love At First Sight

We’ve read and written a lot about the little Microlino, a modern reinterpretation of the legendary Isetta. But nothing prepares you for taking the wheel of this 100% Fun UFO.

The best encounters are those you don’t expect, like the chance that put me behind the wheel of a Microlino. A turquoise vehicle displayed in front of a store to attract passersby, a few discussions among car enthusiasts, and suddenly a question with an obvious answer: “Do you want to take it for a spin?” No fuss among friends of good taste, and of course I do!

Electric microcars, or heavy quadricycles, are in vogue for a very good reason. They are much less dangerous than their legal two-wheel counterparts. As such, these models can appeal to those reluctant to take a driving test, as well as to young people wanting to experience the unmatched pleasure of free mobility without keeping their parents up at night every time they go out. The (too) classic Ligier or Aixam now face competition from major manufacturers eager to dive into the niche. Leading this offensive are Stellantis’s cousins: Citroën AMI, Fiat Topolino, and Opel Rocks. And then there’s the Microlino.

The Swiss brand Micro, better known for its scooters, has ventured into the production of an urban vehicle. This strictly two-seater is inspired by the Isetta of the 1950s, a model built in collaboration with BMW. Thus, we find the famous single front door of the car. In fact, the entire front opens to let you in and access the two-seater bench after navigating around the steering wheel. A small crowd of curious onlookers is guaranteed when it’s time to take a seat, but only smiles. Once the door is closed, which is quite a slam despite the shock absorber, the environment is a bit disappointing. The space is more generous than expected, notably with a real trunk, but it still feels quite low-end plastic, especially at the price at which it is offered. But I’m on vacation, so here to drive, not to conduct a product study.

The Microlino between cruising and driving

Contact, press the front button and I’m bracing myself to feel a few vertebrae dislocate when coming off the curb… and well, not at all! The little chip is incredibly well-suspended, and the faux-leather bench is ultra-comfortable. No assistance for braking or steering, but with 400 kg on the scale, it wouldn’t make much difference. The feel is fantastic, and inevitably the comparison to driving a go-kart comes to mind, but much more comfortably. Did I mention how comfortable it is? Next to it, an AMI feels like an instrument of torture, and what can I say about a Twizy… A small sporty steering wheel fits well in hand, it accelerates generously up to 50 km/h, and honestly, I don’t feel inclined to try to go much faster. On the other hand, it’s forbidden to lift off the throttle in a turn and roundabouts turn into circuit chicanes with mandatory bumps because stability seems impossible to unsettle. The suspensions are frankly impressive, firm enough to counterroll but soft enough to tackle urban obstacles.

After a little less than a quarter of an hour of cruising with the wind in my hair thanks to the standard sunroof, I realize two things. At no point was I tempted to exceed the speed limits, and above all, I didn’t feel like an obstacle to the flow of “normal” cars thanks to the 17 horsepower and a top speed of 90 km/h. Back to the starting point and a new crowd gathers around the car when the door opens. I understand better why it’s displayed here. I return the keys, thank them, and leave with the sweet feeling of having had a good time.

Did I forget to mention its price? That’s true, and I don’t want to because I want to keep a good memory of this encounter, which wouldn’t be the case if I compared the joy of driving it to the cost. But if you want to know more: The Microlino weaves its way into France