The Microlino: A Quaint, Eco-Friendly Trip Down Memory Lane
Hello everyone, and welcome to the remarkable land of newfangled retro-futurism! You see, it seems our engineers, in their attempts to create a "better future," have decided to turn back the clock and venture into the treasure troves of nostalgia. As they channel their inner Michael J. Fox in this "Back to the Future" escapade, the motoring world presents a novelty like no other: the Microlino.
Yes, dear readers, the Microlino is indeed a tribute to the Isetta bubble car of the 50s. You may recall this little machine as the embodiment of fuel efficiency, offering a whiff of car ownership to an entirely new audience. Merlin Outober, the magician... sorry, the man behind Microlino, is hoping to dust off this magic trick and present it to the modern world.
After wading through the metaphorical quagmire that any automotive start-up must traverse, Microlino has taken a few punches and has emerged stronger (and prettier, if I may say so) than before. Its prototype, adorned with a matte finish that could only be described as demure, showcases a design akin to a beautifully aged wine. The car is like a 1950s screen siren at the Oscars, dressed by Versace, glowing under the modern spotlight.
The Microlino is so tiny it could fit into the pocket of a Giant's trousers. It's just 99.2 inches (2.5 meters) long and 58 inches (1.5 meters) wide, making it an ideal candidate for a game of hide and seek in the city streets. The car sits on 13-inch wheels, mirroring the original Isetta's design by being wider at the front than at the back.
Moving on to the car's interior, it feels as if you've been thrust into a time machine. There's a full-width bench, and the door hinged at the front opens wide with a dashboard attached to it, making you feel like you're about to embark on a roller coaster ride at Disneyland. Thankfully, the car's retro romance doesn't extend to the safety features. Seat belts (hallelujah!) and a small display screen, among other modern amenities, make their appearance. Suspended over you, you'll find a fabric roof, an outstanding accomplishment courtesy of supplier Magna CTS. To the delight and surprise of many, the Microlino offers a spacious trunk. Despite the compact nature of this throwback beauty, it presents an impressive 8.1 cubic feet (230 liters) of storage space.
The Microlino sports three battery options: a 6.0 kWh unit that will run out of juice after 59 miles. Or you could step it up to the 10.5 kWh, not too shabby, letting you gallivant for 109 miles. If you fancy yourself a marathoner, there's the beastly 14.0 kWh, gallivanting for a whopping 143 miles on a single charge. But here's the kicker - the Microlino scoffs at the idea of fast charging. Exhaust its power reserves, and it will demand a tea break of a good three or four hours before it’s ready to roll again. So forget any Fast and Furious aspirations - this little number is all about the slow and steady. Given the Microlino's featherweight stature at just 1131 lbs (513 kg), these power packs are perfectly suited to maximize efficiency.
What about speed, you ask? Well, don't get your hopes too high. The top speed is a whopping 56mph, just enough to let you experience the thrill of a snail race. But worry not, because as with all-electric vehicles, this car feels zippier than the figures might suggest. And if you do decide to venture out in this little go-getter, prepare to become the center of attention, because the Microlino commands more stares than a Lamborghini cruising through town.
When it comes to kit, the Microlino has more than the original – not that it's a grand accomplishment considering we've journeyed more than half a century since. However, it seems to have found a middle ground between scooters and cars, making it a curious, yet interesting choice for prospective buyers.
The question on everyone's lips, of course, is what would one need to part with to lay their hands on such a beauty? Should you fancy getting your hands on the Microlino, brace yourself for a friendly chat with your wallet. The entry-level, bigger battery model is expected to start from a modest $25,000 (€23,000). Ouch.
In a nutshell, the Microlino is a jolly good trip down memory lane. It's a heady mix of the old and the new, and whether it can recreate the magic of Isetta is a story waiting to be written. Until next time, dear readers, happy motoring!
Yours truly,
Captain Electro.
