The Microlino has been turning heads since it was launched almost eight years ago. After taking a circuitous route to production, the electric microcar has proven to be a fast and fashionable little place in cities around Europe. Now the small EV is getting a makeover with the launch of its new version, the Microlino Spiaggina.
The Microlino is not actually a “car” in the general sense, rather it fits into the L7e category of quadricycles in Europe. This allows it to operate at speeds of up to 90 km/h (56 mph) without meeting the stringent requirements of passenger cars.
But that doesn't mean the pink-sized electric car is safe. Its production relies on automotive-level design and manufacturing principles so that the chassis creates a safe cockpit for its two passengers.
And now with the new Spiaggina model, it's easier than ever to peek into that chic workspace.
The Spiaggina is influenced by many other classic cars, the company explained. “Inspired by popular yachts such as the Fiat 600 Jolly and the Citroen Mehari, the Microlino Spiaggina combines retro elegance with modern technology,” reads the press release.
The revised design removes the side and rear windows on the Microlino, offering an open top mobile setting or a fabric canopy to hide from the sun.
The interior is designed with “high-quality vegan leather, specially developed for use in motorboats and sails to be particularly resistant to moisture,” the company explains. “This makes it perfect for a drive to the beach or a day at the beach.”
It's a model that's been in the works for a long time, added Microlino Co-Founder Merlin Ouboter. “Microlino Spiaggina is a concept we have been thinking about for years, and it has finally come to fruition. It will be the most stylish car in Europe's summer destinations such as Portofino, St. Tropez, or Ibiza.”
The Microlino Spiaggina appears to offer the same drivetrain and performance specifications as the existing Microlino models. The 12.5 kW engine provides a speed of up to 90 km/h (56 mph). The 10.5 kWh battery pack is said to provide a range of up to 177 km (110 miles).
The 2.2 kW charger allows the Microlino to be recharged in any indoor location, although a high-power charger can fill a car battery within 2-4 hours.
At 2.5 meters long (8'3″), the small two-seater is designed to fit easily into parking spaces that most other vehicles won't. It also has 230 liters (8 cubic ft) in the back, meaning owners don't have to sacrifice utility.
The new Microlino Spiaggina will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show today. Reservations can be made for the €24,990 microcar, with deliveries expected to begin early next year.
Electrek's Take
The Microlino design has long been a crowd favorite, evoking an emotional response that many small car companies have only dreamed of creating. Of course, such special cars will have prices, but 25k is chump change!
Those of you who feel like you can't afford the base model Microlino will be happy to know that it starts around 17,000 euros, or about US$19,000. Still, that's not exactly a random purchase.
Or maybe it is. Anyone driving a Microlino obviously has some money. This is not a small car you buy if you are on a budget. There are other economic models on top of that. This is a small Swiss car you look as a small Swiss car and carries a corresponding Swiss price.
If you can get past the sticker shock, I think there's a lot to like here. I've sat in a few of these at various shows and they're actually pretty well built. The trunk isn't huge, but there's still room for lots of shopping bags back there. For my wife and I, this would be a fun and stylish city car. Those of you weighed down by kids may find it hard to sell these two-seaters, but we'd all love to get around town on a fun ride like this! Now I need to sell a kidney so I can buy one…
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