Microlino bubble car set for summer launch

City commuting could be about to get a whole lot cuter with the arrival of the Microlino two-seater. Inspired by the classic Isetta and BMW bubble cars of the 1950s, the Microlino is the work of Swiss carmaker Micro Mobility Systems (MMS) and is expected to hit the market later this year with a price tag of around £10,000.

MMS has just confirmed the build of a final prototype that will be submitted for European type approval in the summer ahead of market launch in the Autumn. To mark the event, the brand has issued a short video showing the model driving around the factory in Turin.

Microlino two seater bubble electric vehicle with door open

Open for business: Microlino features an opening front door

The Microlino project has endured a difficult design and development period. The car was originally shown in 2016 as an almost production-ready model. MMS hired Italian manufacturer Tazzari to build the production models and set up a joint venture under the banner TMI. Tazzari was subsequently bought by German carbuilder Artega in 2018, and without consulting MMS, attempted to launch its own version of the Microlino, badged Karolino.

The legal dispute that followed saw MMS win back some of its original design, but also allowed Artega to sell a modified version of the car which was now called Karo. MMS then, effectively started the production process from scratch with new engineering partner CECOMP - an Italian manufacturer. The car was completely redesigned with a pressed steel chassis replacing the flimsier tubular frame of the original. MMS also widened the rear track to improve stability.

In terms of specification, the new Microlino comes with two battery options: 8kWh and 14kWh, and has a power output of 11kW. According to MMS’s figures, it can reach 30mph in 5.0 seconds and has a top speed of 60mph. Total weight is 513kg and charging is via a domestic socket at 2kW max. Like the Citroen Ami, the Microlino is classified as L7e vehicle, which is the same category as the Renault Twizy. However, unlike its two French rivals, the Microlino is expected to offer a more luxurious drive with high quality interior trim. According to MMS, nearly 200,000 customers have joined the reservation list and will be invited to confirm orders when the configurator goes live in the summer.