Microlino - the New EV city Bubble Car that gets more attention than any supercar

[@Hix-Design]

Absolutely love this! I've spent years designing cars, mostly outrageously expensive two (and three 😉) seat supercars. Latterly I was moved onto large character-less, heavy, un-needed SUVs. THIS! Is the future of urban transport, or it damn well should be. I'd happily have one, if it weren't for the fact that I have to do a 250 mile commute to get to work these days. I really hope this is adopted and takes off. It has genuine charm and it sounds very very practical. More launches like this please OEMs!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks for the comment. We need to ask - what cars have you designed? Do tell. And blimey, you have a hell of a commute. Do you listen to the Smith & Sniff podcast? 😎

[@Hix-Design]

@@TheLateBrakeShow thankfully it is only once a week.... I've worked on a thing named Speedtail, another named Sabre for a Woking based mob and recently worked on something named T.50 I know of it but I'm not much of a podcaster, I should try, as there's a lot of interesting stuff out there, I just end up missing most of what I listen to whilst driving as I'm normally trying to avoid suicidal drivers 😆

[@Oldsmobile69]

Kinda wish someone made something like this but with a back seat. Doesn't need to be any better specs-wise. Just give me four seats.

[@BeerMakesHappy]

Personally, I like this thing as an object. But I don't think, that this is the future of urban mobility. The problem is, that these tiny cars will probably be bought in addition to larger cars, that serve all the other purposes. Which means, that even more cars will clutter the already scarce public spaces. I think that people, when they REALLY need a car, should focus on small cars, that can do everthing. And ideally, the number of cars should be reduced, so we can use all that space that is reserved for them now for other uses / modes of transport.

[@getawayhs2856]

At three times the price of an Ami, and getting on for £20k for the one you'd want, it is not the future. Yet. Another. Rich. Person's Toy. Nonsense. Watch the pinned comment get changed again because someone replies some common sense. 🙄

[@tomlanigan4308]

As a motoring journalist / car enthusiast, it must be so refreshing to have a genuinely interesting and different vehicle to review as the market becomes saturated with two-tonne "me-too" electronic app devices on wheels.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

100%

[@cze33e]

yes, I too dislike Dual Cab utes.

[@TinLeadHammer]

As a journalist, you may want to avoid dangling modifiers.

[@kjh23gk]

@@toastrytoaster New Escalade is 4 tonnes, which is insane. Also, there is something very sinister about the incessant rise in popularity of aggressive looking vehicles. It doesn't bode well for humanity, IMO.

[@pistonburner6448]

As a motoring enthusiast, a researcher of organizational behavior it is depressing to see 'journalists' corruptly praising products like this and actively hiding flaws for clicks and in order to maintain supply of vehicles sent to them.

[@Chris-ww7fy]

That price is craaaaazy! This must be aimed at car collectors. Most of us normies would much rather have a lightly used anything. Way too many compromises for £22k

[@peterconnolly2724]

I liked it until I saw the price. That's a £9k car, not £17K...

[@ziggarillo]

​@@peterconnolly2724 9k will only get you a Citroën Ami.

[@ziggarillo]

@@peterconnolly2724 Maybe a Toplino, if you're lucky .

[@MrKillswitch88]

For that kind of money one can buy several good running cars from the auction with change left over. I rather roll the dice on a 500E for a couple grand and hope the battery is still good.

[@NiekNooijens]

My friend bought the long range one for €27k... After I bought an used Tesla model 3 for €25k.. People facepalm every time I tell them that my friend's microlino is more expensive than my Tesla

[@cmmb8521]

I had the privilege of watching Mr Jonny Smith at work filming the Microlino. He was professional enough to answer my questions when I interrupted him frequently. An absolute gent. (+ the crew)Thank you Mr Jonny, and continue with the great videos!

[@lucasrem]

fuel in 2024 ???

[@martynrollinson]

This is where Ev's genuinely work and fit in the market... But this should be at least 50% cheaper.

[@Sacto1654]

Not surprised given the very limited production of ths model. Now, if this car with a tad more features were built by Magna-Steyr in Austria, then the price might be quite a bit lower due to economies of scale.

[@johnathankain8033]

Most people will still end up with an Ami instead

[@crewgadjy]

Yeah you lost me when I realised I could get a dam nice Harley for what that costs.

[@MrEV]

A damn sight more exciting than most car launches these days. Love it. I hope it finds a market.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks Andrew. Yeah, agree. It works so well for what it was designed for. Not a retro for the sake of it.

[@getawayhs2856]

At three times the price of an Ami, and getting on for £20k for the one you'd want, I doubt it. Yet. Another. Rich. Person's Toy. Nonsense.

[@matthewspry4217]

@@getawayhs2856 And you resell it for twice as much. Mr poverty

[@robinfoster7597]

@@getawayhs2856 in the current climate, only the rich have got money, so it''s pegged perfectly for current climate.

[@Jdmess9]

Yet unlike the Ami you can keep up with traffic in the suburbs as well as the city ​@@getawayhs2856

[@PKWeaver74]

I can't afford this, but 6 months ago bought a 2003 smart city coupe cabriolet (for two). It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it and even when I see it parked outside my house, I suspect this would do exactly the same. Love it.

[@rusty911s2]

Same here: a 599cc City Cab.

[@chrisnotley4563]

I recently visited the excellent Krazy Horse at Bury St Edmunds for them to carry out the first service on a wonderfully entertaining Morgan Aero Super 3 and there standing outside was a green Micro-Lino which the sales guy offered me the keys for a test drive. My last experience of a bubble car was as a teenager and other than being a dry space in which to impress(?) the girlfriend, it certainly wasn’t a pleasant driving experience. So the kind offer of a test drive immediately took me back to those former days and made me wonder how this 21st century experience would compare. A friend who was with me was keen for the experience so we crammed ourselves into the tiny EV but to our surprise it wasn’t cramped at all, in fact at 6’2” I had to slide the bench seat forward to enable me to reach the controls and there was more than enough elbow space to manoeuvre. I have to agree with every positive comment made in the excellent video, it was a joyous fun driving experience and one which greatly impressed me. I’m not an EV fan but I have to concede to the fact that the Micro-Lino makes complete sense in a town environment so the experience has definitely been a positively enlightening one.

[@reinhartvonzschock357]

I drove one of these 60 years ago it warms my heart to see it back. I was 7 years old !

[@guyredshaw1422]

Love it! Whilst it’s aimed at the city, I reckon it’s easily as good for us in the countryside where villages and local market towns are only 2-12 miles apart and it’ll really suit the narrow lanes, which haven’t grown with the width of modern cars and tractors. Thanx for the great (Patreon-special) review👍👏🙏⭐️💥

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you for the comment. And yeah, it'd definitely work for a short commute or village life. The boot is gigantic, and the cabin huge for its wheelbase. It's just a special thing.

[@alancampbell1008]

With the size of most of the tractors round here I think you'd feel very vulnerable very quickly...

[@MrStraightGangsta]

@@alancampbell1008 You would be surprised, i live in a Hamlet and all the people round here use £500 crap old clios and other little cars as shopping trolleys

[@alancampbell1008]

@@MrStraightGangsta even the Smart Jonny parked behind was bigger...

[@pistonburner6448]

@@TheLateBrakeShow Uncomfortable, the battery (and overall drivetrain) won't handle a regular commute for many years, it's far less safe than cars, and I'd like to see how poorly it'll perform in the winter. Are there even winter tires sold for that quadricycle?

[@darwenrover8910]

Really enjoyed this. It’s a car that’s not only fit for purpose. But captures people’s imaginations. Like what you said, Jonny. It’s refreshing to see warm, friendly and unintimidating cars that’s self assured, unpretentious, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

Their marketing says, “This is not a car. Second car redefined”. Excellent ad.

[@Slimboid]

Guess they should just give up... but wait, didn't citroen just sell out their Ami EV of "Electric Quadricycle" promo fame? Perhaps bad ads work...

[@trenttrevorrow5648]

Imagine an old S&S type video with you and Richard eating lunch in one of these then driving round leafy london.

[@martinlaver007]

Eating obnoxiously loud wasabi peas! 🤣 those were the days.

[@TheStobb50]

One of the reasons the original bubble cars disappeared from the uk was safety. I remember my dad who was a police man telling me about a crash where a bubble car was hit on its side when it was going round a roundabout, because it had no corners like a football it just kept on rolling and ended up in a shop not using the door. Thank you for taking the time to make this video the location was as good as the car a great atmosphere again thank you

[@smartgorilla]

That smart can go on motorways too. This blue thing looks like golf ball. Bet your dad said four...

[@pistonburner6448]

@@smartgorilla The Smart is far safer and meets the safety standards which all cars must meet. The Microlino is a quadricycle, weighs far less, and isn't anywhere near as safe.

[@smartgorilla]

@@pistonburner6448 that's what I thought..

[@pistonburner6448]

@@smartgorilla Microlino doesn't have any airbags...in fact it doesn't even have such basic things as ABS brakes!

[@prickly-pear]

The front door is worrisome. You might be stuck inside after a collision.

[@black8art]

Had this car a top speed on 62mph/100kmh via some sort of "overdrive", so it could be used on brief dual carriageway commutes, and was topped out at £17k instead of starting there, it would sell famously well! Maybe the UK Gov needs to INVITE Microlino to set up a UK assembly plant in order to make the vehicles MORE ACCESSIBLE and help develop our flegling EV industry? (and produce RHD versions for international markets like Japan, Sth Africa and the Antipodes?)

[@ziggarillo]

It's an L7E QUADRICYCLE, it's limited to 56mph to avoid having to comply with car safety standards.

[@black8art]

@ziggarillo 56 KMH! That's just about 30 mph! ....DANGEROUS in much faster traffic! In urban zones under 40mph it would be fine, but we have dual carriageways with 60mph limits within some towns and cities! Get caught on one of these, in a vehicle limited to such a low speed and it's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt!

[@pistonburner6448]

@@black8art No, not 56 km/h. 90 km/h. There is a speed-limited version for other vehicle categories on offer though.

[@ziggarillo]

@@black8art I wrote " 56 MPH" Pay attention!

[@ziggarillo]

@@pistonburner6448 Yes the base version is L6e and limited to 28mph.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Brilliant car, can't wait to try one and then buy one for my day to day use. Reminds me of the great times i had in the Hienkel Trojan when I was 18 years old 👍

[@andresbroberg862]

I've wanted one from the moment I saw it. We actually went to Switzerland to experience it. Looooofe it!

[@althejazzman]

Parks in front of a literal boat and compares all modern SUV's to it. Brilliant!

[@Trajkociklista]

I absolutely adore it! From the first sight, just as I made that reservation for one quite a few years a go. But then, the initial €12.500 became €16.500 just as they've released it, with actually only the top spec limited one being sold at the time, and at the time the basic was rolled out it was almost double the price of what was suggested back when they've announced it. And that's just too much for a city roundabout toy which it is, even when you adore the thing. Short story of how a great idea presented as a new-old stylish green city mobility solution for the average Joe - became a expensive toy reserved for the rich. Which is a terrible shame.

[@leehawleyphotography9326]

Jonny this is magnificent. I keep saying it, but it's so great to see KZbin car videos that has old school car TV production values and info. My 4 year old also loved it.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you. We try to make films that will be appreciated beyond the week they came out (and that view OK on a big screen).

[@gileshalliwell3591]

It would be a great car (and cheapish too) to do an interesting wrap?!

[@leehawleyphotography9326]

@@TheLateBrakeShow yeah we always watch them on the TV, and that definitely feels like the rightful home.

[@stevenkelby2169]

I drove an Smart car for a while, I love tiny cars and this looks like a Nice One. If you're flush with cash this looks like a perfect city car. Keep up the good work ya stroker! 🍻

[@motoyamaUK]

Great review Jonny - glad you got to drive one at last. Greenwich is my patch.. next time stop by for another Hijet try-out!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

👍🏽

[@martinlaver007]

Whoa whoa whoa - Q for OTOSOT: please elaborate on selling your bubble car to Michael Barrymore…!

[@MANGO-SAXON]

I second this.

[@dad_jokes_4ever226]

I need closure on this anecdote !

[@downwarddonk]

Leafy leafy London! I see you’re in the Greenwich side of things. I was there in 60s. It was a different time, Jonny. You could commandeer the Cutty Sark by topping up the caretaker’s pipe with a spot of the old hasish and sail to visit dear dear friends on the Kent Riviera. Sweet, sweet friends. Their springer spaniel would pick me up from Whitstable harbour in his motorcycle and sidecar. The sidecar had an ale pump connected to a freshly tapped cask of Old Friggadier. Ah, the sixtees.

[@duncanhamilton5841]

Of course, it's not like that now you know. We were so innocent then.

[@peterborchert-i7k]

Simply excellent. I heard about these a few years ago and so glad they are bringing this here now. It is a fresh clever innovative design. Like Tesla it is a product from people outside of the car industry. I love the intelligent result and will be adding this to my garage where it will play a role like its designers intended and bring fun. Congratulations you clever people!

[@secretwpn]

Showing this to my 6 yo daughter - the only thing she could say was "awwww" - but that's before she's heard the price 😅

[@vladx2]

I sat in the Microlino prototype years and years ago in Zurich and I absolutely loved it. It was clearly a mule, with a barely acceptable paint job, but you could feel the fun. Glad to see they've finished it and it's coming to the UK

[@johnd7288]

What a lovely little car just the car for the town ! Yes it has a happy little face ! Great video Johnny!

[@peterstevensons1181]

Air bags, crash test results, moose test. Great car. More safety info please

[@ziggarillo]

It's an L7E and L6E Quadricycle, it doesn't have to comply with car level safety standards. That's why it's limited to 28mph on the base L6E model and 56mph on L7E models.

[@pistonburner6448]

No airbags. No ABS. No meeting of car safety standards. Also no parking sensors, cameras, high-tech headlamps, auto windshield wipers, lane change warnings, auto brake, nothing...

[@stuartparkins9539]

I think this is the first LBS video driving round streets i know well. It kept freaking me out when the scene would cut to somewhere nearby but absolutely not where it looked like it was heading a moment before. I enjoyed the review and i think it is a groovy little thing

[@thisisian62]

You wouldn't believe how much I want one of these. I owned one of the original LHD drive smarts 25 years ago, so I totally get the comments about driving round with a massive smile, while people stop & stare as you drove by. Unfortunately, I'm not in a position financially to even consider one of these. But if my lottery numbers came up, I'd have one in a heartbeat. I notice some of the factory footage in the video shows a car panels in a very close match to Smarts "True blue" colour. ....that's got to be deliberate! :)

[@10secondsrule]

Hey it’s Blackheath!❤ I am still so fond of this area after living just down the road for 10 years. Not in the U.K. anymore with no regrets but I miss this part 😢

[@totoroben]

I think an ebike makes a much more practical "second car". For city dwellers these may serve as better primary cars with a car share system providing secondary cars or vice versa depending on your use cases.

[@ictduga]

Absolutely brilliant and thorough video review! You are so right! There is nothing as much fun as driving a unique vehicle that brings smiles to people's faces. My wife and I fell in love with the Smart ForTwos we saw while on vacation in France and bought a 2008 Cabrio as soon as they became available in the USA. I love the car as much today as ever and it still gives me joy every time I'm behind the wheel. In a marketplace saturated with boring, lookalike coupes and SUVs, if the Microlino ever comes to America I'll be one of the first in line to purchase one. Thank you for your honest commentary and showcasing Microlino's "real world" performance.

[@michaelwest7844]

I had an Isetta - loved it. Microlino? You bet! I'm having one!

[@MarkGelderland]

You know the price? Way, way too high

[@NigelRudyard]

Thank God there is something a bit different out there. Fed up of huge SUVs. This is ace. You are so right about putting the joy back into motoring.

[@patreekotime4578]

This is a car that has been in the works for so long that the last time JM talked about it he was still on Fully Charged! I'm glad to see their financial issues have worked out. It was touch-and-go for a minute. I love this little thing! The folks who updated the design language really did a fantastic job.

[@Mr_ZeroFuel]

Loved this review. UK orders started today and I went for the top spec model + battery. Can't wait to whizz around London and Surrey hills.

[@tazbertdt]

Love it! Very quirky, cool design. Been looking forward to hearing what you had to say on this since I found out they existed!

[@olavl8827]

Brilliant little car and I love the apparent simplicity and practicality of it. I could see myself driving this, except for the price.

[@radleyg9486]

Great vid, great car, we need more cars that make you smile and are practical.

[@bicyclist2]

Unfortunately I doubt we'll ever get it here in the US. Looks cool. I don't normally like electric cars, but this is very well designed and thought out. I love the simplicity, style, and the fact that it's made in Italy. Thank you.

[@simmadpaul2880]

4:20 Love the Haynes manuals monitor stand. My monitor stand is made from The Road Rat magazine

[@Mattchubb1]

I can't believe how much I just smiled the whole way through watching this!

[@DH420]

Brilliant video as ever Mr Smith & what a lovely little car. Hope to see plenty of them on our roads soon 👍

[@JonathanEzor]

Thank you as always, Jonny! My daughter is about to move to her first (shared) apartment in Manhattan. This would almost be something she could use there to get to and from work and friends' apartments.

[@AntonHoward-mx9sb]

These are the vehicles we need if we are to be cursed with electric power. I'm a development engineer and don't understand why every electric car seems to need 500hp. I've always liked Isettas and that looks really good fun, though I'm not sure about the rear end

[@duncanhamilton5841]

Well, there is the fact that everything now seems to weigh 2 tonnes and is the size of fairly substantial barn. But absolutely it makes no sense to give a family car 500bhp when it's going to spend 90% of its life in 20 to 50mph zones.

[@manchegocheese997]

The rear needs work.

[@AntonHoward-mx9sb]

@@manchegocheese997 It needs the rear lights to be vertical and the transverse bump sorting out, oh and put the number plate in a recess......but apart from that.

[@juxty3102]

Lost me when he said £17k for base model!!

[@danpatterson8009]

Performance was a choice Tesla made to help penetrate/define the market.

[@petersargeant1555]

The colour and the front opening door reminds me of a portaloo. You'd want to be careful where you park it at a music festival.

[@zimben8]

I ordered one 11 moths ago in this blue and white. i got a message that this month i will get it. Microlino said, they soon have an add on, refit solution to make it more quiet inside. It's not a car but better then any Scotter. Can't wait to have fun every day with it. Thank u for this great review.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Congrats on ordering. It'll be interesting to hear how you get on with it. I agree the acoustic changes won't be hard to suppress the electric motor noises.

[@MattyEngland]

Make sure your life insurance is upto date 👍

[@zimben8]

@@MattyEngland. It has an Alu Space Frame and 4 wheels and Seat Belts. Good enough for the City of Luzern Switzerland. It's much safer then a Scooter and cover from rain and cold and much more space. I will use it as a daily to work. About 45km a day and charge @ home and free @ work if i want. I don't have to buy Gas, a Helmet, Gloves anymore... But it gives me always a smile. Take care

[@roverchap]

I absolutely love this car. I have now seen one on display, it's lovely and seems very practical for someone like me who has a Fiat 500 (2012). The problem with the Microlino is price. £17k for even the basic version is way too much to tempt me. There are so many good Fiat 500s out there on the used market for £3-4k, it's a no-brainer. That's such a shame.

[@spankysmp]

What a lovely car. There's no need for massive SUVs in the city. Just imagine the commutes if everyone had small cars. You'e right, small cars are not 'small' really. The bloke that does our cars bought an IQ which is pretty big inside and well specced. Shame this is £22K. Prices need to come down for quicker adoption.

[@smartgorilla]

The Chelsea tractor lots won't adopt these cmon.

[@charlienyc1]

Agreed. It might be time for North American cities to levy much higher taxes on larger vehicles to discourage their sales. After watching this, it's hard to *not* envision my city with micro cars mixed in with pedestrians, bikes, scooters, all supplemented with excellent transit options.

[@smartgorilla]

@@charlienyc1 I find it all very dangerous skimming so much off cars to the point where we have to go slower. Loved the concept of the smart but didn't like how they got rid of the spare wheel and had very custom parts. The four person made kind of sense but my up seemed better and cheaper

[@Broomehall]

No we won"t ..... because we don't have to ..... Ghastly little play thing.

[@dwn2634]

Awesome little machine! Very cool that you drove past my old house in Blackheath too. Super added context!!

[@jamesholland7337]

20k makes it a rich person's toy.

[@DorothyReich]

Ridiculous price for an e-bike with cover.

[@rlittlewood6343]

yes please i want 1

[@MarkGelderland]

I could easily afford it but no way i'm gonna spend that kind of money on that, i'm not crazy. Way, way too expensive.

[@KtotheL]

i love it BUT i wouldnt pay 10k let alone 20....

[@ZsS911]

And no AC... Insane.

[@hendo337]

A huge problem this car would have in the USA is that a lightly used 2022-2024 Polestar 2 can be had for $20,000-28,000 with 3000-100miles on it.

[@robertwilkins3043]

I have been waiting soooooo Long for the Microlino to arrive in the UK. It’s funky, fabulous and cool. A much better choice then the Citroen Ami even at 22k

[@kjh23gk]

It's cute, but it's still a car, which means you have to use it on roads and you need somewhere to park it. For that reason I would get something like an E-Up! (if I didn't care about style) or an Fiat 500e (if I did). Then I would have a four-seater that I could drive anywhere, but that would also be small. For most city trips I would use a bike. Great video, though! I really enjoyed your Citroen Ami one, too!

[@markrobinson1458]

A really useful and stylish commuter car, it's just the price for me personally, if I was loaded I'd certainly consider one. 👍

[@glenmorrison8080]

The footage in this looks great. It's just the right amount of cinematic looking. Also, London in sunlight looks wonderful. Used to seeing it in its dreary gray condition.

[@johnpipping3848]

London is never gray, only grey.

[@RichardOlive-r4h]

Brilliant video Jonny, your enthusiasm for the Microlino is infectious. Kudos to the videographer as well, Phil captured some great shots of London.

[@quoman2232]

Really love the video and the car, and I love the colour and all different options you have, and the things you can do. It’s also just what we need for our cities, but unfortunately it’s just too 😊expensive.❤…..

[@iannolan-f4g]

Ace, but TWENTY GRAND???

[@richardw64]

Initially he said it would be estimated at 17. Towards the end he said, 'the better part of 20 grand.'

[@SmallBlogV8]

Even a brand new Kia Picanto is about £17-20k. Cheap new cars don't exist anymore...

[@richardw64]

@Djdc51 I agree. Keeping my 7yo Cerato.

[@BenOliver999]

@@SmallBlogV8 The Kia is... a lot more car than this though.

[@Cayres9]

Yeah but you never buy it brand new get a 2 year old one as for example the Citroen Ami 2 year old models are only £5 grand so it lost near half its value which i predict would happen to this too

[@Dogtagnan]

Three observations ... (1) crazy price for what it is (2) fine until you are parked at the kerb and someone parks in from it you, too close for you to open your front door (3). Imagine getting out of the car with the rain pouring down. You and the interior would get soaked.

[@kevincochrane]

Nice one, Jonny.. Been watching these for ages (years) now, waiting to see the finished product.. I would definitely buy one.. Nice to see a review from someone who knows how to do it right.. Just one thing though.. Think you mispronounced 'Sport' a few times.. OTSOT.. 🏁

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Spawwwwwwwwwwwwwwaught_tahh

[@kevincochrane]

Better... 🏁

[@jamiedufrayer5461]

​@@TheLateBrakeShowplease share the Barrymore story OTSOT or have you already done it on Smith n Sniff?

[@stephenowens5451]

This is wonderful, been following these cars for a little while now and I absolutely love them. They arent cheap but in todays world they arent exactly super expensive either. Great second car for commuting or just for a fun sunday drive along the coast.

[@MartinStephenson1]

Have you seen the Silence S04 nanocar with the swappable battery packs. UK pre-orders are now open. It'd be great if you could get your hands on one.

[@georgejohnson1498]

Jack, at Everything Electric, tried out one of these a while ago, and it instantly became my future car of choice. Then there was a long time, and I imagined it had gone the way of so many brilliant ideas that foundered .... I am so pleased to see that this continues and stands every chance of being a success. I live in rural Herefordshire with no fast roads between me and the local towns and Hereford or Worcester as cities ... narrow winding and many sharp banks. The top speed would be no issue under my circumstances, so the range would probably be between the junior version and the middle version. If I wanted to drive to Lincolnshire or Norfolk, then I would hire an ICE car for the half dozen outings a year. It is not a Continental grand Tourer, and I don't tour the continent, grandly or not so much! Even the 2CV as converted to EV does not appeal quite as much as the Microlino! You can keep your Lotus Eletra, and other monster weight EVs. This has just enough sophistication to be easy, while being simple enough [no power steering, or power brakes] to be solid for a very long life. And withal cheap to power. Thank you for the update on this fantastic project. Best wishes from George

[@LuMaxQFPV]

"brilliant" idea? Oh, come on. Not brilliant. Not a new invention or discovery.

[@georgejohnson1498]

@@LuMaxQFPV The brilliance of the idea is that it brings back the admirable bubble car concept. That the initial [possibly rather brave] notion of a return to a tiny vehicle type that would either act a second car run-about, or for many all the car they need, is something I personally welcome. If I were to make a criticism, it would be the inclusion of an electric front door closing mechanism. I would have preferred to see a mechanical latch and lock. Otherwise it seems ideal. Of course the elephant in the room is the price, but that makes little difference to me as I shall probably never be able to afford a new vehicle. I am sure that it is aimed mostly as a second or even third car for people who are well off. Good luck to the company as there is always a niche for such things, be they photographic, hifi related, or even expensive mechanical watches. Best wishes from George. PS: If I did win the Lottery, I would be ordering one of these very quickly! Room for me and my Patterdale Terrier, and groceries!! For long trips, either hire a car or take the bus or train ...

[@nevada3602]

The base one costs more than 17.000 euros in Europe, other reviewers have commented on the very noisy engine and the stiff suspension, can’t see this to be a commercial success at this price!

[@frostreaper1607]

Ouch, that's way more than the AMI!

[@Luckyjo21]

ami sold well and thats junk

[@mastergraphic9998]

What amazes me is no one in the R and D dep. Said hold on who will buy them at these prices..... bankrupt company in 3 years....

[@TimInertiatic]

​@@Luckyjo21Ami is very singular vision. Its designed for car share/hire in city centres

[@shroomyesc]

@@frostreaper1607 Keep in mind this is a monocoque with aluminium panels and in many more ways more sophisticated than the Ami, they're not really sharing market space since the price isn't the point here. The Ami was made with budget as the #1 priority

[@mitduschzentrale]

Absolutely love it. But not at 20k+. Also when test-driving it I hated the engine noise und that fact that the bench cannot be inclined. Why not just 2 Smart Car seats ?

[@jefferysmith3930]

Cracking little car. Great review. Though honestly, you could review a dog’s breakfast and it would be entertaining. A shame we will never see these in the USA except perhaps in a museum.

[@samsteele1786]

Great video Jonny. I live in Blackheath and getting through that width restrictor can be a pain.

[@BlueMax333]

These types of cars are likely to be 2nd or 3rd cars. It would also appeal to food delivery drivers. £17,000 is far too expensive. Around £10,000 would fit the bill.

[@oneeleven9832]

Now this actually makes sense for EV & a City rather than a normal car that’s electric..I actually like it👍

[@ElectricMikeEV]

Love seeing Greenwich/ Blackheath in the sunshine its a lovely thing just too expensive

[@laura-ann.0726]

Not having sun visors would be a deal breaker for me, but maybe when the car goes into full production, it will have them. The 100 mile version would be sufficient for most any city I've ever lived in except the Los Angeles metro area, which is truly enormous in land area - about 105 miles east to west from Valle Vista to Chatsworth for example. It looks like it would be really useful in any cities with really narrow streets, and a shortage of parking.

[@CarBrochure]

I’ve been waiting to try a Microlino too! And it appears just when I’m thinking of buying a city car as well. I’m happy to pay a premium for something well designed with a huge dollop of style as well. So pleased you like it…just worried that the bench seat doesn’t allow passenger and driver different levels of leg room, especially as I’m the shorter one…and the driver! 😂

[@mitrilmo]

There is enough legroom for the front passenger. We have been driving our Microlino since October 2023. It's just fun.

[@CarBrochure]

@@mitrilmo oh that’s great to hear 😃

[@geoffmcconville5410]

I’ve got an original Isetta and just ordered a colour matched Microlino. Can’t wait!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

That's great news

[@infernoking7504]

This is what evs should be used for thats it city/country driving and simple design

[@Cayres9]

Its better than an Ami as it does a Speed that is actually useable 56mph is more than enough in UK city roads and village roads

[@pierreneedham9246]

I saw a couple of BMW Isettas as Highnam Court car show yesterday and i thought they were the stars of the show!

[@unavailable8681]

This is just so much better than all the E-trons and teslas I see every day in the city, driving around with just one person and their lunchbox.

[@newto74]

Thank you, been waiting to see a proper review of this car. Why more manufacturers are not going this way is beyond me. I’m also a big fan of the AMI. In my eyes this is the future of motoring. Not some big ev. Something that dares to be different, does what it says on the tin and is a cool way of getting around clogged up city’s. I love its retro look. This is where BMW have cocked up with the mini, Volkswagen with the Beetle. Look to the past and get some fun no nonsense city dwellers back on the road with a bit of style

[@ObiePaddles]

When you said the back looks like a DS, I immediately wished the indicators were high like the DS. I’d love one except it is so expensive. 2 year old Honda E is a great idea.

[@e-trippingwithadamgebbett8024]

Absolutely buy one. Commute in to London. Would have probably bought an Ami, but saw this at Fully charged a few years ago. And I’m in👍

[@TimInertiatic]

That's awesome. I wonder if a seasucker bike rack would fit? Just got to the price...was hoping for a transport solution instead of ever bigger and heavier, but at at that price it will just a well off persons toy sadly as you can get so much more for a lot less cash. The Dacia Spring as an example offers far less compromise for most people for less outlay...which is important if this was going to replace a car, not be an additional one compounding the problem...

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Good question.. Worth talking to Microlino directly.

[@basscharenborg6441]

One feature that the Microlino has compared to the Isetta is the reverse gear. In a Top Gear special May drove an isetta (in the studio) and parked straight into a corner and couldn't get out. It was hilarious to watch, and luckely you don't have that with this car.

[@ZacBernasconi]

Love the Audi Q7 burn 🤣

[@robinfoster7597]

What a great little car - an EV that works and makes sense. It's going to be hit with the "rich-set" in London, it's stylish and works as an "accessory". You had my laughing out loud with the "Gordon Murray spec" comment. Cheers. Great video Jonny. :)

[@chargeheadsuk]

Such a cool little car for local city and town trip! 💯⚡️😉

[@itekani]

Love it! I hope they sell lots so I can pick a used one up for a good price in a few years. ;) Seriously, like you mentioned you could get a number of used cars for the same price or less. For me who doesn't live in Paris, London or even Stockholm a used Mini Cooper SE is a stylish, fun, more practical alternative. But for big city people this must be awesome.

[@jonathanmaybury5698]

£22,000 is far too much.

[@Jsarson1976]

12 grand max I would pay

[@722garage9]

I see this as a car I would and am thinking about buying. The numbers are right, design is perfect. It's a vehicle I can share with my kids for city use - them for college, me to go to town in. Funky, stylish and different. Love it. If the price was a little less in Germany, I would have one new!

[@legocitymodularbuilds1803]

Only the jubilee line makes that noise

[@enigma01011]

As a Fiat 500 E Cabrio driver of course I love this, compact and lots of fun. And yes at the moment electric cars are expensive, paid 34000 euro for mine minus 3000 subsidie and no road tax, but with my solar panels I save 3600 euro a year on fuel, maintenance and road tax so apart of being one of the few who drives it and the driving sensation and luxury it earns itself back.

[@duncanfairbairn2195]

Love the look of it, but I just can't justify the huge price tag. So, I'll stick with my smart city coupe for now. Hopefully when the second-hand prices are down under £5k, new batteries will be somewhere close to affordable too.

[@kaydesign]

Best Microlino review by far! Compliments! 🏆⚡️

[@CHRIS_HITCHCOCK]

It’s got eyes like Syd from the movie Ice Age. If I owned one I’d feel obliged to paint the rest of the face on it.

[@mroctarine]

Super nippy little runabout, what we should all be driving around town! Actually, no. We should be cycling round town but to have a car like this for "occasions" would be lovely. ❤️👌

[@ascencione1787]

What a cool demo! Thanks.

[@RoccoMicallef]

Shame he didn’t demo the nose in parking ability, never a practical option with the Smart given its big traditional doors, but very easy on the Microlino. Will be showing this feature off this week at Krazy Horse Kensington

[@brg456]

Lovely! I'm not a potential buyer, but I can see the appeal for those with the means and circumstances. It's so refreshing to see manufacturers trying different concepts and exploring the design freedoms of EV drivetrains.

[@paulelverstone8677]

Perfect EV for the city. Nobody needs a 4 ton Hummer or ludicrous speed...

[@wheels2fun526]

Speed and power is the way to go.

[@nosoupforyou425]

4ton gets a 100% tax write-off while ludicrous speed gets you safely away from Dark Helmet

[@paulelverstone8677]

@@nosoupforyou425 silly me - never thought of that... ;o)