The Isetta is probably not troubling many top 10 lists of cars from the past we want to see revived.
But the electric revolution has torn up old certainties, leading Micro Mobility Systems to have another stab at the bubble-car idea with the Microlino.
With bodywork clearly inspired by – but doesn’t explicitly mention – the most famous of all microcars, the Swiss firm has graduated from scooters to four wheels. And, yes, it is always four wheels this time.
Unlike some of its cheaper rivals, the Microlino is quite refined – and it can reach 56mph
The Microlino isn’t alone: Stellantis is in the process of putting almost every badge it owns on the Citroën Ami/Fiat Topolino/Opel Rocks quadricycle, while Renault will shortly launch the Mobilize Duo to succeed the Twizy.
Both are a lot cheaper than the Microlino, but the front-loading microcar goes some way to justifying a price-tag higher than an entry-level Dacia Spring with both design and performance.
There’s no denying what a cute thing it is.
Of all the cars you could drive through a city centre, only a novelty such as an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile or Outspan Orange would grab more attention from all ages and genders than the Microlino.
The Microlino is closer in size to a classic Mini than it is to the original BMW Isetta
