Malaysia is the primary market in Asia to preview the Microlino, an electrical micro automotive developed by Zurich-based Micro Mobility Techniques and assembled in Turin, Italy. Presently bought in varied European markets, the Microlino story began in 2016 when it was proven as a idea at that yr’s Geneva Motor Present.
After being embroiled in a authorized battle, the Microlino 1.0 was comprehensively re-engineered to turn into the Microlino 2.0, with the manufacturing model making its debut in September 2021. Since then, the Microlino has gained Lite and Spiaggina variants, the latter being a restricted version with open sides and a convertible prime, with the opposite being a much less highly effective providing.
In its present type, the Microlino 2.0 mannequin includes a unibody chassis not like the 1.0 that had a tubular body, which the corporate says is a primary within the heavy quadricycle phase and sees enhancements in security and rigidity. Moreover, the suspension now consists of MacPherson struts throughout somewhat than a pushrod setup on the entrance paired with a inflexible rear axle.
Clearly impressed by bubble vehicles from the Fifties such because the Isetta, the Microlino’s design cues embody LED mild strips on the entrance and rear; headlamps built-in into the aspect mirrors and the one door is on the entrance that opens like a fridge, albeit powered. In contrast to bubble vehicles of the previous, the steering wheel stays in place and doesn’t transfer along with the door to make ingress and egress simpler.
Inside, the straightforward dashboard is dwelling to 2 digital shows: one performing because the digital instrument cluster and the opposite for local weather controls. No infotainment system in right here, however there may be an aluminium bar that enables for smartphones and Bluetooth audio system to be clipped on, whereas additionally being the deal with for closing the door.
The Microlino previewed right here right this moment is the usual mannequin with a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) or nickel cobalt aluminium (NCA) battery with a capability of 15 kWh for a WLTP-rated vary of 228 km. This powers a rear electrical motor rated at 17 PS (17 hp or 12.4 kW) and 17.9 Nm of torque, which is sweet for a 0-50 km/h time of 5 seconds and prime velocity of 90 km/h.
In different markets, the Microlino will also be had with 5.5- (93 km) and 10.5-kWh (177 km) batteries, all of which get the identical electrical motor. Charging is barely by way of AC at a max enter of two.2 kW, with a 0-80% state of cost reached in two (5.5 kWh), 4 (10.5 kWh) and 5.5 hours (15 kWh) respectively.
As these figures counsel, the Microlino is supposed for use in city settings the place area is restricted and going quick is a rarity, like in busy metropolis centres. The EV’s tiny footprint additionally helps on this regard, measuring in at simply 2,519 mm lengthy, 1,473 mm broad and 1,501 mm tall. Inside its wheelbase of 1,566 mm, there may be area for 2 passengers and 230 litres of boot area.
With its extra-compact dimension (it’s even smaller than the sensible fortwo) and low weight (between 496 and 530 kg relying on the battery), the Microlino is assessed as a L7e quadricycle by the European Union, that means it may be pushed by anybody with a minimum of a bike and/or automotive licence.
The Lite variant, which has a much less highly effective electrical motor with 8 PS (8 hp or 6 kW), two battery choices (5.5 and 10.5 kWh) and a a lot decrease prime velocity of 45 km/h, will get the L6e classification. Relying on the nation, drivers of the Microlino Lite will be as younger as 14 years outdated and don’t require a driving licence in any respect, though some must have a minimal AM-class licence.
In Malaysia, nevertheless, the Microlino requires a reliable driving licence (CDL) with minimal class DA (automated transmission vehicles with unloaded weight not exceeding 3500 kg; minimal age 17 years outdated). The EV is absolutely homologated to be used in Malaysia, as you possibly can inform by the 2 locally-registered items, though we had been advised you possibly can’t drive it on main interstate highways.
The corporate behind Microlino Malaysia is Go Daddy Motorsport Autotrader, with managing director Datuk Mohd Khairul revealing that the Microlino gained’t be launched till the primary quarter of 2026. It is because the corporate is ready to see if EV incentives might be prolonged. The 2 left-hand drive items in its fleet are at present the one ones in Malaysia and is offered for lease by way of Flux for RM1,250 for 5 days – one is a Pioneer Sequence version whereas the white one is a Dolce trim stage.
As for pricing, Microlino Malaysia isn’t offering a determine for now. Based mostly on the model’s official web site, the EV in Lite guise begins from 15,990 Swiss francs (about RM84k), whereas the usual mannequin and Spiaggina are from CHF17,990 (RM95k) and CHF24,990 (RM132k) respectively. Given that is absolutely imported (CBU) from Italy, EV incentives will assist so much in conserving the value down right here. CBU EVs are at present exempted from import and excise duties till December 31, 2025.
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