On the market electric micro-city cars, the novelty shakes up the already well-existing model. Invented by a Swiss engineer Microlino today it is assembled in Turin, Italy, at the rate of twenty copies a day. The first deliveries to France will take place this summer. But whether this microcar can compete with the Citroën star is not enough Friend who has been driving on our roads for almost 3 years?

Citroën Ami vs Microlino: Who Can Drive It?

Before we go any further, let’s note that our two models are not, or hardly are, “real” cars. There Citroen Amilike Aixam or Ligier, is one of those we call “car without rights“. A friend can be managed by people lack of license B (born before 1988) or the owner License AM (ex-BRR), available from 14 years.

With a B1 license that can be obtained from the age of 16, the Microlino remains of course off-road, but allowed on devicesunlike the Citroën Ami.

Citroën Ami vs Microlino: completely different plastic

When the Ami is made entirely or almost entirely of plastic, the contrast with the Microlino is much more noticeable.

Citroën Ami, minimalist to the extreme, takes pride of place everything is plastic. It’s simple, they are almost everywhere! Whether on the outside or inside, only the mechanical elements and glazing come out of this not-so-chic material. Even the seats exude economy thanks to their sturdy plastic construction. We understand that Friend is the result of careful calculation to keep costs as low as possible. After this disappointment,the interior is quite pleasant thanks to its large glass surface and the resulting visibility. For a vehicle designed for the city, this is a very good point, which almost compensates for the external mirrors, which seem to be borrowed from a bicycle, and the lack of an internal rear-view mirror. Another positive point isspace print inside, thanks to the minimalist instrument panel that frees up legroom. But you will have to do without a trunk. Another noticeable absence is the lack of air conditioning. Thanks to the glass roof, if you park in direct sunlight, your Ami will be especially useful as a solar oven.

The egg-shaped body of the Microlino stands out from the crowd. If its lines make you think of an existing model, that’s fine. Mini car takes design 1955 BMW Isetta. The Swiss brand wanted to add a neo-retro style on this ultra-compact car (2.4 meters in length, 1.5 meters in width). The vehicle is a a combination of a car and a motorcycle with four small wheels (two in front, one in back). Inside, the driver will be able to find a approx 5 inch digital screen, which will provide him with driving data. The chic style and finish make this car a unique model on the market. But is this chic and outrageous interior enough for the Microlino to take advantage?

Citroën Ami vs Microlino: on the road

On the road, both models allow you to benefit the silence of the electric. This allows you to avoid the sound of the lawnmower of models without temperature permits.

Citroen Ami

Thanks to the chip template, friend easily navigates in heavy traffic. But despite the very short turning radius, the lack of power steering gives the impression of maneuvering a small van. Suspensions, for their part, quickly become obsolete on roads with a hard surface. In general, we are far from the comfort of a Citroën, but for a car without a license, the picture is honorable, and the Ami is much more attentive than the Twizy. On flat terrain, it is enough, on hills, the power of the electric motor is a little tight. No surprises on battery life, the Ami’s small battery makes it easy to run a few errands around town, but don’t ask for more. Overall, this electric quad (term important) is compelling for its price. But many design and even manufacturing defects raise doubts. Specifically the random lack of acceleration response that we hope was specific to our car. If the no-license argument is the deciding factor for you, Friend certainly seems like a good choice.

Microlino

Microlino stands out. Thanks to an electric motor with a capacity of only 17 hp. and the small 6kWh battery has limited performance and autonomy. With a 10.5 kWh battery (+1500 EUR) the range will increase to 177 km, and with a large 14 kWh battery – 230 km for… 3000 EUR! All three can be charged from a home socket or from a public terminal using a type 2 cable. Despite its light weight (530 kg), the Microlino accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in 5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 90 km/h, at provided you have room to run… This unassuming tone is offset by excellent handling. Only with The turning diameter is 7.80 m and measuring 2.52m in length, or 11cm longer than the Citroën Ami, this new little city flea rolls in a pocket square. And thanks to its wasp waist, it can easily park perpendicular to the axis of the sidewalk. To achieve this, you shouldn’t be shy about getting your shirt wet, literally! The lack of power steering requires a clutch to turn the steering wheel. Especially on the spot, when maneuvering. Fortunately, when folding, the steering becomes lighter. Another regret: the poor rear view. At intersections or when changing direction, it is not easy to follow the rear of the car. Without a central rearview mirror, we use two manually adjustable exterior mirrors.

Only two head restraints and two belts protect passengers. The Microlino does not have airbags, ABS or ESP, as regulations do not require them on ATVs. Access to the board is from the front. Electronic opening of heavy steel doors (46 kg!) amuses passers-by. The show is guaranteed! Especially since the ascent and descent require a bit of gymnastics, especially for older people. After being installed on a wide and comfortable sliding seat, the driver adjusts his position, and the passenger stretches his legs. Another pleasant surprise – the trunk has a volume (230 dm3), larger than that of the Renault Twingo (from 188 to 219 dm3). And the presence of a trunk door facilitates access to it.

Citroën Ami vs Microlino: prices

Prices for Microlino are shocking. Dolce mid-range with sunroof as standard, but with a small battery (6 kWh) costs 19,090 euros, minus a bonus of 900 euros. That’s about €10,000 more than one Citroën Friend! With several options, Milan red paint for example for €799 and a 14kWh battery increases the bill to €22,890. That’s €2,600 more than the entry-level electric Twingo, which offers the services of a “real” car, much better equipped and more versatile, but which lacks the same charm.

In terms of price, compared to Friend, the Therefore, Microlino takes a big bow.

Citroën Ami vs Microlino: the numbers

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