AUTONEWS

Iconic mini compact Isetta will return to the roads of Europe in 2023

The BMW Isetta will return to the roads, although not under the auspices of the Munich brand, but under the nameplates of the Swiss and Italian companies responsible for bringing the model into the modern era of the 21st century. The old model was one of the German brand's flagships in terms of city cars in the 1950s, thanks to a license obtained from the Italians in Rivolta.

Now the dream is coming true. Microlino AG has done what seemed impossible by resurrecting this icon under the umbrella of electric vehicles. The brand announced the range and equipment more than a year ago, but a series of problems in the design of its chassis, which had to be completely redesigned, ruined the planned production plans for 2021, and production is now consumed. The Microlino 2.0 is already in production in Turin, and the manufacturer has already announced prices and deliveries of the devices to Germany from October.

With an estimated production of 1,500 units per year, the first series will be a special limited edition of 999 units called the "Pioneer" for those who pre-ordered the model when it was announced six years ago. It will feature two unique exterior colors, "Atlantis Blue" or "Torino Aluminum", and the interior will feature eco-leather upholstery, a retractable roof and portable Bluetooth speakers, according to Automobilwoche.

The Microlino is equipped with an electric motor with a maximum power of 17 hp, with which it can reach a maximum speed of 90 km/h. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery with three useful capacities - 6, 10.5 and 14 kWh, which allows it to have a maximum range of 91, 177 and 230 km, respectively. The most powerful is what will be offered in the special edition.

The Swiss have prepared an electric ATV charging system so that it can be charged from a 230V household outlet. That means owners will need three to four hours to fully charge.

The Microlino 2.0 will ship to Germany from October, although the company also plans to expand sales to other European countries, although they will have to wait until 2023.

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