If you live in a metropolitan area like Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne, you probably understand the appeal of a mini car.
It’s easier to zoom through traffic, parallel park, and squeeze into tiny alleyways and small parking spots. But, are mini cars really an innovation or are they just a fun fad? Let’s take a look at mini cars from the past and the future.
1. The EO Smart Connecting Car 2
A team of engineers from the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence recently unveiled their design for the EO Smart Connecting Car 2, a mini-car that can shrink and drive sideways into parking spaces. It can also connect to other EO 2’s to create a “platoon” of commuting cars, shrink from 8.2 ft. to 4.9 ft., and switch to an autopilot mode.
Though it’s not available for consumer purchase just yet, the EO 2 is already making waves on the mini-car scene. Mashable author Lance Ulanoff says, “the EO 2 looks like the future [and] drives like the future, too.” While Timo Birnschein describes it as “micro car for a megacity.”
Our verdict? We think the EO 2 is innovative! It may not be the best looking car on the block, but it’s certainly the most futuristic.
2. Nissan “Micromobility”
(Image via NNMC)
The New Nissan Mobility Concept (NNMC) is bigger than a small motorcycle but smaller than a full-sized car. It’s 100% electric, can fit up to two passengers, and measures only 7.6 feet in length. Our favourite part? The doors swing open like they do on a Lamborghini!
Rachel Nguyen, the director of Nissan Future Lab, says “urbanization and the growth of megacities – particularly in developing countries – is the biggest challenge facing the automotive industry.” She explains that mobility is a major driving force in how megacities will develop and that mini-cars are at the forefront of the transportation industry.
Our verdict? We think that this tiny car could be the future of urban transportation. It’s definitely one to keep your eye on.
3. BMW Isetta
(Image via Concept Carz)
(Image via Car Buzz)
With its tiny motorcycle engine, cool exterior, and prestige as one of the first European “bubble cars” of the 50s, the BMW Isetta is a mini-car that has remained popular for decades. It has a top-opening canopy instead of doors and a streamlined body which was inspired by modern aircraft. According to Car Buzz, the Isetta is “the best-selling single-cylinder car of all time, with 161,728 units sold.”
However, with nothing but a few thin layers of metal between you and the outside world, the Isetta it not a particularly safe car. If you hit a small pole or accidentally run into a wild animal, the front door will buckle right into your knees and cause some serious damage.
Our verdict? While it was an incredible invention for its time, the Isetta is not as safe (or sustainable) as other mini-cars on the market today. We think it would be an awesome collector’s item, though.
4. The Mini Cooper
(Image via Car Pixel)
(Image via Wikipedia Creative Commons)
Destined to live on as one of the greatest mini-cars in motoring history, the Mini Cooper has an enduring appeal that has spanned four decades. According to Leo Wilkinson, the Mini “revolutionised the small car and became the best-selling British car in history, with a production run of 5.3 million units”.
The latest Mini Cooper model is the perfect blend of style and efficiency. With a 1.5 litre, 3-cylinder engine and a top speed of 208 km/h, the new Mini Cooper offers pure adult fun. We love its retro charm and sleek exterior.
Our verdict? The all-new Mini Cooper convertible is everything we’ve ever dreamed of. It’s smart, innovative, and oh so chic!
5. Peel P-50
The Peel P-50 is a three-wheeled mini-car with one door, a single windscreen wiper, one headlight, and no reverse gear. It was listed in the 2010 Guinness Book of World Records as the “smallest car in the world”, sitting at just 54 inches long and a mere 41 inches wide.
Originally priced at £198 and reaching 100 miles to the gallon, the Peel P-50 was jokingly once advertised as “cheaper than walking.” But, while it may be cheap to run, the Peel P-50 is not very safe. It’s so tiny that many larger modern cars overshadow it, making it difficult to see on the road.
Our verdict? The Peel P-50 is definitely a fad. Unless you’re secretly a hobbit, there is no way anyone could sit comfortably in this car for longer than 20 minutes. In fact, we’re not even sure we could do it for 5 minutes!
Mini cars from the past and the future
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