The Next Microcar Generation – Six Little Cars with Big Ambitions

Microcars might occupy a small corner of Europe's automotive market, but their appeal is difficult to ignore. In 2025, France registered 24,919 new light quadricycles, while Italy recorded 17,989 light and heavy quadricycles, more than 72% of them electric.

Their appeal lies in simplicity. Compact dimensions, low energy consumption and modest running costs make microcars ideal for short journeys, narrow streets and congested cities. Advances in electric technology are making these tiny vehicles increasingly practical and versatile.

Britain remains a tougher market, with microcars still a rare sight on our roads. However, new manufacturers are bringing fresh designs, clever packaging and greater choice.

Most vehicles featured here fall into Europe's L6e and L7e quadricycle categories. L6e models are limited to 28mph, while L7e vehicles can typically reach around 56mph, offering greater performance and practicality. Both classifications allow for lighter, simpler vehicles than conventional cars.

TNY explores six newcomers that could help shape the future of microcars.

Chinese manufacturer Bontu is bringing its electric microcars to Europe, having introduced the range in Milan earlier this year. Among the newcomers is the BT09, a compact, affordable alternative to established models such as the Citroën Ami.

Measuring just 2,750mm long and 1,450mm wide, the BT09 comes in two versions. The two-seat L6e model has a 7.68kWh battery, offering a claimed 81-mile range and a 28mph top speed. A more capable four-seat L7e version increases battery capacity to 10kWh, range to approximately 93 miles and top speed to 47mph.

Italian pricing is expected to start around €9,500, making it an interesting proposition for budget-conscious buyers.

Stepping up from the smaller BT09, the Bontu BTE05 offers considerably more space and performance, potentially making it a more convincing alternative to a conventional city car.

Measuring 3,000mm long, 1,500mm wide and 1,630mm tall, the BTE05 is available with two or four seats. Buyers can choose between 13.9kWh and 18.1kWh LFP batteries, delivering claimed ranges of 106 and 138 miles respectively. Its 56mph top speed also makes it considerably more versatile than a typical 28mph microcar.

Equipment is surprisingly generous, including air conditioning, ABS, a driver's airbag and a 12-inch touchscreen.

European pricing has been estimated at €14,000–€17,000 (approximately £12,000–£15,000), although official prices remain unconfirmed. Bontu is establishing itself in Italy, but a British launch has yet to be announced.

Perhaps the most significant newcomer is the Dacia Hipster, a remarkably simple electric microcar designed to bring affordable motoring to a wider audience.

Measuring just 3,000mm long, 1,550mm wide and 1,530mm tall, the boxy Hipster manages four proper seats and a 70-litre boot, expanding to 500 litres with the rear seats folded. Weighing under 800kg, the concept is approximately 20% lighter than the Dacia Spring.

Reports suggest production could begin in China during 2027, with a 15kWh battery, approximately 20bhp and a targeted UK price below £10,000.

That could make the Hipster one of Britain's most affordable new electric vehicles, although production and pricing remain unconfirmed by Dacia. Its combination of four seats, clever packaging and potentially accessible pricing could make it a particularly important addition to the emerging L7e market.

Fiat's growing microcar ambitions now extend well beyond the familiar Topolino. The Italian manufacturer has three distinct approaches to micromobility: the two-seat Topolino, the three-wheeled Tris commercial vehicle and the four-seat Multiplina.

First revealed in July 2026 and subsequently displayed at the Paris Motor Show, the Multiplina takes inspiration from the original 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla, promising considerably greater practicality than its smaller siblings.

While the Topolino measures just 2,558mm long, offers 46 miles of range and is limited to 28mph, the Multiplina aims to accommodate four occupants within a body measuring under three metres. Developed around the L7e heavy quadricycle category, it could offer a 56mph top speed, greater power and a larger battery.

Production has been suggested for 2028, although Fiat is still working to reduce weight to meet quadricycle regulations. Pricing, battery specifications and UK availability remain unconfirmed.

Chinese newcomer Linktour is moving quickly into Europe, with its Alumi electric microcar already available in several continental markets. Following its British Motor Show debut in August 2026, the manufacturer is preparing to introduce three versions to the UK.

Measuring just 2,685mm long and 1,500mm wide, the two-seat Alumi features lightweight aluminium construction, frameless doors and a surprisingly contemporary interior.

The L6e Alumi and Alumi Pro offer a 7.2kWh battery, up to 75 miles of claimed range and a 28mph top speed. The more powerful L7e Elite+ increases capacity to 12.96kWh, delivering up to 112 miles and 56mph.

Belgian prices start at €10,490 for the Alumi and €14,990 for the Elite, equivalent to approximately £8,850 and £12,650. British prices and dealer availability remain unconfirmed, but Linktour's UK arrival appears increasingly close.

Spanish newcomer LIUX is taking an unusual approach to electric microcars, with its BIG making an international debut at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Its most distinctive feature is a lightweight flax-fibre composite monocoque supported by a steel chassis, combining structural strength with reduced weight and environmental impact.

Measuring approximately 2,700mm long and 1,500mm wide, the two-seat L7e quadricycle weighs just 648kg and offers a surprisingly useful 240-litre boot. Two LFP battery options, 15kWh and 20kWh, promise 134 and 168 miles respectively under WMTC testing. Power comes from a 47bhp electric motor, with a 56mph top speed.

Production is planned for Spain, with deliveries expected during the first half of 2027. Prices should start below €18,000 (approximately £15,200), with Spain, France and Italy the initial markets.

UK availability remains unconfirmed, but the BIG's lightweight construction and impressive claimed efficiency make it one of Europe's more intriguing microcar newcomers.

For decades, Europe's microcar market was largely the territory of specialist manufacturers such as Aixam, Ligier and Microcar. More recently, mainstream manufacturers have joined the conversation, with the Renault Twizy, Citroën Ami, Opel Rocks Electric and Fiat Topolino introducing a new generation of buyers to tiny electric vehicles.

Now the segment appears ready for another wave of newcomers. Established carmakers are exploring greater practicality and affordability, while ambitious new manufacturers are introducing fresh designs, lightweight construction and increasingly capable electric powertrains.

For Britain, the question remains whether these vehicles can move beyond niche appeal and establish themselves as genuinely useful alternatives to conventional cars.

Not all six newcomers will necessarily reach UK showrooms, but the growing variety suggests that Europe's smallest vehicles could have a much bigger future than their modest dimensions might suggest.

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Legal & Image Credits

This article is an independent editorial feature by The New Yardstick. Vehicle specifications, prices, ranges and launch dates reflect information available at the time of publication and may change. Claimed driving ranges are based on manufacturer figures and may vary in real-world conditions. European availability does not guarantee a UK launch.

All manufacturer names, model names and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Vehicle photographs and promotional images are credited to their respective manufacturers and copyright holders.

The hero image, featuring the Dacia Hipster, Linktour Alumi and Fiat Multiplina, is a TNY-created artistic composition based on manufacturer designs. The Renault Twizy and Citroën Ami illustration is also a TNY-created artistic rendering. These illustrations are independently created editorial artwork and are not official manufacturer promotional images.

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