Cheap thrills: Say Elio to the $9k car alternative
US start-up creates wacky, dirt cheap trike that, its makers hope, will provide affordable mobility for the massesFledgling US-based car maker, Elio, has created a $9,000 three-wheel car alternative that can top 160km/h, average 2.8l/100km and cover up to 1100km between fill-ups.
Powered by a unique 0.9-litre three-cylinder petrol, the new Elio will go on sale June next year once it’s passed stringent crash tests.
Made in the same former GM Louisiana-based factory that once made the Hummer H3, the new Elio, its makers claim, produces less CO2 per year than a flatulent cow.
Weighing in at just 550kg the new US-made trike will come with three airbags and ABS brakes.
The Elio will also come equipped with a standard rollcage to help it pass strict US rollover tests.
Production Elios will comes with a surprisingly high level of equipment (for a trike) with both air conditioning and electric windows both standard.
Created originally by car enthusiast Paul Elio back in 2008 the three-wheeler has been developed from concept to working prototype over the past seven years.
The near-production prototype will then be revealed in its final state of tune at the New York motor show next month once the Elio has finished a nationwide tour of the US.
According to Elio more than 40,000 people have made “reservations” to buy an Elio when the trike goes on sale in the US in 2016.
Pricing will begin at just US$6800 plus taxes.
It’s unlikely the trike will make it here any time soon but if it did it could be a more efficient, significantly cheaper rival to the $85,000 Morgan 3Wheeler.
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