Microcar trend sees popular models reimagined in fun designs

The new Citroen Ami and Fiat Topolino join a small and exclusive club of micro-sized road-going cars including the Renault Twizy that are designed for people to move around their built-up cities across Europe. Technically these cars are quadricycles which, like cars, have four wheels but carry restrictions on power, weight and top speed putting them into a similar class to a moped or tricycle.

Quadricycles are not currently a common site on Aussie roads, but at half the size of the average car and mostly with a top speed of 50km/h, they are starting to become more popular across Europe as more people look for cheaper and more convenient ways to commute and find a parking space in their city.

To imagine what more of these microcars might look like, UK site Vanarama has transformed five popular regular-sized cars and has given them the microcar treatment to see what they might look like.

Tesla has been at the forefront of the electric car revolution, so it’s quite possible that Elon Musk could also embrace the microcar concept. The Model 2 hatch is already on the cards so how about the Model 1?

Like Fiat, Tesla could draw inspiration from its very first model. The Roadster was produced from 2008 to 2012, based on the Lotus Elise chassis but with heavy modifications to accommodate the electric powertrain. 

This reimagined convertible microcar has a sporty design, much like the original Roadster, with the manufacturer’s signature curves and smooth lines. The LED headlights are almond-shaped, too, another Tesla trait.

Known for its versatility and ruggedness, Ford could bring its expertise to the microcar market with a model designed for both city living and off-road capability.

The Ford F-Series has been the bestselling pickup truck in the US for 46 years, with one being sold every 49 seconds last year, but how would it look as a much smaller quadricycle? While you’ll not be able to transport as much as the original manages to, you’ll still be able to fit a few grocery bags in the back. The refined size also offers an added benefit – it will be nimble in tight city streets, unlike the full-sized F-150.

MINI is synonymous with compact cars and iconic design. However, more recently, the models have become much bigger – the classic MINI was 3.05m in length, and the 2023 MINI is 23% longer at 3.87m. To bring it back to its original proportions, it has been reimagined into what a MINI-badged quadricycle.

Taking inspiration from the classic Mini Cooper Sport models, the vehicle has the iconic retro styling but has the curves we've come to know of the modern MINI. The signature circular headlights feature, alongside the flared wheel arches and a bolder take on the alloys of old.

Land Rover is renowned for their off-road ability and, until recently, utilitarian style. This micro vehicle is modelled after the classic Land Rover, with a retro boxy shell and round headlights, but made fit for modern-day motorists with black detailing and subtle curves – a nod to the latest Defender.

The microcar has elevated ground clearance, to tackle county roads as well as city streets. There’s no compromise on space here, either – well, for a quadricycle – with ample room for three passengers and a driver.

Porsche is synonymous with performance and driving pleasure, and a microcar take on that template would be no exception. This quadricycle has all the key features of a Porsche, such as a sleek and aerodynamic exterior and its signature styling.

The car features the oval, slightly bulging headlights that have adorned Porsche 911s of the past and present, alongside the large spoiler and racier body kit of the 911 GT3 RS. With this being a performance-focused quadricycle, there is just one seat.

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