A Revolutionary City Car That Puts Style and Convenience First
Inspiration and Evolution
The roots of the Microlino trace back to the mid-2010s when Micro, a Swiss company renowned for its folding scooters, sought to redefine urban mobility. Recognizing that traditional city cars were overly complex and inefficient, Micro envisioned a minimalist, eco-friendly alternative. Drawing inspiration from the 1950s BMW Isetta bubblecar, the Microlino adopted its signature egg-shaped design and single front door. The original plan included a Micro scooter in the boot, allowing drivers to park the car and complete their journey on two wheels. However, economic realities and consumer demands reshaped the Microlino into a more versatile and luxurious vehicle.Specifying the Modern Microlino
Today’s Microlino comes in various configurations, each tailored to different needs and preferences. The entry-level 'Lite' model boasts a modest top speed of 28mph and a range of approximately 58 miles, priced at £17,000. While this may seem steep compared to budget hatchbacks like the Hyundai i10, it sets the stage for more advanced versions. The core 'Microlino' model enhances performance and comfort with features such as a heater, soft-close door, chrome trim, and Sport mode. Its top speed increases to 56mph, and range upgrades offer up to 141 miles, albeit at a premium cost. This evolution reflects the market's desire for more features and longer-range capabilities.Driving Experience and Design
Climbing aboard the Microlino is an experience in itself. The electronically released single door, reminiscent of a futuristic pod, adds a touch of drama. Once inside, the interior exudes a blend of retro charm and contemporary design. Quilted seats and improved trim quality elevate the cabin's ambiance, though the driving position remains uniquely positioned, akin to an Italian supercar from the 1980s. The Bluetooth speaker and smartphone holder cater to modern connectivity needs, while the touchscreen interface, though occasionally laggy, provides essential functions.Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Microlino's 16bhp motor delivers a top speed of 56mph, but acceleration can feel leisurely. The extended range models, weighing just over half a tonne, emphasize practicality over performance. Handling, particularly in corners, can be slightly vague, and the ride quality over bumps leaves room for improvement. Yet, these quirks contribute to the Microlino's character, making it more suited for short, charming jaunts through the city rather than long-distance travel. The sunroof and sliding windows enhance the open-air experience, inviting drivers to savor the urban landscape.Market Position and Appeal
Despite its higher price point, the Microlino has carved out a niche as both a fashion statement and a functional city car. While it may not align perfectly with the initial vision of a lightweight, frill-free EV, its evolution reflects the market's appetite for added luxury and versatility. For those seeking a unique and stylish way to navigate urban environments, the Microlino stands out as a loveable yet imperfect companion. It invites smiles and conversation, embodying the spirit of innovation and adaptability in modern city living.In 2024, Voyah, the premium electric vehicle (EV) division of Dongfeng Motor, delivered a total of 85,697 vehicles. This figure represents a 69.52% increase from the previous year but falls short of the company's ambitious target of 100,000 units. Despite this, Voyah showed strong momentum towards the end of the year, achieving three consecutive record-breaking months, culminating in December with 12,136 deliveries. The brand also announced plans to significantly expand its product lineup and global presence in 2025.
Strong Year-End Performance and Future Expansion Plans
Despite missing its annual delivery target, Voyah demonstrated impressive growth in the final quarter of 2024. December saw a remarkable surge in deliveries, marking the third consecutive month of record sales. With 12,136 vehicles delivered in December, the brand exceeded both its year-over-year and month-over-month figures. CEO Lu Fang expressed confidence in the company's ability to build on this momentum as it prepares for an even more ambitious 2025.
The robust performance in the last quarter of 2024 reflects Voyah's growing market acceptance and competitive positioning. The company's success can be attributed to its expanding product range, which now includes four models: Voyah Free, Dream MPV, Zhuiguang sedan, and the recently launched Zhiyin SUV. The Zhiyin, known as "Courage" in international markets, is positioned as a direct competitor to Tesla's Model Y. This strategic launch underscores Voyah's commitment to capturing a larger share of the global EV market. Moreover, the consistent monthly growth throughout the latter half of 2024 indicates that Voyah has successfully established itself as a formidable player in the premium electric vehicle segment.
Aiming High for 2025 with New Models and Global Expansion
Looking ahead to 2025, Voyah has set an ambitious goal of delivering 200,000 vehicles. To achieve this, the company plans to introduce at least four new or revamped models, building on its current lineup. Additionally, Voyah aims to expand its retail footprint globally, targeting a network of 400 stores by the end of next year. These moves reflect the brand's determination to accelerate its growth and strengthen its position in the competitive EV market.
To support its aggressive expansion plans, Voyah will leverage its existing strengths while introducing innovative features and technologies in its upcoming models. The company's focus on enhancing customer experience and expanding its global presence is expected to drive significant growth in 2025. By launching multiple new models and increasing its retail presence, Voyah aims to not only meet but exceed its delivery targets. The brand's rapid development since its inception in late 2020 highlights its potential to become a leading force in the electric vehicle industry. With each new model release and store opening, Voyah continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive sector.
In an era where electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, many consumers find themselves grappling with questions about affordability, practicality, and charging logistics. This year, a fresh entrant has joined the fray with the introduction of the Equinox EV, offering a compelling blend of driving range, spaciousness, and modern design. The vehicle's top-tier 3RS model provides all-wheel drive and impressive technological features, while its pricing ranges from the high thirties to the low fifties. Despite some minor issues with the infotainment system, the Equinox EV represents a significant step forward in the electric SUV segment.
The Arrival of the Equinox EV: Driving Range, Features, and Performance
In the heart of the bustling automotive market, a new contender has emerged this year—the Equinox EV. This electric SUV promises up to 319 miles of driving range, maintaining its generous interior space and sporty aesthetics. During our week-long evaluation, we tested the premium 3RS variant, which offers dual-motor all-wheel drive and reduces the range slightly to 280 miles. The Equinox will be available in five trim levels, each equipped with a 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a nearly 19-inch center touchscreen powered by an Android-based infotainment system that integrates Google applications seamlessly.
For daily urban commutes or short trips, the Equinox EV performs admirably. However, long-distance travel requires strategic planning for charging stops. With a 240-volt garage charger, achieving a full charge takes around 10 hours. A standard 110-volt cord can take over a week to fully recharge the battery. On the other hand, ultra-fast commercial chargers can significantly reduce this time to just a few hours. One notable feature is the one-pedal driving system, which allows drivers to control acceleration and deceleration using a single pedal, enhancing both convenience and efficiency.
The 3RS model delivers a combined output of 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque, thanks to General Motors' Ultium platform and an 85-kWh battery pack. Future models in 2025 are expected to boost these figures to 300 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque. Stylistically, the Equinox EV boasts bold exterior lines, 21-inch black aluminum wheels on higher trims, and distinctive LED lighting that enhances its electric identity. Inside, the cabin is spacious enough for four adults, with ample cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. While the suspension can feel firm on rough roads, the overall ride quality remains comfortable, especially on highways, with minimal noise intrusion.
GM’s Super Cruise system, an optional $2,700 addition, enables hands-free highway driving on mapped interstates, provided the driver keeps their eyes on the road. Although it tends to stay close to the right lane, this feature adds a layer of convenience and safety. Competitors in this category include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, VW ID4, and Tesla Model Y.
From a journalist's perspective, the Equinox EV marks a promising entry into the electric SUV market. Its combination of practicality, style, and technology addresses many of the concerns that have traditionally held back EV adoption. While there are still areas for improvement, particularly in terms of performance and certain tech glitches, the Equinox EV stands as a viable option for those looking to transition to electric without compromising on utility or comfort. As more consumers embrace sustainable transportation, vehicles like the Equinox EV will play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility.