Small But Mighty
Think bigger is always better? Not when it comes to these tiny machines! While most cars keep getting more robust, some models prove that small can be just as stylish and practical with a much smaller stature. Don't believe us? Well, join us as we discover 20 of the most miniature and unconventional cars on the road today.
Micro Mobility Systems AG on Wikimedia
1. Peel P50
The Peel P50 is the tiniest production car ever built. It measures just 54 inches long and 39 inches wide. Designed in the 1960s on the Isle of Man, this three-wheeled microcar weighs only 130 pounds. With no reverse gear, you must physically pull it backward.
2. Hyundai Casper
Compact yet full of personality, the Hyundai Casper proves that big adventures can come in small forms. It is a 2021 South Korean micro-SUV that blends urban agility with a dash of rugged charm. Its quirky, boxy design turns heads, while the peppy 1.0L engine keeps things lively on the road.
3. Peel Trident
Unlike the Peel P50, this vehicle features a distinctive bubble-shaped roof and seats two people. It looks like it rolled straight out of a retro sci-fi movie. With a 49cc engine and a top speed of just 28 mph, the car is not built for racing but wins in charm.
4. BMW Isetta
Have you ever wanted to drive a car that looks like it belongs in a cartoon? With a front-opening door and a single-cylinder 298cc engine, the BMW Isetta revolutionized post-war mobility. Produced between 1955 and 1962, it could reach 50 mph while achieving an impressive 78 mpg.
5. Messerschmitt KR200
The Messerschmitt KR200 reached 56 mph, an impressive feat for such a compact, lightweight design. Originally designed by an aircraft manufacturer, this tandem-seater microcar looks like a tiny fighter jet on wheels. It launched in 1955 and features a 191cc engine and a quirky cockpit canopy.
6. Fiat 500 Topolino
Did you know the Fiat 500 Topolino is one of the first city-friendly microcars? Introduced in 1936, this compact classic packed a 13-horsepower engine capable of reaching 53 mph—an impressive speed for its era. It measures just 10 feet in length and has a lightweight build.
Jakub "Flyz1" Maciejewski on Wikimedia
7. Smart Fortwo
The Smart Fortwo is 106 inches long, making it one of the most compact cars ever built. This 1998 microcar was designed with urban drivers in mind, prioritizing parking convenience and maneuverability in tight spaces. Its automated manual transmission provides a surprisingly smooth and agile driving experience.
Johannes Maximilian on Wikimedia
8. Renault Twizy
Looking more like a futuristic pod than a car, the Renault Twizy is a two-seat electric quadricycle. Launched in 2012, it reaches 50 mph with a modest 17-horsepower motor. With no side windows, it blurs the line between scooter and car, which makes city travel effortlessly fun.
9. MINI Cooper Hardtop 2-Door
Few small cars have as much personality as the MINI Cooper Hardtop 2-Door. At just 152.2 inches long, this British-inspired hatchback combines retro styling with modern performance. Its compact dimensions make it a dream for weaving through traffic, while its nimble handling adds extra fun to every drive.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wikimedia
10. Citroën Ami
This minimal yet functional, fully electric microcar has a top speed of 28 mph and an ultra-light frame. Classified as a quadricycle, it doesn't require a driver's license in some European countries. Thanks to a 46-mile range, it's ideal for short-distance urban travel.
11. Honda N-One
Honda N-One brings retro charm to the streets, echoing the beloved Honda N360 while embracing today's tech. The car's compact frame hides a surprisingly zippy 660cc engine, making city commutes a breeze. Add innovative safety features, and you've got a nostalgic and innovative ride.
12. Suzuki Alto
As one of the longest-running kei cars in Japan, the Suzuki Alto has remained a best-seller since 1979. Its fuel-sipping engine, compact size, and affordable price make it ideal for budget-conscious city dwellers. Despite its tiny footprint, its practicality ensures enduring popularity.
13. Daihatsu Copen
Who says tiny cars can't be sporty? This vehicle is a kei-class convertible that debuted in 2002. Its turbocharged 660cc engine and retractable hardtop add excitement to driving. With sharp handling and a fun-to-drive personality, the Daihatsu Copen defies expectations.
14. Aixam Minauto
The Aixam Minauto is a practical alternative to scooters, designed for European drivers without full licenses. Despite its humble power, its enclosed cabin provides more comfort than a moped. As a quadricycle, it's limited to 28 mph and, therefore, suitable for city errands.
15. Ligier JS50
For those who want a microcar with a little more edge, the Ligier JS50 delivers both style and practicality. Because of its sleek design and sporty appeal, it looks more like a shrunken luxury car than a typical quadricycle. Under the hood, a fuel-efficient diesel engine keeps things economical.
Jakub "Flyz1" Maciejewski on Wimimedia
16. Chery QQ
Did you know this car is also known as the "poor man's Matiz?" The Chery QQ became China's answer to the microcar craze, offering an affordable and practical solution. Its tiny 0.8L engine and ultra-light chassis made it a fuel-efficient favorite among budget-conscious commuters.
17. Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mirage isn’t the sportiest ride out there, but it shines in affordability and reliability. Its low cost of ownership makes it a budget-friendly choice for practical drivers. At just 151.4 inches long, this compact hatchback is easy to maneuver and a breeze to park.
18. Subaru R1
Its 660cc engine keeps things efficient, but the unexpected bonus sets this car apart: Subaru's signature all-wheel drive gives it an edge over other microcars. Rare and undeniably charming, the R1 has quietly earned a cult following, and it's no surprise why.
19. Mazda Carol
The Mazda Carol may be small, but it has a more significant legacy than most. Debuting in 1962, it quickly became a go-to ride for people who wanted efficiency and style. Over the years, it has evolved with modern tech while staying true to its compact, budget-friendly roots.
20. Microlino
Inspired by the BMW Isetta, the Swiss-made Microlino combines retro charm with modern electric efficiency. It reaches 56 mph and offers a 143-mile range. The car also has a front-hinged door that allows easy entry even in tight parking spaces, making it an ideal city commuter.
