Lean machine: Is Swapa’s Zip the narrowest new car on sale?

Combining the agility of a scooter with the comfort and security of a four-wheeler, Milan’s latest tandem microcar takes the Twizy formula to new heights — and widths...

It’s true, tiny quadricycles are nothing new. However, this city dweller has a trump card: a comically narrow width. No need to adjust your screens, at just 1.2m wide (with the mirrors folded) and 2.5m long, the Swapa’s form appears distorted, but those dimensions are the real deal.  

While its proportions might look a little silly, the practical packaging is really rather clever. A squished stature means that, like the magical Knight bus from Harry Potter, the Swapa can nip through almost any gap in traffic. Plus, when it comes to parking, its makers say it’ll happily slot into a standard moped space. Then, to ensure you don’t get trapped inside or out, you can literally walk the car in or out of the tightest jams. By pressing on a button mounted on the rear spoiler you can move the vehicle backwards, forwards, or at an angle via the steering wheel.

That’s all very nifty, but surely there’s no room for a passenger? Think again: the Swapa’s one plus one layout means two six-foot-tall adults can travel in relative comfort — a claim we tested at the Paris Motor Show. Incredibly, no shoehorns were required, though the obvious downside is that pillion passengers essentially sit in the boot. So you’ll have to choose between groceries or a friend, but that’s understandable given the limited space on offer.

As for propulsion, the Swapa is fully electric and offers an ample EV city range of around 62 miles. Unlike other electric quadricycles though, you have two choices when it’s time to charge up: plug in via the onboard port and wait three and a half hours, or simply swap out the two dead battery packs for fresh ones to keep things rolling.  

Unfortunately, the performance isn’t quite so rapid. Like the Citroen Ami and Fiat Topolino, the Swapa Zip is classified as an L6E vehicle, meaning the top speed is limited to a paltry 28 mph. The upshot is, depending on your location, you can legally drive the Swapa from just 14 years old. Plus, it should offer ‘breathtaking handling’ courtesy of an aluminium monocoque chassis that’s similar to those found on full-sized cars.

Jump inside and you’ll spot a startling amount of equipment for a vehicle of this type. Air conditioning, a multifunctional steering wheel, sat nav, electric windows, there’s even lightweight sports seats made from magnesium alloy. And, despite its diminutive dimensions, you shouldn’t feel too vulnerable out on the open road; the ZIP’s structure and construction prioritise occupant safety above all else, with liberal use of high-strength steel and composite coverings. 

Intrigued by the Swapa’s quirky, forward-thinking design? Well, provided you live in Italy, you could put one on your drive, or even in your bike shed, for as little as £12,500. Granted, that’s around £4,000 more than a comparable Citroen Ami, but the Swapa is undeniably better equipped with a far less spartan feeling interior. 

Do you think ultra-narrow quadricycles have a future on our congested streets? Let us know if you’d like to see Swapa come to the UK.

Hero image credit: Blackcircles.com