Living: Time for The Teeny Tinies?

Microcars are taking the hassle out of French city driving

Small cars are nothing new. But how about one so tiny you can park it perpendicular to the curb, even in a parallel-parking zone? Try to imagine a car so simple that a 14-year-old may drive it without a permit, that requires no license plates because it need not be registered, that can be insured at less than a quarter of the rate for regular automobiles, and that is durable and so efficient it can travel 60 miles on one-half to three-quarters of a gallon of diesel fuel.

Voila, the microcar. For about a decade, this urban motorist's dream has been...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!