Microcars considered sensible - but nobody wants to drive them
The majority of the Swiss population find cars too big. Environmentally-minded people in particular criticize the dimensions of vehicles. But when it comes to owning a car, space, comfort and flexibility continue to dominate. Small cars remain a marginal phenomenon - despite growing cities and a shortage of parking spaces.
According to a representative study commissioned by AutoScout24, only 4 percent of Swiss households own a microcar. These include microcars such as the Microlino, Fiat Topolino or Citroën Ami. Only 17 percent of the population can imagine buying or leasing such a vehicle within the next two years. However, the pressure of suffering in road traffic is certainly there: Six out of ten respondents feel that the cars on Swiss roads are too big. This perception is particularly pronounced among environmentally-minded people, 85 percent of whom criticize the size of vehicles. At the same time, however, only 28 percent see cars that are too big as a key stress factor. From the population's point of view, inconsiderate behavior by other road users, traffic jams and the search for a parking space are much more stressful.
Too small for everyday use
In terms of mobility types, the Swiss most frequently categorize themselves as time-oriented (34 percent), followed by comfort-oriented (24 percent) and sustainability-oriented (23 percent). Money seems to play a relatively smaller role: Around 19 percent classify themselves as cost-conscious.
The Swiss population primarily perceive microcars as being easy to park (56%). At the same time, many associate them with little storage space (49%) and limited occupant protection. Only a quarter of respondents associate microcars with environmental friendliness. Accordingly, 64 percent see them primarily as a second vehicle - and only 15 percent see them as a model that suits their own lifestyle.
The skepticism is particularly clear when it comes to family suitability: Over 80 percent are of the opinion that subcompact cars are not suitable for everyday family life. For many, this is the end of the matter - around half of those who are not interested in buying one do not mention any aspect that could change their mind. The most frequently expressed wish for more storage space contradicts the basic concept of this vehicle category.
Price-performance in demand
Those who find microcars attractive do so primarily for rational reasons. The most important purchase argument is a good price-performance ratio, followed by sustainability, low maintenance costs and suitability for short distances in city traffic. On average, the Swiss population cites just under CHF 10,000 as a reasonable price. The market data from AutoScout24 shows that the corresponding models are in this price segment: The Citroën Ami was advertised for an average of around 9,925 francs in 2025, while the Fiat Topolino was advertised for around 11,182 francs. Price expectations and market supply are therefore close together - even if interest on AutoScout24 remains low.
Sustainability with limits
Microcars are seen as a solution, especially when it comes to space consumption by parked cars: Three quarters of those surveyed believe they would have a positive effect. Many also believe that noise and air pollution could be at least partially alleviated. In contrast, only 33 percent believe they could make a noticeable contribution to traffic congestion.
«For many Swiss people, compact cars are more of a supplement than a replacement - in everyday life, vehicles that offer more space and flexibility continue to dominate in the country of SUV drivers,» says Alberto Sanz de Lama, Managing Director AutoScout24 of the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group.
Data basis: On behalf of AutoScout24, YouGov Switzerland conducted a representative online survey from January 6 to 14, 2026. A total of 656 people aged between 18 and 79 from German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland were surveyed. The results are weighted according to gender, age and region and are representative of the online-savvy population of German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland.
