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That saves half!? – Vauxhall Rocks Electric vs. Microlino LITE – REVIEW

November 29, 2024

Driving from 16 years of age

Still nice, when you are 16 you are allowed to drive a moped if you have an AM license. The range is enormous these days, even when it comes to electric vehicles. The Opel Rocks Electric has been sold more than 1,200 times in the Netherlands. That may not seem like much, but in the moped segment those are big numbers. The Microlino LITE is a relatively new player. It is based on the regular Mircolino which can do 90 km/h. That gives it an excellent base. The Microlino is only a premium product, and you can see that in the price difference between this Opel and Microlino.

THAT SAVES HALF!? – Opel Rocks Electric vs Microlino LITE – REVIEW – AutoRAI TV

The difference in price

The Vauxhall starts at 8,699 euros for the base version, but you’d rather not have it. Always go for the Tekno or Klub. Those look nicer and are priced at 9,499 euros. The Microlino LITE starts at 17,990 euros in the Netherlands. Compared to the Tekno, that’s a difference of no less than 8,491 euros. Whew, and then you have to tick off some options.  

Opel Rocks Electric vs. Microlino Lite

Basic versus premium?

The differences in terms of product are huge. The Vauxhall has a tubular steel frame, while the Microlino Lite is the first in this class to have a self-supporting steel unibody. So in terms of safety, it’s a done deal for the Microlino. And it’s also a world of difference in terms of finish. Whereas in the Vauxhall you enjoy simple materials that frankly look pretty okay, in the LITE Microlino immerses you in beautiful design and materials. You also sit cozily side by side on a bench, whereas in the Rocks you sit on plastic chairs, with a few cushions here and there.  

Opel Rocks feels more spacious

Sensationally, the Rocks is the much roomier car. That’s because you sit far back, giving you a lot of perception of space. In the Microlino, it’s a bit more cozy. There are also big differences in terms of doors. The Rocks has a door on each side, while the Microlino has a door at the front, like the BMW Isetta it was inspired by. Getting in and out of both models is child’s play, but most fun in the Microlino. The front door also has a softclose function! A moped with softclose, how luxurious do you want it to be?

















































Who has the quietest electric motor?

But even in the Rocks you really have nothing to complain about. Everything looks hip and it drives exceptionally nice. And believe it or not, but the Rocks also has the quieter electric motor. In that area, the Microlino is less premium. The electric motor is quite loud. Still, that shouldn’t spoil the fun. In terms of thumbs up from bystanders, it is also a close second, although the Microlino seems to have a slight advantage here. He just looks incredibly endearing. The “I want to have it” factor is enormous with the Microlino.

Cool looks

Nice, but can you afford it? That, above all, is the key question. Because all that luxury and top energineering does come at a price, it has already become clear. This particular one is finished in Berlin Anthracite Matt color with matte gray bodywork, trim and details in orange and LED lights front and rear. Microlino also supplies Venice Blue, a kind of smurf blue. So the Microlino Lite comes in two different colors and interiors, while the Rocks comes in just one basic color: black/gray plastic, with, in the case of this Tekno, neon yellow design elements inside and out.

























Options for Microlino

If you opt for the Premium interior package, your Microlino also gets a super-deluxe interior, such as a seat bench upholstered in microfiber suede, sides and dashboard covered in microfiber suede, a steering wheel upholstered in leather, side pockets, bluetooth speaker and smartphone holder, white stitching on seats and steering wheel and a Micro logo embroidered on the headrests. The Mircolino also has dual displays, a speedometer and central touchscreen. Black needle-felt floor mats in the interior and trunk complete the party. So in short:

Test car options:

Differ

So almost 22,000 euros, ai! It is certainly worth it, because it is genuinely a premium product, but compared to this Rocks it still puts you in doubt. Because for 13,000 euros you can do many other nice things. By the way, you can easily distinguish such a LITE from a regular Microlino. The front and rear LED lights do not have a continuous light strip, there are LITE stickers, and the electric motor has been somewhat scaled back in software to comply with the so-called L6e regulations under which mopeds fall.

How big are the batteries?

Opel always supplies the Rocks with a 5.5 kWh battery, but with the Microlino LITE you have a choice of two lithium-ion batteries. The first is the small battery with 5.5 kWh. Good for a range of up to 95 kilometers, a gain of 20 kilometers over the Opel. The 5.5 kWh battery in the LITe has a built-in charger with a maximum capacity of 2.2 kW. Charging time is 2 hours to 80 percent.

An alternative is a lithium-ion battery of 11 kWh (extra cost 2,000 euros), which allows you to travel up to 200 km on a full charge of electricity. This version has a built-in charger with a maximum power of 2.2 kW. The charging time is 4 hours (80%). The range is then considerably greater compared to the Rocks, so you don’t have to charge as often. 

Microlino LITE – SPECS

Opel Rocks Tekno – SPECS

Conclusion review Opel Rocks Electric versus Microlino Lite

Which one you should take? That’s a matter of which one you can and want to pay for. If you go for premium and maximum fun, take the Microlino above all. The Opel Rocks Electric is more basic, but is not inferior to the Microlino in terms of driving characteristics. As mentioned, it also has the quieter electric motor. The price difference between the two is huge, so is the build quality. Both models are fun, but each in its own way. If safety is a thing for you, go for the Microlino. But if you just want to get from A to B in comfort for a reasonable price, the Opel Rocks Electric is the winner. If you treat yourself to a gift and can afford it, especially take the Microlino. This is definitely the better product when it comes to look and feel, but on the other hand, the Vauxhall also does exactly what you expect it to do without really bothering you with the harder plastics. What a dilemma! Rarely have we found choosing so difficult. Heart and mind are constantly battling each other.





Opel Rocks Electric vs. Microlino Lite








Opel Rocks Electric vs. Microlino Lite