Most people in Switzerland consider cars to be too large. Those with strong environmental values are particularly critical of vehicle size. However, when it comes to their own car, space, comfort and flexibility continue to take priority. Microcars remain a niche phenomenon – despite growing cities and increasing pressure on parking space.
According to a representative study commissioned by AutoScout24, only 4 per cent of Swiss households currently own a microcar. These include vehicles such as the Microlino, Fiat Topolino and Citroën Ami. Just 17 per cent of the population can imagine buying or leasing such a vehicle within the next two years. At the same time, there is clear frustration with road traffic: six in ten respondents feel that cars on Swiss roads are too large. This perception is particularly pronounced among environmentally oriented individuals, 85 per cent of whom criticise vehicle size. However, only 28 per cent see oversized cars as a central stress factor. Far more burdensome are inconsiderate behaviour by other road users, traffic congestion and the search for parking spaces.
Too Small for Everyday Life
When asked about their mobility preferences, Swiss respondents most frequently identify as time-oriented (34 per cent), followed by comfort-oriented (24 per cent) and sustainability-oriented (23 per cent). Cost appears to play a comparatively smaller role, with around 19 per cent describing themselves as price-conscious. Microcars are primarily perceived as easy to park (56 per cent). At the same time, many associate them with limited storage space (49 per cent) and restricted occupant protection. Only one quarter of respondents associate microcars with environmental friendliness. Accordingly, 64 per cent regard them mainly as a second vehicle – and only 15 per cent see them as a model that fits their own lifestyle. Scepticism is particularly pronounced regarding family suitability: over 80 per cent believe that microcars are not suitable for everyday family life. For many, the matter is therefore settled – around half of those with no purchase interest say that nothing could change their mind. The most frequently mentioned wish for greater storage capacity contradicts the fundamental concept of this vehicle category.
Value for Money Is Key
Those who find microcars attractive tend to do so for rational reasons. The most important purchase argument is good value for money, followed by sustainability, low running costs and suitability for short urban journeys. On average, Swiss respondents consider just under CHF 10,000 to be an appropriate price. AutoScout24 market data show that relevant models are positioned within this price segment: in 2025, the Citroën Ami was advertised at an average price of around CHF 9,925, while the Fiat Topolino averaged around CHF 11,182. Price expectations and market supply are therefore closely aligned – even though interest on AutoScout24 remains low.
Sustainability with Limits
Microcars are primarily seen as a potential solution in terms of the space occupied by parked vehicles: three quarters of respondents believe they could have a positive effect in this regard. Many also think they could at least partially reduce noise and air pollution. However, only 33 per cent believe microcars would make a noticeable contribution to reducing traffic congestion. “For many people in Switzerland, microcars are more of a complement than a replacement – in a country of SUV drivers, vehicles offering greater space and flexibility continue to dominate everyday life,” says Alberto Sanz de Lama, Managing Director AutoScout24 at SMG Swiss Marketplace Group.
Methodology
On behalf of AutoScout24, YouGov Switzerland conducted a representative online survey between 6 and 14 January 2026. A total of 656 people aged 18 to 79 from German- and French-speaking Switzerland were surveyed. The results are weighted by gender, age and region and are representative of the online population in German- and French-speaking Switzerland.
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