1994 Metropolia Ibana - AllCarIndex

The Finnish newcomer IBANA, which debuted at an exhibition, was likely the smallest car present. It was described as a city car with a human face, capturing the attention of anyone encountering its two-seater, front-wheel-drive prototype amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy street.

Although not fitting the conventional definition of a car, IBANA also didn't fall into the category of motorcycles. It was categorized within the European L5 vehicle classification as a three-wheeler. Measuring only 2.4 meters in length, this "light car" offered exceptional maneuverability and ease of parking in urban settings. The first prototype featured a 2-cylinder gasoline engine and a semi-automatic transaxle, while a low-emission evolution version was designed to function as a serial hybrid, as explained by Matti Parpola, the project leader.

Collaboratively developed at the Helsinki Institute of Technology and the University of Industrial Arts, the IBANA prototype made its debut at the Paris Motor Show. This presentation aimed to showcase the institute's capability to engage in high-quality projects that serve both the automotive industry and international educational partners.

The future trajectory of IBANA rested in the hands of a development company named Fantatsia Oy. Plans were underway for a next-generation version of the light car, slated for completion within the second quarter of 1996.