HÓDGÉP Puli - Electric Hungarian Micro Car
Written by: C Blackmore.
The Hodgep Puli’s story alone is quite tame, but coupled with the economic and political climate of Hungary, it’s country of production – the journey of the Puli was certainly unique
While not directly inside the Soviet Union, post war Hungary was a communist country behind the Iron Curtain. The microcar came along towards the end of the 80’s, right as the Iron Curtain was about to fall.
But what exactly is the Puli?
It's 2.46 metres long, had a fibre glass body, could seat 2 people, was originally released with a 273cc Yanmar diesel, later replaced with a Lombardini Diesel. It had 10 inch wheels, an in cabin heater, windscreen wipers, a horn and even seat belts!
As described by a viewer: Looks like the dash and steering column is lifted straight out of the Fiat 126 parts bin!
Vehicle: early 90’s HÓDGÉP Puli
SET UP: Electric Power! 7.4 kW motor
FUN FACTS: Only 2.46 metres long!
A few years later an Electric version was released, but by this time Hungary was a essentially a different nation and the popularity of micro cars in France was increasing, meaning more production was beginning in country.
The Puli eventually had a few different models, the diesel, the electric, a convertible, a van and a convertible version.
Fast forward to 1998 this run of the Puli was out of production, but they can still be found scattered throughout France and Hungary – and oddly enough, this one in New Zealand. Which you’ll need a Prius to tow, because it doesn’t quite work.
Hopefully next time I see something this awesome I can drive it under it’s own power. Not that being towed with a Prius isn’t cool. Bucket list item – check!
