Fiat is bringing a dose of Italian charm to the electric quadricycle market with the new Topolino, moving away from the industrial pragmatism of its French “cousin”, the Citroën Ami.
For now, Fiat has released just one image, but one thing is already clear about the Topolino: it “leans heavily” into nostalgia.
Fiat Topolino design and heritage
Its styling is the first sign of this, closely echoing the 1955 Nuova 500. Were it not for the passenger compartment, whose volume is identical to that of the more cube-shaped Ami, Fiat’s designers would likely have gone even further in making it resemble the Nuova 500.
One striking feature is the lack of doors on the Topolino, recalling the arrangement used on the classic 500 Jolly models.
The name itself takes us a long way back in time. Topolino - meaning little mouse - was the nickname given to the very first Fiat 500, built between 1936 and 1955. It has now become the official name of a model.
The 1936 500 “Topolino” was, in essence, the opening chapter in Fiat’s proud city-car lineage, which continues today with the third generation of the 500 and the Panda.
However, the new Fiat Topolino is the Italian marque’s first electric quadricycle and is intended to strengthen its commitment to sustainable urban mobility. It joins the 500 as Fiat’s second electric passenger model, at least until the arrival of the Fiat 600, the B-segment crossover and “cousin” of the Jeep Avenger.
When will it arrive?
No specifications - or further images - have yet been disclosed, although for now it is reasonable to expect them to match those of the Citroën Ami.
That means a small 6 kW (8.2 hp) electric motor, powered by a 5.5 kWh battery offering up to 75 km of range. Naturally, top speed is limited to 45 km/h.
Fiat has not yet announced a launch date for the new Fiat Topolino.
The other “Ami”
With the unveiling of the Fiat Topolino, Stellantis now has three electric quadricycles. The first was, naturally, the original Citroën Ami, later followed by the Opel Rocks-e.
Unlike the Topolino, Opel did not give the Rocks-e a distinctive appearance. Apart from its unique wheel trims and exclusive paint finish, only the Opel badge separates the Rocks-e from the Citroën Ami.
Which do you prefer?
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Leave a Comment