Fiat is bringing a measure 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 immediately clear: the Topolino “leans heavily” into nostalgia.
Fiat Topolino design inspired by the Nuova 500
Its styling begins with an unmistakable link to the 1955 Nuova 500. Were it not for the passenger compartment, whose more box-shaped volume is identical to that of the Ami, we suspect Fiat’s designers would have gone even further in making it resemble the Nuova 500.
One particularly noticeable feature is the Topolino’s lack of doors, recalling the arrangement used on the classic 500 Jolly models.
The name itself also 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 line of city cars, which continues today with the third generation of the 500 and the Panda.
Fiat’s first electric quadricycle
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 the second electric passenger model in Fiat’s range, 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 released, although it is reasonable to assume that they will match those of the Citroën Ami.
That would mean a small 6 kW (8.2 hp) electric motor, powered by a 5.5 kWh battery that provides up to 75 km of range. Naturally, top speed would be limited to 45 km/h.
Fiat has also yet to confirm a date for the start of sales of the new Fiat Topolino.
The other “Ami”
With the unveiling of the Fiat Topolino, the Stellantis Group now has three electric quadricycles. The first was, naturally, the original Citroën Ami, followed by the Opel Rocks-e.
Unlike the Topolino, Opel did not give the Rocks-e a distinctive look. Apart from its unique wheel trims and exclusive paint finish, only the Opel badge separates the Rocks-e from Citroën’s Ami.
Which do you prefer?
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