Fiat Topolino: A Retro-Inspired EV Set to Bring La Dolce Vita to UK Streets in 2024
Fiat has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated Fiat Topolino, a compact electric vehicle (EV), will be making its way to the UK market in 2024. The Topolino draws heavy inspiration from the Citroen Ami, while infusing a retro-focused styling that pays homage to the original Fiat 500, fondly referred to as the ‘Topolino’, which was produced from 1936 to 1955.
The name ‘Topolino’, meaning ‘baby mouse’ in Italian, perfectly captures the essence of this diminutive two-seater EV. Fiat envisions the new Topolino as a vehicle that brings a fresh sense of la dolce vita to city streets, appealing to a wide audience, including younger customers, families, and urban enthusiasts seeking a unique and stylish mode of transportation.
Although specific details about the Topolino remain limited, Fiat has offered a glimpse of its exciting features. The charming round headlights, reminiscent of the original Fiat 500, evoke a sense of nostalgia, while the signature grille design further enhances the car’s identity. The stylish white rims add a touch of elegance, and the opening canvas roof provides an open-air experience for passengers. A notable safety feature is the inclusion of a thick rope, strategically placed to prevent passengers from accidentally falling out of the vehicle.
Drawing from the technical specifications of the Citroen Ami and Opel Rocks-e, both of which share mechanical similarities, the Topolino is expected to offer a maximum range of approximately 46 miles and a top speed of 28 mph. These performance figures are made possible by a compact 5.5 kWh battery and an 8 bhp electric motor, ensuring the vehicle’s suitability for urban environments.
Inside the Topolino, despite its compact dimensions, there is clever utilization of space, providing 63 liters of storage capacity for passengers’ belongings. Fiat intends to offer a range of bespoke accessories to further enhance the versatility of the vehicle. These accessories may include a practical rack bag for additional storage, a Bluetooth speaker for entertainment on the go, and seat covers that can double as beach towels, catering to the active lifestyle of potential owners.
The Citroen Ami, which shares its technical platform with the Topolino, has experienced success in key markets since its launch in the past year. Notably, it can be leased for as little as £20 per month in the UK, making it an attractive option for urban mobility. Fiat CEO Olivier François believes that the Topolino, following in the footsteps of the Ami, has the potential to contribute significantly to the brand’s urban mobility strategy, which is a key focus within the larger Stellantis group.
François acknowledged that one of the primary challenges during discussions with Stellantis partners Citroen and Opel regarding the Topolino has been ensuring sufficient production volumes to warrant Fiat’s commitment to the project. In a recent announcement, Stellantis revealed plans to invest an additional €300 million in the Kenitra factory in Morocco, where the Citroen Ami is currently manufactured. This substantial investment aims to boost production capacity to approximately 50,000 quadricycles per year, which would support the potential production of the Topolino.
François expressed his ambition for the Topolino to become a major success, highlighting the necessity of increasing production capacity to meet demand. Ongoing discussions with Citroen and Opel are focused on addressing this challenge and ensuring that the Topolino fulfills its potential as a significant contributor to Fiat’s urban mobility aspirations. The success of the Citroen Ami has paved the way for the Topolino, and Fiat is committed to delivering a compelling and appealing electric vehicle that embodies the brand’s rich heritage while embracing the future of sustainable urban transportation.
