On the heels of the success of Fiat’s fully electric Cinquecento 500e, the legendary Turin-based manufacturer has launched the new Topolino (“little mouse” in Italian).
On Tuesday, July 4, the Mickey-like microcar made its debut. Cute as a button and parking-friendly, the new Topolino is poised to become a trailblazer for petrol-free transportation in Italy and beyond.
A throwback to the iconic Fiat Topolino produced between 1935 and 1955, this new stylish and sustainable iteration is a petite 2.53 meters (8.3 feet) long with an electric motor powered by a 5.4 kWh battery. With an impressive range of up to 75 km (47 miles) on a single charge, the mini-mouse can reach a top zooming speed of 45 km/h (28 mph).
Fiat and la bella figura
The itsy-bitsy Italian beauty, described by parent company Stellantis as the “500’s little sister,” comes with a ton of vintage swag and aesthetic appeal: satin chrome finishes, classic-look mirrors, traditional wheel covers and a rear luggage rack.
The two-seater will be available in two different versions — the “Topolino” (pictured at top), with a fixed roof, and the “Topolino Dolcevita” (pictured here), with a canvas sunroof and an option for standard doors or nautical-style cords in their place. Both miniature models have retro appeal but decidedly contemporary features, such as a smartphone compartment and a space-saving bag hook.
Currently, the only available Topolino color is Verde Vita, a bluish mint hue, but the car can be customized in other ways. Optional accessories like a USB fan, Bluetooth speaker, a thermal bottle for hot and cold drinks, and a pair of seat covers that turn into beach towels for days al mare are available. (No wonder the manufacturer is billing the car as a “summer essential.”)
The Topolino’s parts will be made in Italy, but assembled in Morocco at the Stellantis plant. The new model has a list price of €9,890 (about $10,745) but because it qualifies as an electric quadricycle, buyers can take advantage of money-saving incentives that allow tax deductions. Pre-orders of the Topolino can be made on Fiat’s website, with the first deliveries expected by the end of the year.
Fiat CEO Olivier Francois presented the Topolino to a cadre of revved-up journalists from around Europe at the manufacturer’s former Lingotto factory last week. At the presentation, titled “The Future is On Track,” Olivier also announced the launch of Fiat’s 600e, a 100% electric vehicle with a range of 600 km (373 miles).
Read about how the Fiat 500 became a global icon (and learn about earlier incarnations of the Topolino) in volume 7 of Bellissimo, our quarterly e-magazine for Premium Members.
