The Italian carmaker Fiat has launched a Fiat Topolino car which is smaller than the famous Fiat 500, this zero-emission heavy quad bike that acts as the Italian counterpart to the Citroën AMI and Opel Rocks E, will soon be available in the European markets and features a distinctive design.
In Italian, the word "Topolino" translates to "little mouse", but the term has become synonymous with Disney's Mickey Mouse, which is also the nickname given to the original 1936 Fiat 500.
The new version of the Topolino draws its own design cues from the iconic Fiat 500 of 1957, which also influenced the design of the urban models in 2007 and 2020, however, the Topolino stands out as the smallest of all 500 models, with a similar length to its Citroën counterpart at 2410 mm (95 in).
The new Fiat Topolino features many design elements that resemble its larger counterpart, the 500, featuring round headlights, shock-absorbing pads in synthetic metal and mirror covers, as well as disc-shaped taillights, and the fabric upper enhances its appeal and gives it a charming resemblance to the 500 miniature.
Looking at it from the sides, the Topolino attracts attention with its distinctive rope handles instead of traditional doors, reminiscent of the classic Jolly 500, and for the presentation model, Fiat opted for a light exterior color with a matte finish, tastefully complemented by white old-fashioned wheel covers.
While the available shots and vid footage give only a partial view of the two- seater inside, we can see part of the luxurious upholstery on the dashboard, the Fiat logo on the steering wheel, as well as the light- colored padding on the seats.
The compact electric car is likely to be equipped with a built-in smartphone stand, although it may offer limited amenities, since its Citroën counterpart lacks air conditioning, with an interesting feature being the optional shelf and travel bag located at the back, providing a stylish solution for expanding the charging area.
The Topolino is expected to share the same electric motor, generating 8 hp (6 kW/8 hp), and a 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, and this setting will likely provide a limited top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph) and a driving range of about 43 miles (70 km).
According to the Italian automaker, Topolino is designed to provide "mobility and freedom" even to younger customers, due to the fact that some European countries have legislation that allows teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16 to legally drive heavy quads, expanding Topolino's potential customer base.
With the launch of the Fiat Topolino approaching, more details about the car are expected to emerge soon.
