You don’t change a recipe that works. After the unexpected success of the Ami, the urban electric quadricycle popular with young people and their parents, Citroën is seeking to extend the success of its micro-city car.
Thus were born a Cargo version, an all-terrain version with the Buggy and even German (with the Opel Rocks-e) and British versions. Never short of ideas and given the number of brands it owns, the Stellantis group has decided to pursue the internationalization of the French micro-city car, made in Morocco.
Direction Turin, where after the agnolotti (stuffed ravioli), the tajarin (pasta with truffles), the gianduiotti (praline chocolates) and other risotto with Barolo, it will now be necessary to rely on the Fiat Topolino, the Italian version of the Citroën Ami. We must all the same take a tip of the hat to the designers, who succeeded in transforming the plastic cube – polypropylene – on four wheels decorated with stickers into a croquignolette cart.
This Fiat Topolino (2.41 meters long, 1.40 meters wide and 1.52 meters high) is above all a nod to the Disney universe, in particular to the famous Mickey Mouse, whose Italian name is … Topolino.
This same Topolino is a combined homage to the 1957 Fiat Nuovo 500 — whose nickname was Fiat Topolino — and the 1958 Fiat 500 Jolly Spiaggina. The peculiarity of the latter was the absence of a roof, usually replaced by an awning, and the presence of chains as doors. The upholstery, on the other hand, was made of wicker.
For our 21st century Fiat Topolino, we find the grille of the Nuovo 500 of 1957, in particular with this transverse curvature under the windshield which recalls the engine cover of the original 500. The doors have disappeared in favor not of chains, but of large mooring ropes. On the other hand, the upholstery is made of hard plastic, on which rests a foam pad, so as not to have your back broken.
Everything suggests that this Fiat Topolino will use the same elements as the Citroën Ami. We should therefore find the electric motor made in Valeo (48 V system) powered by a battery with a capacity of 5.5 kWh and offering a range of 70 km. The maximum speed is 45 km/h. There is also a deceleration energy recovery system (not adjustable).
As provided for by French regulations, the Fiat Topolino will be accessible without a license from the age of 14 in Italy.
Next step, an Ami version Abarth?