On July 4, 2023, the date which marks the 50th anniversary of the mythical Fiat 500, the Italian brand has just presented the Topolino. This new electric car without a license, which is based on the same platform as the AMI, could well hurt Citroën’s quadricycle with its design that smells of la dolce vita.
After the substantial success of the Citroën AMI when it was launched in 2020, we had to expect to see different versions of the cart without a license arriving on the market. The chevron brand has of course jumped at the chance to offer its quadricycle, with the AMI Tonic, a stylized top-of-the-range model, or the AMI Buggy II, a rather brilliant limited version in the spirit of a Méhari. miniature.
However, when you belong to a large group like Citroën, the parent company may be tempted to share the recipe for success with its other brands. This is exactly what Stellantis has chosen to do. Thanks to a common platform, Open was able to launch the Rocks-ea true and unambitious copy of the AMI.
On the other hand, Fiat’s proposal could well hurt Citroën’s cart. With the Topolino, the Italian manufacturer is making a simple bet, but one that could pay off: offer an AMI with a trendy and elegant designItalianate styling strongly reminiscent of the original 1936 Fiat 500.
The Topolino, an elegant Italian AMI
Indeed, to stand out from its cousin, Fiat had the intelligence to apply some very noticeable changeswithout being incredibly expensive:
- unique hubcaps
- this “Verde Vita” color of the most beautiful effect
- specific front and rear body panels
In the passenger compartment, we nevertheless approach the design proposed by the AMI, with the exception of this fabric strip that covers the bottom of the windshield. A small accessory that casually lavishes a certain elegance inside the Topolino, while making people forget that ugly black plastic steering wheel.
Already attractive in its closed version, the Topolino becomes absolutely crunchy in its Dolcevita finish. This convertible version has a roll-up canvas roofwhile the doors are removed in favor of simple ropes, like the Fiat 500 Jolly Spiaggina of 1958. To further accentuate “its Mediterranean character, it is possible to add a rear shower. Convenient for rinsing off after a nice day at the beach.
Finally, buyers will also be able to obtain five optional accessoriesto know :
- a travel bag
- a USB fan
- a Bluetooth speaker
- an insulated bottle for hot or cold drinks
- two seat covers that convert to beach towels
Regarding the technical part, no surprise on this side, however. The Topolino shares the same platform and the same engine with the Citroën AMI: a battery of 5.5kWh for a maximum speed of 45 km/h and a maximum range of 75km (0 to 100% in 4 hours of charging).
Let’s come to the question of price. For now, Fiat remains mysterious on the subject. We just know that it will be possible to acquire it via “a monthly rent adapted to the needs and means of the target audience”, namely young working people and adolescents.