by Stellantis plans “hot” version of Fiat Topolino
Stellantis is considering the possibility of creating a sporty version of the Fiat Topolino electric microcar under the Abarth brand. This move is aimed at attracting a younger audience looking for a more dynamic and stylish vehicle.
The Fiat Topolino recently appeared on the US market at a price of $13,995, making it technically the cheapest electric vehicle in the country. However, there is an important caveat: it is not classified as a car and cannot be legally sold for use on public roads until Stellantis offers an additional conversion kit into a low-speed vehicle (LSV). This kit will allow the Topolino to be used on roads with a speed limit of up to 35 mph (56 km/h).
In the base version, the car’s top speed is only 19 mph (31 km/h), making it very slow. However, as the company notes, no one buys such a vehicle expecting high speed from it. Despite this, Stellantis is considering releasing an Abarth version to make the tiny electric car more attractive to young buyers in Europe.
Why Abarth for Topolino?
Fiat and Abarth CEO Olivier Francois confirmed in an interview with Autocar that the company is working on an Abarth version of the Topolino. He called the idea a “dream” and predicted it would be an “absolute hit.”
We want to create the feeling of Abarth for Topolino, because we are still trying to stimulate sales among young people. It is amazing: Topolino is the most successful quadricycle in Italy, but, to be honest, we have not yet touched the hearts of 16- and 17-year-olds. I want to win their hearts, which is why we have the Topolino Sport. The Abarth Topolino could be another solution.
Fiat and Abarth head in Europe Gaetano Thorel explained the logic behind this decision. The Fiat Topolino, Citroen Ami, and Opel Rocks Electric belong to the L6 quadricycle segment, allowing 14-year-old teenagers to legally drive them in countries like Italy and France. However, according to Thorel, parents often prefer competitors like Ligier, which feels sportier due to the sound of its 50cc engine, compared to the “softer” electric Topolino.
Style over speed
To win over a young audience, Fiat needs a sharper version of its retro quadricycle. It will likely feature simulated engine sound borrowed from the fully electric Abarth 500, as well as a more aggressive body kit and special interior elements.
However, one should not expect this tiny electric vehicle to turn into a “pocket rocket.” Regulatory restrictions do not allow installing a more powerful motor on the Topolino than the current 8-hp (6 kW) electric motor. Abarth engineers will likely limit themselves to minor suspension changes, as well as different wheels and tires. Thus, the special version will be more of an Abarth lifestyle product than a true sports car.
This move by Stellantis demonstrates an interesting marketing strategy: even in the segment of ultra-cheap and slow urban vehicles, manufacturers are trying to create an emotional connection with the consumer. Using the Abarth brand, known for its “hot” hatchbacks, for such a vehicle may seem unexpected, but it reflects the company’s desire to reach as wide an audience as possible, starting from adolescence. In conditions where genuine sporty performance is impossible due to legal restrictions, the emphasis is placed on visual and sound design, allowing for the illusion of sportiness and attracting young drivers seeking individuality and style. This could also be a way to enhance the appeal of electric quadricycles compared to traditional gasoline counterparts, which have a more “sporty” engine sound.
