by A Miniature Car for American Roads
If Japanese Kei cars seemed small to you, just wait until the Fiat Topolino starts appearing on American roads. Fiat dealers have been trying to sell the 500X model years after its production ended, but they will receive the necessary reinforcement as the Italian brand has announced the arrival of the Topolino in the USA.
Technically, a couple of these tiny cars could fit in the space of one 500X, so inventory issues might be minimal. But jokes aside, Fiat has indeed announced that it is bringing this tiny model to the States.
Technical Specifications of the European Version
The company will reveal more details next year, but the Topolino is a small two-seat electric car with a front-mounted engine developing 8 hp (6 kW) and 44 Nm of torque. It is powered by a 5.4 kWh battery pack that provides a range of 46 miles according to the worldwide motorcycle test cycle.
The European model has a top speed of 28 mph and can accelerate to that figure in exactly ten seconds. This makes it ideal for use in residential areas where golf carts have gained immense popularity.
Awaiting the American Specification
We will learn more about the US model in the coming months, but the European Topolino has 14-inch wheels. The model also has a length of 2535 mm with a wheelbase of 1730 mm.
This is 1096 mm shorter than the slow-selling 500e, which starts at $30,500 excluding a significant destination charge. Just imagine this little one next to an Escalade or an F-150.
Unique Art Version of the Topolino
The announcement was accompanied by the presentation of an art car at Miami Art Week. The unique model was created in collaboration with Romero Britto, known for his “vibrant, colorful style that combines elements of cubism, pop art, and graffiti.”
The model, named Brittolino, features a bright exterior with several sections, each with its own unique design. A contrasting blue roof and doors replaced with ropes can also be seen. They are complemented by wheels with the Britto brand and silver bumpers.
Fiat CEO Olivier François stated that the Topolino is “now everywhere in Europe” and has appeared several times in the United States over the past year, where it generated “tremendous excitement among consumers.” He added that the model has been so successful that “I am pleased to announce that we will bring the Fiat Topolino to the USA.”
The appearance of such a microcar on the American market, dominated by large SUVs and pickups, is a bold experiment. It may find its niche in urban environments, among young people, or as a second family car for short trips. The success of the Topolino in Europe shows that there is demand for compact, eco-friendly, and affordable vehicles, even in a world oriented towards size. The question is whether American consumers are ready for such a radical change of scale in their garages and on the roads.
