A very cool electric quadricycle ideal for getting around the city if you don’t like scooters

The Fiat Topolino is a charming, 100% electric light quadricycle, with an ideal size to move like a fish in water around the city and park anywhere. With a design inspired by the beloved original Fiat 500, You can drive from the age of 15 with an AM licensehas a range of 75 km and charges in less than four hours.

This urban mobility alternative is available with two bodies: one closed and one open or without doors, baptized as ‘Dolcevita’. In either case Its price is 9,890 euros without discounts or promotions.We have already been able to drive it through the center of Madrid, and these are our first impressions.

Fiat Topolino: main features of the most striking electric quadricycle

The Fiat Topolino is the brother of the Citroën Ami and the Opel Rocks-e, two other light quadricycles that the Stellantis Group has in its portfolio as urban mobility alternatives to options such as electric scooters. The three models They share similar size, mechanics and componentsbut the Topolino stands out for its original retro design.

The Fiat Topolino recovers the name and philosophy of a model as iconic as the “Baby mouse” original from 1936 (“Little Mouse” in Italian), predecessor of the Fiat 500 and 600 of the 1950s.

This two-seater was not only one of the first utility vehicles in history, but it also transformed the concept of a motor vehicle and redefined the idea of ​​mobility, marking a transition from motorcars and motorcycles (mainly Vespas) to much more comfortable automobiles.

The current Topolino, unlike heavy quadricycles, can be driven with a moped license from the age of 15, it only measures 2.41 m long and 1.39 m wide y It weighs just over 560 kg including the battery.

This electric quadricycle shares an 8 HP and 44 Nm electric motor with the Citroën AMI, so it also offers up to 75 km of autonomy and reaches a maximum speed limited to 45 km/h (established by regulations for this type of vehicle).

The 5.5 kWh net lithium-ion battery is placed under the seats, in a space that protects it in the event of a collision to avoid the risk of fire. This charges in a conventional socket in about four hours (220 v).

It is also possible to recharge the Topolino at a public terminal or at a WallBox, provided that an adapted cable is used (available for 420 euros at the MyFiat store or at an official workshop). But it will not always be worth the extra expense, since, as fast charging is not available for this model, it will take the same time to recharge it as from a normal socket.

On a technical level The Topolino is a really simple vehicle, made up of 250 pieces: It has a chassis made up of a set of steel profiles on which the plastic parts of the interior and the body are located, a suspension with trailing arms (a system very similar to the semi-rigid one), disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear and 155/65 R14 tyres.

As for the model range, it can be chosen with two bodies: the conventional or closed one and the open one, which is called ‘Sweet life’ and is the equivalent of the Citroën My AMI Buggy, although the Topolino will not be sold in limited series.

The main difference between the two is that the Dolcevita replaces the doors with ropes, has a canvas roof that can be opened and a more colourful and summery dashboard.

Exterior and interior design of the Fiat Topolino: a very Italian quadricycle

The exterior appearance of the Topolino is modern and fun, but with a distinctive retro touch. The quadricycle is recognizable at first glance, and It is characterised by elements such as round headlights with chrome edges (very much in the style of the Cinquecento), front and rear bumpers also chrome-plated, and a very vertical rear end. Its only available body colour, ‘Verde Vita’, enhances its shapes.

As for the design of the cabin, with an eminently practical and simple character, It is very basic. There is no lining on the roof or the doors and the seats, which have a cushion at the base and another at the back, are not exactly symmetrical.

While the driver’s seat can be adjusted longitudinally, the passenger’s seat is fixed and is located as far back as possible so that there is enough space in front for a carry-on suitcase.

There are no large digital screens or a navigation system, but there is a smartphone holder and a USB-C socket, which are close at hand.

Glass surfaces such as the windscreen (which is positioned much further forward than in a conventional car) and the large fixed roof contribute to providing a feeling of space. However, the lack of a sunshade or blind to close it will be missed on hot days.

The Topolino has no trunkso the front space for the suitcase is complemented by the space in the doors, where we find two nets that serve to store and hold objects such as a handbag, a fanny pack or a small backpack.

If more is needed, among the exclusive accessories for both versions of the Topolino signed by Mopar, with a design very much in keeping with the model, we find a vintage luggage rack for the rear and a beautiful suitcase with matching leather straps.

The catalogue also includes a Bluetooth speaker, which can be plugged into the USB port and connected to the mobile phone to act as audio equipment (it has its own reserved space on the dashboard to place it so it doesn’t move), a thermal bottle or a fan to make up for the lack of air conditioning in the passenger compartment.

Possibilities even include a curious outdoor shower. This, together with a small tank, is designed to cool off or remove sand after a day at the beach, for example.

Driving the Fiat Topolino in Madrid: smiles guaranteed

When we get behind the wheel of a light quadricycle like the Topolino, we must always keep in mind that we are not in a car and, therefore, we cannot compare it to one. Not being used to driving this type of vehicle, it may be strange at first to adapt and change our mindset, but it is not difficult.

In fact, it can be a lot of fun. But be careful: it is worth remembering that these vehicles cannot circulate anywhere, as the regulations specify that They can only go through the city or on conventional roads. And in the second case, only on the hard shoulder or the right side of the road, except in those where it is expressly prohibited. Thus, we must always be very sure of where we are going.

Driving the Topolino is very easy, as it only has three buttons (D, R and P) to move forward, reverse or into neutral (parking) position, respectively. It is also very easy to manoeuvre with it, as its turning angle is only 7.2 metres and its dimensions are really compact: A normal parking space can accommodate three Topolinos in a transverse position..

On board the Topolino there are no luxuries or comforts, it is almost like travelling back in time but, as we said at the beginning, we cannot forget that this vehicle is not a car. There is no central locking, no airbags, no ABS, no air conditioningalthough it does have a discreet cold/heat system that may fall short at more extreme temperatures.

The windows don’t open all the way, as the top half is fixed. The seats aren’t padded, the steering isn’t power-assisted, the suspension is hard, and the round, manually adjustable mirrors offer just enough visibility. However, the interior space allows for two adults and their backpacks to fit in without being crammed together, as was the case in our case.

After a route that took us a few kilometres through the streets of Madrid and through the busy traffic typical of a working day in the city, we can say that we had a lot of fun: it was impossible to go unnoticed with it, and both other drivers at the traffic lights and some passers-by smiled as we passed by and even asked us for a photo… and not just the youngest ones, for whom it is especially designed.

The Topolino is specifically designed as an alternative for short, regular city trips, and it certainly does its job: acceleration is good and the maximum speed limited to 45 km/h will prevent more than one fine for those who are careless.

Also, in our first test, without worrying about driving efficiently, we practically nailed the approved consumption of 8.0 kWh/100 km.

Fiat Topolino range, prices and availability in Spain

The Fiat Topolino, like the AMI or the Rocks-e, is manufactured in Morocco, and is already available in Spain. Whether you prefer the closed version or the open Dolcevita version, the price is the same as in the previous one. 9,890 euros before incentives (from 7,499 euros with the aid of the MOVES III Plan) which is well below what rivals such as the Microlino cost, for example.

The Topolino can be purchased on the Fiat website or on the brand’s app, which allows you to configure and purchase it in just three clicks. For those who prefer, the Topolino can also be financed: from 54 euros per month in 36 instalments, with a down payment of 3,000 euros and a final instalment of 6,279.16 euros (this includes an interest rate of 4.99% and an APR of 6.67%).

The expenses associated with attending this presentation have been assumed by the brand. For more information, please consult Our guide to business relationships.