The incredibly basic seats, which can only slide forward and back, would probably be uncomfortable on a long journey, but this isn’t an issue in the Topolino. With zero side bolstering, you’ll be thankful the thick rope of the original Topolino models has been replaced by an actual door to stop you from falling out. Cornering, or more appropriately, turning is one the Topolino’s biggest strengths because the 1.73-metre wheelbase contributes to a tiny 7.2-metre turning circle. As a result, we found car parks and the tightest of Roman streets were a breeze in the little Fiat.
As for the interior, it’s just as pared back as in the Citroen Ami. But the basics are all there: a mount to turn your smartphone into a makeshift infotainment screen (as long as you have the Fiat app), useful storage nets in the doors, and something that really came in handy in 35-degree temperatures with no air-con in the Topolino: a removable dash-mounted fan.
Instead of the tray found on the Citroen Ami’s dash, the Fiat Topolino has a ‘Dolce Vita’ box, which acts as a glovebox. It’s a really sweet addition to the Fiat’s interior with handbang-style stripes.
There are also a couple of accessories available on the Topolino that we’d certainly have a look at to maximise the car’s limited practicality. The first is an optional roof sunblind, and the second a rear luggage rack – something we’d definitely opt for, because the space behind the seats is only just about large enough for a rucksack.
As with the Citroen Ami, the use case for the Fiat Topolino is pretty limited, so it’s difficult to picture who this car is for. The sales mix in the UK is likely to lean heavily towards fleet buyers – think hotel chains, theme parks, airports (Luton airport already has a fleet of Amis) and of course, golf courses – although a larger rack to hold golf bags would be helpful.
At £9,000, the Topolino is only a couple of grand cheaper than the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03 – which are proper cars. Ultimately, if you’re looking to add the Fiat to your garage, it’ll likely take the position of a very fun, likeable toy.
Model:Fiat TopolinoPrice:£8,995Powertrain:5.5kWh battery, 1x e-motorPower:8bhpTransmission:Single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive0-60mph:N/ATop speed:28mphCharging:2.3kW (0-100% in 4 hours)Range:46.6 milesSize (L/W/H):2,410/1,390/1,520mmOn sale:Now
