Fiat’s new Topolino might be the cutest new car of 2023

The prize for the cutest car of 2023 seems almost certain to go to Fiat with the unveiling of its latest model – and it will also relaunch one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates from decades ago.

Topolino, a badge that hasn’t been seen on a new Fiat for nearly 70 years, officially returns on a new all-electric car.

Reborn as a doorless retro four-wheeler with only two seats, it will compete against Citroën’s Ami as an urban machine primarily aimed at young drivers with – and without – a full driver’s license.

However, the British who want to get their hands on one will be disappointed…

Fiat has already electrified its 500 as part of its plans to switch exclusively to battery power before the end of the decade.

In fact, it is only producing the new version of the popular city car (as well as the hotter Abarth 500) with a zero-emission powertrain as part of the company’s effort to electrify its entire model range in Europe by 2027.

The return of the Topolino (which translates to ‘baby mouse’) will be the Italian brand’s second EV and – almost unfathomably – a smaller option for the 500.

However, it is not technically a car.

Like the Citroën it’s up against, it instead qualifies as a ‘light four-wheeler’.

That means drivers from the age of 16 with only one ‘AM’ moped license could – in theory – legally drive it on UK roads.

In other countries, such as France, the minimum age to get behind the wheel of this vehicle category is even younger.

This is because light four-wheelers qualify as ‘sans permis’ cross-Channel vehicles, meaning you don’t need a driver’s license at all – just a Basic Road Safety Certificate which can be obtained by those aged 14 and over.

Fiat bosses hope the funky design will embody the “coolness” of the classic 500 to spark demand.

The car used to announce its return even has a nod to the original, sporting the same teal color that was available when the Cinquecento hit showrooms in 1957 as the replacement for the Topolino, which paved the way for the 500 in a 19-year period between 1936 and 1955.

Other features of the newly unveiled model also hark back to the iconic 500 Jolly variant – the beach-ready versions of the legendary classic.

This includes a brown cloth sunroof, cream leather interior and the lack of doors.

Instead, there is a thick rope that offers little protection in the event of a collision.

However, four-wheelers’ oddball classification means it doesn’t have to exhibit the same structural rigidity and passenger protection capabilities as real cars to become a dealership in 2023.

It’s for the same reason that it will also have a limited top speed of less than 30 mph.

An alternative to Citroën’s Ami

The Topolino will be built on the same platform as Citroën’s Ami, which – like Fiat – is owned by the Stellantis Group.

Prices for the Ami start from £8,095 and go up to £10,495 for its limited-edition doorless Ami Buggy.

While unconfirmed, it’s very likely that the Topolino will have the same 6kW electric motor and 5.5kWh battery, giving it a top speed of 45km/h and a fully charged range of 74km.

However, losing some weight by losing the doors can increase the distance between charges closer to 50 miles.

Fiat says it has launched it as its ‘new sustainable urban mobility solution’, although there is currently no information on when it will go on sale.

In a brief statement, the brand continued: “The fully electric four-wheeler Fiat Topolino will expand urban electric mobility and bring the optimism of its namesake to an accessible, all-electric version that encapsulates the coolness of the Fiat 500.

‘The Topolino brings a new understanding of la dolce vita to the city streets, designed for a wide audience, including younger customers, families and city enthusiasts – in line with Fiat’s mission to provide sustainable urban mobility solutions accessible to all.

‘This renowned and evocative name immediately brings to mind the first Fiat 500: the iconic car that revolutionized the motor vehicle concept, produced by Fiat from 1936 to 1955, commonly known as “Topolino”.’

But there’s one big problem facing Britons who might be tempted by the lovable and small EV – the fact that it’s not expected to be sold in the UK.

With Britain’s colder climates, a city car without doors may not be a suitable vehicle. But it would undoubtedly turn heads if you occasionally sprinted to the supermarket for a pint of milk.

We’ll keep you posted with more information on availability, price and likelihood of appearing on UK roads as more details are released.