Fiat has pledged to "continue its mission to develop sustainable mobility for the cities" with its new model, the Citroen Ami-based Topolino.
Described as "a joyful and cool new electric car for everyone," Fiat has aimed the car at everyone from families to the very youngest of drivers - depending on the market, the minimum age to drive a Topolino is just 14. Not in Ireland, I might add.
New Topolino
Intended for busy, traffic-laden city streets, the Fiat Topolino's small size - measuring just 2,535mm long and 1,530mm wide - makes it "the perfect urban mobility device."
The Topolino also marks Fiat's latest step in its journey towards full electrification - a growing concern among buyers, particularly younger customers.
Fiat is aiming to capture Generation Z's imagination with the Topolino - a group which the brand says pays "big attention to the sustainability topics with a high sensitivity and desire for an environmentally, personal, friendly driving and transport solution."
Additionally, Fiat is marketing the car as "the perfect vehicle to experience the Italian summer on the narrow roads of the Italian beautiful coastline."
Less is more
Fiat says that the Topolino trumps other compact means of transport such as a scooter as it can be driven in worsening weather, it is fundamentally safer, especially with two passengers on board.
The Topolino's interior isn't roomy but the extensive use of glass "considerably expands the perception of space," according to Fiat, with other space-saving features such as misaligned seats and strategic storage spaces.
Launch specs
Although availability of the Topolino in Ireland has yet to be confirmed, two variants of the Topolino will be available at launch in the rest of Europe - one with an open-body construction and the other with a closed body.
Buyers can also personalise their Topolinos as part of Fiat's 'Dolce Vita' plan - the Topolino can come fitted with a small shower for trips to the beach or wooden effect stickers on the closed-body model.
Optional accessories will be available on the Fiat website - these include a rack bag, a USB fan, a Bluetooth speaker, a drinks bottle and two seat covers that can double as beach towels.
Power comes from a 6kW electric motor and a 5.4 kWh battery, with up to 75km of range and a top speed of 45km/h. Recharging can take place in less than four hours.
Click and collect
Ordering a Topolino need not be a long, drawn-out affair - it takes just three clicks to configure and buy one on Fiat's website (not in Ireland at this stage, it must be remembered). From there, customers can track and follow their car as it is built and delivered.
The car will officially arrive in Italy by the end of the year and once we know plans for the Irish market we will let you know.