It feels like it’s been ages since there was more than one model of Fiat on sale new in America. First, there was that stint when the only offering was the 500X. Next, there was that run when the only model available was the 500e. However, a second Fiat has crossed the Atlantic. It’s called the Topolino, it’s unbelievably cute, and we finally know what it costs.
Back up a second: What on Earth is a Topolino? Well, the name was originally associated with the mousey-looking 1936-through-1955 Fiat 500, but has since been applied to a more modern small, low-output machine. The Topolino we’re talking about here is a sibling to the Citroën Ami, a low-speed electric vehicle built in Morocco that serves as a cuter alternative to a golf cart.
We’re talking just eight horsepower here, and a standard top speed of a mere 19 MPH. Juice comes from a little 5.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and the Topolino sports a modest range of 46 miles. Granted, there is a quicker version coming. Fiat’s planning to launch a street-legal kit this autumn that raises the top speed of the Topolino to a dashing 25 MPH. Enough to keep up with city traffic, but don’t you dare try to take one of these on the interstate.
While the Topolino normally features the exact same door assembly on either side of the vehicle, you can have Fiat leave them behind at the factory. Should you live in a particularly sunny locale, the marvellously camp Dolce Vita version swaps the doors for ropes and adds a canvas roof. Just enough elemental protection for a light shower, not quite enough for gale-force winds. Best of all, the beach car version doesn’t come at a premium. Both Topolino variants carry a sticker price of $14,985 including a $990 freight charge. Yep, essentially $15,000. However, in the world of golf carts, that’s surprisingly okay value.
Let’s say you want a two-seat Club Car with a comparable propulsion system. That would be the Club Car Onward 2 Passenger Li-ION XR, which starts at $14,099 before freight. For that money, you get a top speed of 19 MPH and comparable range to the Topolino, but you don’t get doors or side panels or rear panels. It’s also not exactly street-legal, but then again, neither are the earliest Topolinos at launch.
What about something more substantial? Say, a GEM e2. With street-legal tires, proper rollover protection, and a real windshield, it was arguably the most car-like of the golf cart crop before the Topolino came along. However, the GEM e2 starts at $15,240 before freight, and that doesn’t include doors.
As crazy as it sounds, the Fiat Topolino might actually be an alright deal. It’s priced competitively against similar golf carts while offering no-cost weather protection and a windscreen defroster. Sure, nigh-on $15,000 is still a lot of money to spend on something limited to roads with speed limits of 35 MPH or less, but it could steal some real sales in this sort of space. Of course, it’s no Changli, but then again, what is?
Top graphic image: Fiat
If I got one, I would swap out the factory door ropes for these.
https://www.crowdcontrolwarehouse.com/products/heavy-duty-velour-velvet-hanging-ropes-for-stanchions
They will be the new opera windows
Costco will only sell them in pairs in really annoying blister packs.
This would be great on Catalina Island (assuming you’re staying in Avalon)
In Florida retirement communities, huge hit. It does lack the unwarranted machismo to be used in rural Midwest municipalities that allow golf carts, UTVs, and ATVs on the street, though. Unless, I guess, they make a version with a lift kit.
Our little town is known for its golf cart parades and general traveling about (Dunedin, FL). We had 150 carts for Gay Pride and a few hundred for the 4th of July. I could absolutely see buying one of these little cuties as a second vehicle.
Yeah, in places like that, it’d be like printing money. In nearby Chillicothe, IL? They’d have to put it on mud tires, give it a 2″ lift, and restyle it into a Jeep. And even then, the term “Barbie Jeep” would probably be used derisively.
A shame because I personally kinda like it. Is cute.
It’s adorable, and absolutely useless.
I literally don’t get who or where this is for. The Villages? That’s about all I got.
Yes, it is for retirement communities where people are spending $25,000 to $35,000 on golf cars.
I mean, it’s way cooler than a Golf Cart, that’s for sure. And that’s exactly what this is, a golf cart replacement for retirement/vacation communities with low speed roads, resorts, etc.
Personally, I dig it and at the very minimum grandma can’t do THAT much damage in one of these. Better than a Buick, I’d say.
Mopeds will be passing you
Unmotorized bicycles could pass you.
I could pass these, walking.
I routinely pass cars walking in NYC, and I’m 70. A couple of months ago I walked two blocks faster than a Lamborghini.
Apart from Costco and occasional trips under the river to see family, this could have managed just about everywhere I went back when I was working. I need another job too much to be picky, but I really would like that kind of lifestyle again instead of driving out to the suburbs.
25mph isnt really all that useful in the city, mostly places have 25mph limits and most people do 35-40 anyway. You will get run over in that thing.
But you will look very chic while that happens, and that is 100% the reason to buy this. Canvas roof, love that suitcase holder which in reality is a picnic suitcase with a built in cooler for the wine? Campagnolo green and those little balcony ropes to hold onto when taking that turn at 18MPH.
Oh its definitely cool, who doesnt want a cool coffin?
These will be in every campsite in CA soon. Towed there by only the most chic Italian RV’s available. Wingamm Oasi Black.