Whilst Renault waited for the French Open in the summer to launch a Plein Sud version of the formidable 4 crossover - a car with a large panoramic canvas opening roof - FIAT waited for the onset of Winter before it launched their version, called the Topolino Dolcevita.
What FIAT adds is an abundance of anticipation whilst owners wait for six months before daring to feel the wind rush through their hair. However, this launch should be celebrated because an old-school retracting canvas roof certainly adds a large dollop of appeal to the diminutive quadracycle, especially for those long, sunny, summer days.
And for followers of eV Newt’s antics in his Citroen Ami, some may notice an overbearing resemblance to the Fiat Topolino. Born from the same architecture there are key differences between the two with FIAT applying logic to ergonomics where Citroen completely failed.
Take the location of the “gear” selector, for instance. FIAT sensibly places this by the steering wheel where its most convenient, whilst Citroen thought that the perfect place to select “gears” would be between the door sill and drivers seat base. Make it make sense.
Another difference is that we have become accustomed to the Ami since it launched in the U.K. in 2022, whereas FIAT have only made their entrance with the Topolino this summer. And some may say the Topolino might be the more desirable choice, not because customers can easily find the gear selector, but also for its charm and resemblance to the quintessentially brilliant 500e, at least from the front.
With a 28 mph top speed and a 46 mile EV range, the Topolino Dolcevita might not suit everyone’s needs, but it should offer super-easy driving and parking around town, or in cities. Not much more car is needed for these dense urban environments, except for some comfort, perhaps. Possibly even heating!
However, that charm and properly located gear selector comes at a cost, because the Topolino is available to order through selected U.K. retailers with prices starting from £8,995 on-the-road. But, for an extra £500 customers can exchange a boring, solid roof for a retracting canvas one marking the new Topolino Dolcevitaon the pricey side from £9,495 on-the-road.
