Personal test. Fiat wants to make you fall in love with the Topolino

Technically, it is actually the Citroën Ami, a small electric car that was launched in 2020 and immediately became the best-selling trolley in France. But the Italian (the manufacturers of Fiat and Citroën belong to the same group, Stellantis) is not satisfied with a sharp presentation: it plays a joke, until it offers redesigned body panels, and a round shape, which makes it similar to Fiat 500 from 1957, the famous “yogurt pot”.

Read too. “It gives them freedom”: Friend, unlicensed car star among the youth

Ease and good humor

The driver’s side door opens forward to rear, the other in the normal direction. Access on board is easy. But there are two different keys to lock the door (not the middle one) and turn it on: stupid. The driver’s seat can be adjusted in height. The passenger seat is positioned, in the rearmost position, to provide ample leg room. Clever.

On board, there is absolute poverty. But the clearer and brighter presentation makes you smile more than in the Citroën Ami. Unfortunately: there is no direct return to indicators. | J-REMY MACCHIA

In front of the passenger’s feet, the amount of loading acts as – a small trunk. To create a design, the folder gives a little fantasy, as inAmi. It may look good before you sit down, but it’s really uncomfortable. The interior decoration of the Fiat is bright and offers a good sense of humor. For ventilation, as inAmihalf-window side up, 2 CV style.

Finally… better than a scooter

Obviously, it’s not a real car. But of the quadricycle. 45 km / h maximum, and driving possible from the age of 14. It is better than a scooter. More stable. And you find yourself dry, protected by a bodywork that, of course, does not pass the crash tests of a real car, but prevents your body from coming into direct contact with an obstacle in the event of an impact.

De dos, la Topolino se différencie encore plus de la Citroën Ami. Les petits feux verticaux, tout comme le porte-bagages chromé ajoutent une note rétro vraiment sympa. — From the rear, the Topolino differs more from the Citroën Ami. Small vertical lights, like the chrome luggage rack, add a very nice retro touch. | J-REMY MACCHIA

Sound insulation is not related to that of a real car either: electric motor noise is very present. The advertised distance of 75 km seems to be quite realistic. No significant acceleration: unlike electric cars, baby mouse plays the wisdom card in mood and acceleration. But reaching 45 km / h can be done without great laziness.

More expensive than Ami but higher taxes

Only one version in the catalog. For around €10,000. At face value, it is expensive. €1,900 more than Citroen Ami strictly the same in terms of service. But if you add small presentation enhancements or accessories to the Ami (wheel covers, stickers, storage compartments, etc.), the Fiat will only cost €700 more. And with his own luggage rack.

Very interesting, lease offer: €58.90/month for 36 months at 15,000 km (5,000 km/year). And without any input. The best! The Citroen option is different forAmi : €19.99 per month for 48 months, for 10,000 km per year. But with a very high contribution: €3,592.

We loved it

Nice little surface, glass or folding roof (canvas), easy to drive, good maneuverability, enough space for two, sensible storage, price and above all a well-placed rental.

We appreciated a little

Solid suspension, uncomfortable seats, two keys required, Spartan equipment, no interior rearview mirror, no direct return to indicators.

Fiat Topolino: 9 890 €

Height: 2.54 m

Chest: 63 l

Engine: electric, 8.2 hp

Battery: 5.4 kWh

Exhibitions: 45 km/h.

Uhuru declared: 75 km

Additional : 900 €

Main equipment

LED headlights (no headlights), 13-spoke steel wheels, glass roof, height-adjustable driver’s seat, hinged side windows.

Opponents

Citroën Ami7 990 €

Technically it is the same as Fiat. The cheapest on the market. For equipment and presentation to match, you have to aim for the Tonic version, at €9,190. And without a luggage rack. Only one shade: gray.

extreme Bureau, 14 700 €

Shortest of all: 1.74 m! Two small seats, very slow acceleration, little comfort. But the optional removable battery (€ 1,000). Unfortunately it is very expensive.

Essai auto / Fiat a envie de vous faire craquer avec la Topolino - Estrima Biro, 14 700 € — Test drive / Fiat wants to make you fall in love with Topolino – Estrima Biro, €14,700 | ESTRIMA.

Ligier Myli, €12,999

The most classic line. Stiff and bouncy suspension, poorly made seats. Power steering and air conditioning are optional. At this price, a small battery and 63 kilometers of autonomy. Upgraded for an additional fee.