Meet Fiat’s ‘Tiny Mouse’ Squeaking Its Way Into the U.S.
How can a $10,000 car drip with old-money aura? By making you look like you’re on a carefree drive to the Italian marina where your yacht is docked. The tiny Topolino (Italian for “tiny mouse”) is on its way to a Fiat dealership near you.
In early December, President Trump mused that the cars in Japan’s “kei” class are “really cute” and “sort of like the Beetle used to be.” He announced, “I have just approved TINY CARS to be built in America.” Interesting use of caps lock, but I digress.
Europe doesn’t have a kei class, but it does have a “quadricycle” class. These low-speed, around-town subcompacts are cheap, easy to park, and adorable. On my last trip to Europe, I was inspired by quadricycle cars when I called on automakers to toss screens in favor of phone mounts.
One favorite quadricycle car is the Citroën Ami. After the Stellantis merger, Fiat penned its own spin on the Ami. Gone is the boxy futuristic French look. In its place are tiny Italian curves. Here are the Ami powertrain numbers: 5.5-kWh battery, 8-horsepower FWD electric motor, and 46.6 miles of range. Maybe President Trump loves these things because they’re on par with his golf cart.
What to expect from the U.S.-bound Topolino
The halo trim of the upcoming Topolino is the Dolcevita (pictured). It has a roll-up canvas roof, weatherproof seats, and nautical-themed ropes instead of doors. Glorious.
Stellantis wasted no time. Within days of President Trump’s announcement, it said it will import the Topolino to the U.S. It’s only a matter of time before you see one at your local golf course or yacht club. But don’t hold your breath to spot a Topolino on the highway. Its top speed is 28 mph.