When I went to the Los Angeles Auto Show, it wasn’t the supercars, new sports cars, or Subaru’s puppy adoption display that stole the show. It was the Fiat Topolino.
It was so cute, with its tiny, plastic-y looking body, pastel coloring, and confident, welcoming smile. My boyfriend and I did get trapped inside, which felt a bit claustrophobic as we desperately felt around for a way to open the doors. But if I had to die inside of a car, t he Topolino isn’t a bad choice. I will admit it’s a bit bare-bones inside, as you can probably guess from that experience, but hey, it’s cute and small.
And America needs something cute and small. Luckily, that’s finally happening.
The Fiat Topolino arrives in the United States (sort of)
The Fiat Topolino is officially available in the United States, with prices starting at $14,985. That’s quite refreshing to say, especially as new car prices continue to skyrocket. There is a catch, however: it won’t be street legal. A conversion kit is coming later in the year that will classify it as a “Low Speed Vehicle” so you can drive it.
The Fiat Topolino has been available in Europe since 2023 (classified as a quadricycle), but the American-spec one is now here. They will all arrive in the Verde Vita color and a 5-kWh battery that provides 46 miles of range and 8 horsepower. You’ll be able to reach up to 25 miles per hour. Aside from its incredibly low speed and range, the Topolino has basically everything else you need for a commute to work. It has a phone holder, a USB-C charge port, a luggage rack, LED headlights, seat belts, side mirrors… The kit coming later this year will add a rearview mirror, backup camera, and pedestrian alert system at no additional cost.
Fiat says the Topolino is best for “anywhere short” and “leisurely cruises.” But what should you do until that’s even legally possible? Here are a few ideas:
- Put it in the back of your Ford F-150 and bring it to a car show
- Keep it on display in your home
- Get it engine swapped, add a turbo, get a wing and front splitter, and bring it to the track
- Drive it anyway and hope it just makes the cops smile and wave
- Use it to warm up your deadlifts
- Sit in it during your break at work to get a dopamine hit
- Dress it up and use it as a garden ornament
Car enthusiasts are being a bit of a downer, claiming they don’t want the Topolino and instead want the United States to legalize kei cars. But… What’s the difference aside from one being trendy and Japanese? They’re both tiny and have no horsepower. As a kei car owner, I can tell you that the Topolino is most definitely exciting.
If you want to slowly drive around town in a very adorable little car, you can put down a $2,500 deposit.
