The Fiat Topolino can finally hit American roads.
Who wouldn’t want a Fiat Topolino? Sure, it’s slow, has poor range, and seems to lack all the comfort of a plastic beach chair. But it’s adorable, full of character, and starts at just $14,985, including the destination fee. I mean, you just need to take a look at it.
When Fiat first introduced the Topolino in the United States not long ago, it was not legal to drive it on public roads. Initially, Fiat’s “Topolino” had a top speed of 19 mph (about 31 km/h) because it was not classified as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), the category to which neighborhood electric vehicles and road-legal golf carts belong. Customers could still purchase them, but they were only allowed on private property. With the 2027 model launched on Thursday, the Topolino is now road-legal, with a top speed of 25 miles per hour (about 40 km/h).
For 2027, Fiat has also introduced a new “Open Air” model to its lineup, so you can enjoy a carefree lifestyle in the cool air.
There’s also an update for already purchased Topolinos
For customers who had already purchased the unapproved road version, Fiat offers a free LSV upgrade.
Fiat Topolino 2027
Photo by: Fiat
There are now three different models: the standard Topolino, the Dolce Vita, and the new Open Air. The standard car is simply a two-door model with a rigid roof, while the Dolce Vita comes equipped with a foldable soft roof and fun seats in place of doors, similar to a Jeep Wrangler but more stylish. The new Open Air combines the best of both, featuring the foldable roof from the Dolce Vita but the doors from the regular model. All models have the same list price of $13,995 (€12,546 at current exchange rates - NdT). They also all come standard with Fiat’s new color digital dashboard.
The only option you can choose is the color, and there are only three choices. Green Vita Mint is the only color available at no extra cost, while Luna Greige and Corallo Orange cost $295 each. Fiat offers just one accessory, a rear cargo rack priced at $395.
Fiat Topolino 2027, the Dashboard
Photo by: Fiat
Beneath that charming design lie some rather disappointing specifications. But it’s important to remember that it’s not a car in the traditional sense.
With only 74 km of range, you won’t be able to go very far, especially considering its modest power of 8 horsepower (about 6 kW). But honestly, who cares? It’s a pleasure to look at and is legal on roads with speed limits below 35 mph (depending on the jurisdiction). It’s the perfect small city cruiser by the sea and will likely be a huge success wherever golf carts are popular.
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