Fiat is considering launching a hot Abarth version of the Topolino quadricycle in order to boost interest among younger buyers.
The tiny two-seater is part of a wider push by the Italian firm into micromobility designed to increase uptake among younger drivers.
The Topolino is classified as an L6 quadricycle, which means in countries such as France and Italy it can be driven legally on the road by 14-year-olds (although in the UK a full driving licence is required).
Despite that, the average age of a Topolino buyer is in their mid-40s, and a priority is reducing that.
To that end, Fiat has recently launched a new Topolino Sport in Italy (pictured below). This features new exterior colours with racing stripes, a black interior and a removable Bluetooth speaker called the Monsterlino.
Fiat is aiming to add more Topolino variants in the future, and CEO Olivier François described a potential Abarth version as “a dream", adding: “We’re working on it and it may come. It would be a total hit.”
Because the L6 quadricycle regulations limit power and top speed, an Abarth Topolino is unlikely to offer extra performance, but it could gain bespoke styling elements.
Asked by Autocar about the prospects for an Abarth Topolino, Fiat’s European chief, Gaetano Thorel, said: “We want to make an Abarth feeling for the Topolino, because we are still trying to boost selling it too young people.
“It’s amazing: Topolino is the most successful quadricycle in Italy, and if we’re being honest we still don’t catch the heart of 16- and 17-year-olds. I want to gain their hearts, which is why we now have Topolino Sport. An Abarth Topolino could be another solution.”
Asked why young people hadn't taken to the Topolino, Thorel said: “Rome is the city of microcars, but parents buy 14-year-olds the little Ligier, because four wheels are better than two, so they feel safe. It’s like a status thing: the Ligier feels more sporty with the [50cc petrol] engine and the sound and so on, while the Topolino is more gentle.”
