As we reported a few weeks ago the next big thing from Fiat will be the reborn of the Topolino, which arrived in 1937 and was one of the smallest cars in the world at that time. And now AutoExpress imagined how the future car might look like. The 2010 Topolino will compete with cars like Toyota IQ, Smart Fortwo, and future Volkswagen Up!
The Topolino takes some styling inspiration from Fiat’s existing range, with large, bold headlights and a neat lower grille. However, its tiny dimensions mean that elsewhere it’s a radical departure for the firm and represents a new design direction.
It also features a new layout. As with the up!, the Topolino will be rear-wheel drive and have its engine mounted underneath the boot. This allows engineers to maximize interior space and ensure the car complies with crash regulations.
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Comebacks have a real success on the market. Or at least they do for Fiat; the 500 is the latest proof. But the Italian company will not stop here. They also want to re-build the Topolino, a model first unveiled in 1938. The new Topolino will be built in the former Zastava plant in Serbia.
Based on the A-platform used by the 500 and Panda minicars but shortened to 3150mm in length, the new Topolino will seat four people and debut late next year.
Fiat said the new company will invest 700 million euros to modernize the Kragujevac plant. The Serbian government will contribute 200 million euros through tax breaks and incentives. By the end of next year, Fiat plans to build 200,000 units a year in Kragujevac. Capacity will grow to 300,000 units from 2010 with the addition of the B-compact models.
