Fiat plans variant of Citroen's Ami quadricycle

TURIN – Fiat could launch an upscale version the Citroen Ami electric two-seater quadricycle next year, according to the brand’s dealers.

The Fiat version would revive the Topolino name, dealers told Automotive News Europe.

It could also be sold with a convertible variant with a canvas top, something not currently available on the Ami and its sister model, the Opel Rocks-e.

Topolino means Mickey Mouse in Italian and it was the nickname given in the country to the original Fiat 500 that was launched in 1936, bringing car ownership within the reach of the masses just like the Volkswagen Beetle did in Germany.

A Fiat version of the Ami was shown to selected Italian dealers. A dealer who saw the vehicle told ANEurope that it was more refined than the Ami.

Citroen launched the Ami in France in April 2020, with Italian sales following in December. Registrations in 2020 were 2,719, mainly in France, according to Citroen. Last year, after adding Spain, Belgium and Portugal, registrations of the Ami grew to 9,183 units.

This year Citroen expanded sales to other countries including UK and Germany, plus Morocco, where the car is built.

Opel launched the Rocks-e at the end of last year. It is available, like the Citroen model, in a passenger or delivery van version.

The Stellantis plant in Kenitra, Morocco, is expected to increase production to 20,000 this year from 18,000 units built in 2021, Citroen said.

Supplier sources told ANEurope that production will increase to about 35,000 to 40,000 units from 2023 including the Topolino.

The Ami and Rocks-e are classed as quadricycles because of their small size and low speed, so they can be driven from the age of 14 to 16 in various European countries, including France, Germany and Italy, with a light motor vehicle license.

The models are only 2410 mm long and 1390 mm wide, excluding the exterior mirrors. The relatively tall height at 1520 mm allows the drive and passenger to get in and out easily despite the vehicle’s overall small size. Weight is just 471 kg, about the same as a battery pack fitted in a conventional full-electric car.

The car's range is about 75 km (47 miles) on a full charge, which can be achieved in 3.5 hours on a household electric socket, Citroen said. The models are powered by a 5.5-kilowatt-hour battery and have a top speed of 45 kph (32 mph).

Stellantis declined to comment on an eventual Ami variant for the Fiat brand.