Police have seized 134 examples of the new Fiat Topolino at port of Livorno. This is because it has breached a law in Italy over sporting a styling featureFiat's Topolino is without question the cutest new car of 2024.
The adorable EV is the sister model to the Citroen Ami, which is has been on sale in Britain since 2022 and costs from £7,695. The adorable little machine features retro looks including oval headlamps, dish-style wheel trims and even a suitcase rack at the rear, harking back to the iconic Cinquecento classic that was first launched in 1957. But it has landed in hot water back home in Italy
Italian authorities say the Topolino breaches a rule that does not allow products made outside of the country to sport the national flag. It means this tiny sticker on the door panel needs to be removed before cars can be delivered to Italian customers Read More Can you really live with a Citroen Ami? We attempt seven tasks in seven days in the £7,695 tiny electric car that has no boot, a 28mph top speed and range of just 46 miles 'The offender is punished with an administrative fine from €10,000 to €250,000.'
Back in April, Alfa Romeo also had a monumental falling out with Italian authorities over the name of its new electric SUV, due to be called the 'Milano'. With Fiat producing the original Topolino between 1936 and 1955, it is surprising that the authorities haven't also questioned its name - which translates to 'baby mouse' - given it has direct links back to Italian history.
Two versions will be sold - a standard Topolino and an 'open' Topolino Dolce Vita with a sunroof and no doors The doorless design is a nod to the classic Fiat 500 Jolly, which was aimed at sun-worshiping beach types of the generation. The cabin controls are fairly basic, with a gear selector down to the left-hand-side of the driver's seat and one stalk to control the indicators and single windscreen wiper. The version with doors has fabric handles