Student Treat: Fiat Topolino Test (Top 5)

The Fiat Topolino, an electric moped car, presents a charming and affordable entry into personal mobility, drivable from the age of 14. It promises low running costs, harkening back to simpler times in automotive design, reminiscent of Fiat's early popular cars and the iconic 500 and 600 models.

However, this minimalist approach comes at a price. The car's body is constructed from plastic panels mounted on a tubular frame, with identical doors – the driver's opens backward. Practicality is also a concern, as there's no externally accessible trunk, limiting storage to the footwell of the passenger seat for small bags.

Inside, the cabin is spartan. The seats have thin padding, and only the driver's seat slides on rails. Essential features like sun visors are absent, the turn signals don't self-cancel, and separate keys are needed for the doors and ignition. Adjusting the exterior mirrors requires reaching outside, and a rearview mirror is missing. While a portion of the glass windows can be flipped up, there are no roll-down windows.

Comfort features are minimal. There's no air conditioning, only a basic one-speed heating or ventilation system. Those wanting music will need to bring their own Bluetooth speakers, though a USB charging port is available for phones. The interior boasts a quirky storage shelf and a 8.7-inch digital instrument cluster, but exposed frame profiles and cheap plastics are visible in places.

Despite its limitations, the Topolino's small size and light weight (487 kg with battery) allow its 44 Nm electric motor to provide enthusiastic initial acceleration. Yet, it quickly runs out of steam. The ride is firm, and the electric motor is notably noisy. While it serves as a commentary on the excesses of the modern auto industry, the Topolino's compromises make it a niche vehicle, perhaps best suited for short trips in resort areas.