Fiat may launch family of new cars under 'Topolino' name

Talk of the revival of the Topolino nameplate has been circulating for nearly a year, and in April Fiat took a positive step in the process of building a new B-segment car by buying a former Zastava plant in Serbia, and now new details reveal that the new car will be targeting newcomers like the Toyota iQ and Volkswagen Up!.

A range of small cars are expected to be spawned under the Topolino banner, starting with a compact two-seater that mimics the layout of the original. A four-seater is expected to follow, along with the possibility of an up-market premium model, though that car would be marketed as a Lancia. The standard engine for the Topolino is expected to be a 900cc two-cylinder, though the 1.3L found in the Fiat 500 will be available as an upgrade.

The four-seater's dimensions are expected to measure less that 3.15m in length, being based on a shortened version of the award-winning Fiat 500 platform. One possible look for the new car is captured in a rendering by Mark Stehrenberg, reports Auto Motor & Sport.

Design elements of the car are expected to draw on the Phylla concept, the original and will no doubt feature some of the 500's retro-futuristic charm as well. A possible all-electric version of the Topolino could be in the works, but no further confirmation of that car has yet emerged.