Cavalier Topolino
Fiat’s all-electric Topolino may be tiny, but it has plenty of style and personality, bringing back the charm of an era when cars were smaller, lighter, and less complicated.
Belgian company Cavalier clearly sees potential in the little EV and has introduced an extensive customization program that promises to make it both more exclusive and more capable. There is just one catch: a fully equipped Cavalier Topolino can cost as much as a brand-new Honda Civic Hybrid in the United States.
The transformation starts with the exterior. Customers can choose from ten two-tone paint combinations, including Ivory White with Sage Green, Deep Black with Deep Bordeaux Red, and our personal favorite, Light Silver Grey with Warm Terracotta Orange. Those who prefer a simpler look can select from 13 single-color finishes instead.
The bespoke paintwork is complemented by a set of small 16-inch forged wheels with distinctive center caps. Cavalier also offers a Night Package, which replaces the standard exposed gray exterior trim with body-colored black elements.
The cabin receives an equally comprehensive makeover. The seats, steering wheel, door panels, and headliner are upholstered in a combination of Nappa leather and genuine Alcantara, with several color schemes available. Other additions include a panoramic glass roof that can switch from transparent to opaque, leather grab handles, wool floor mats, and configurable ambient lighting.
Cavalier has also installed a compact 3.7-inch central display, eliminating the need to rely entirely on a smartphone for basic information. A custom Bluetooth audio system is also available, although the company has yet to reveal details about its speaker configuration.
Cavalier hasn’t limited its work to cosmetic upgrades. The standard Topolino comes with a 5.5-kWh lithium-ion battery, providing a claimed range of 47 miles (75 km), while its front-mounted electric motor produces just 8 hp. Buyers can instead opt for a larger 10.8-kWh battery, which increases the estimated range to 93 miles (150 km). Modifications to the vehicle’s control unit also raise the top speed from 28 mph (45 km/h) to 43 mph (70 km/h). That’s still nowhere near highway territory, but it should make the little Fiat more comfortable keeping up with urban traffic.
Another unusual option is a 2-kW Webasto diesel heater, which provides cabin warmth without drawing power from the relatively small traction battery.
Cavalier’s conversion certainly makes the Topolino more distinctive and capable, but the upgrades come at a substantial price. The Belgian company quotes starting prices of €12,000 (approximately $13,300) for the basic package, rising to around €20,000 ($22,200) for a fully equipped conversion.
That’s on top of the price of the donor vehicle. The standard Topolino starts at just under €10,000 ($11,100) in Italy and $13,995 in the United States. As a result, a fully converted example can exceed €30,000 ($33,300), putting this tiny two-seater in the same price territory as a new Honda Civic Hybrid in America. That’s a lot of money for a microcar, even one as charming as the Topolino.
