Fiat is moving closer to launching the Multiplina, an electric city car designed to carry four passengers in a body shorter than three meters. The model is expected to debut in 2028, slotting between the smaller two-seat Topolino and the Fiat 500. While the design is nearly final, engineers are still focused on cutting weight to meet regulatory limits for this type of lightweight quadricycle.
Compact Design Inspired by the 1956 Multipla
The Multiplina takes inspiration from the classic 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla, known for fitting six people into just 3.53 meters. Fiat’s new model shrinks this concept further, offering a full four-seat cabin in a vehicle under three meters long. The upright front, round headlights, and overall shape pay visual tribute to its predecessor.
This new approach aims to provide more seating than the Topolino, which is about 2.53 meters and seats two, without moving up to a traditional city car like the 500. It’s designed for buyers wanting compact dimensions along with a more practical rear seating arrangement.
Weight Reduction Remains a Key Challenge
According to Fiat’s design chief François Leboine, the production version’s look is now close to the prototype revealed at the Paris Motor Show. However, engineering work is still underway, mainly focusing on reducing weight. The longer body needed to fit rear seats adds complexity, requiring careful choice of components and materials to stay under the limits for the European L7e quadricycle category.
Fiat is treating this weight-saving effort like a racing car project, analyzing parts individually for even small weight gains or losses. This process is crucial because the Multiplina needs a larger battery than the Topolino to offer more driving range—beyond the Ami’s 74 kilometers. Increasing battery size adds weight, so the final balance will depend on these ongoing refinements.
The recent prototype shown in Paris reflects significant progress in design versus earlier previews. Fiat is now focusing on finding the right balance between space, weight, and range to create a practical four-seat city EV that remains easy to drive and park.
What’s Next for the Multiplina
Fiat plans to launch the Multiplina in 2028, but technical details such as battery capacity, official range, and pricing are still being finalized. The model represents a step up from the Topolino in terms of size and utility, without losing the compact footprint suited for urban driving.
More concrete specifications are expected closer to launch, as Fiat completes the final development and homologation work for this small but roomy electric quadricycle.
Source: clubalfa.it