When she had been presented for the first time in Maythen officially delivered to the Carabinieri in June 2025the Fiat Above all, Topolino made people smile. Mocked for its toy-like appearance, compared to a "tuna can" or a car for "chasing bikes", this little electric car seemed destined for an anecdotal role in the Arma fleet.
And yet, just a few months later, it's clear that the Topolino in its blue Carabinieri uniform has found its audience... and not just on the small Italian islands or in the historic centers where it's assigned.
An unexpected star on Instagram
On the Carabinieri's official Instagram account, among photos of helicopters, horses, motorcycles and Alfa Romeo Giulia, we regularly find the little Topolino. And every time she appears, the result is clear: her posts garner over 10,000 likes, making her one of the most popular on the page.
"Good evening from Sant'Angelo d'Ischia", "Good Ferragosto from the Arma dei Carabinieri"... Behind these simple messages, it's always the Topolino that attracts attention. In Ischia and elsewhere, it seems to embody a new closeness between the Arma and the population.
From mocking smile to sympathy capital
What started out as a mockery has become an unexpected calling card. With its miniature dimensions, red stripe and flashing lights, there's something almost touching about the Topolino. Passers-by were already curious and intrigued by its first outings in Naples in June. Internet users, meanwhile, have come to embrace this atypical little vehicle, which stands in stark contrast to the image of sedans and SUVs.
Admittedly, the Carabinieri's Topolino responds to a very pragmatic logic: getting around in areas where Giulias and Pandas are too cumbersome. But above all, it has become a vehicle of sympathy and visibility for the Arma. Far from being ridiculed, it is now one of the most popular symbols of the Carabinieri's digital communications.
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