Fiat has a new vision for a compact runabout that revives one of the brand's most iconic midcentury vehicles.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreMuch like the bubble cars that took to American roads around the middle of the 20th century, a growing number of micromobility vehicles have been popping up in response to rising gas prices and crowded urban streets.Unfortunately, the reality is that many of these solutions are more than a little niche in their use cases. Between their diminutive proportions and short-range powertrains, they're pretty limited in performance capabilities. The Multiplina revives the egg-shaped ethos of the Fiat 600. - Credit: StellantisWith this in mind, Fiat has spun up a new concept that's meant to bring a compact footprint while avoiding some of these compromises. If it makes it to production, it promises fresh potential for affordable commuting.Fiat revisits the 600It's called the Multiplina, and it's a concept that recently debuted as part of Fiat's Big at Small event in Rome. While details are slim at this point, word has it that it previews more to come.AdvertisementAdvertisementFiat says it's meant to be a reinterpretation of the 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla. Though it doesn't go quite as heavy on the old-school styling as the Topolino, it does bring a distinctly retro vibe.The unique cabin design allowed Fiat to build a small vehicle that went big on practicality. - Credit: StellantisAs such, when you place the Multiplina alongside its midcentury predecessor, the two designs do share some noticeable ties. In addition to a familiar two-tone paint scheme, Fiat's concept touts a similar egg shape and other reimagined details in the mirrors and hubcaps.It's a resemblance that's more than skin deep. The Multiplina's design is meant to maximize its interior footprint through clever space-efficient packaging. Like the people-carrying Multipla, then, it touts flexible seating and plenty of practicality despite a tiny city-friendly size.Multiplas became incredibly popular choices for taxi drivers because they offered plenty of room for passengers and luggage. - Credit: StellantisToward that end, Fiat has described the concept as "the missing link between a Topolino and a car." Based on reports from outlets like Autocar, this means that it promises a higher top speed and a longer range for those who don't want a full-size vehicle.A tiny Italian precedentMuch as the Multiplina might seem like something that's far too small (and cute) for American roads, there's a real chance that this thing could land Stateside, should it head to production.AdvertisementAdvertisementNamely because the tiny Topolino made the jump across the Atlantic, and it's still a smaller option. When Fiat broke the news last year, it almost seemed too good to be true. However, sure enough, the little EV is now arriving on US shores.View this post on InstagramMoreover, there's been plenty of recent interest in the space that supports a growing market. From small Mexican vans to Moke-esque electric buggies, the micromobility segment continues to bear fruit, even for North America.If nothing else, the Multiplina promises an interesting solution for ride sharing and taxi services. After all, the original Mutipla made a name for itself through its fleet applications in Postwar Italy, as much as anything else.The Fiat Topolino is somehow making its way to the US, so it's not out of the question that the Multiplina could as well. - Credit: StellantisMore to comeFor the time being, Fiat is presenting the Multiplina as a concept. However, numerous reports indicate that more developments are on the way, so production sounds likely.AdvertisementAdvertisementAssuming it does make it to market, it has the potential to be a truly wallet-friendly (street-legal) four-wheeled option. The Topolino starts at €9,890 in Europe, meaning there's plenty of pricing flexibility before it starts to encroach on the fully fledged Fiat 500s.Fiat Multiplina Concept Learn More About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.