Fiat has just unveiled its latest model, the Grande Panda, a larger and more versatile version of the beloved city car. Going against the Citroen C3 and Dacia Sandero, the Grande Panda is stylish, fun to drive, and one of the most affordable subcompact cars. Sharing the Stellantis Smart Car Platform underpinnings with the Citroen C3/e-C3, the Grande Panda offers hybrid and electric powertrain choices. Unlike the current Pandina, this new generation retains the classic Panda boxy design but with a retro-futuristic twist. The brand new Panda introduces exciting new features.Â
Highlights of the Fiat Grande Panda include the retro-futuristic exterior design, simplistic interior, and the electric version with 111 hp and a 44 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack. There is, of course, a lot more to expect from the new beloved subcompact Grande. Here’s everything you need to know about the New Fiat Grande Panda.
Fiat Grande Overview: A New Era for the Panda
The Fiat Grande Panda marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Panda lineup. This Grande model will be the first of a series of new vehicles that Fiat plans to release annually until 2027.
Positioned closer to the subcompact (supermini) segment, the new Grande Panda is larger than its predecessor. According to Fiat, the electric Grande compact car blends practicality and style for urban and family use.
Retro-Futuristic Design
The new Fiat Grande Panda has a retro-futuristic design inspired by the recent Fiat Concept City Car. The Fiat Grande’s exterior styling has a rugged appearance, featuring Boxy fenders, plastic cladding, and roof rails. The Grande also has generous ground clearance, reminiscent of the original Panda 4×4. The new Fiat Grande rides on four-spoke 17-inch wheels, which mirror the car’s pixelated theme.
One of the best design features of the Fiat Grande Panda is the pixelated X Pattern on LED Lights. Both the headlights and taillights feature a pixelated X pattern, which brings out the modern and futuristic appeal of the compact car. Paying homage to its heritage, the Fiat Grande features Panda lettering stamped on the bodywork and the Fiat lettering on the tailgate, which are key design elements.
New Dimensions
The new Grande Panda measures 157.1 inches (3.99 meters) long, making it 13.3 inches (337 mm) longer than its predecessor.
However, the Grande Panda is still 0.98 inches (25 mm) shorter than the Citroen C3.
Spacious and Practical Interior
Like the Swift, The Fiat Grande Panda has a maximum passenger capacity of five occupants. While the brand hasn’t revealed the interior in full detail, Fiat says the electric Grande’s cabin is comfortable, in both the front and rear seats.Â
The interior design of the Grande Panda will follow a “less is more” philosophy. This means the design will focus on practicality and simplicity. Early concepts suggest oval shapes inspired by the track on the roof of the Lingotto factory in Turin.
Powertrain Options: EV and Hybrid
Sharing its platform with the Citroen C3/e-C3, the Grande Panda is available with both fully electric and hybrid powertrains.
The hybrid Fiat Grande Panda has a mild-hybrid 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 100 hp (75 kW / 102 PS). This 3-cylinder engine pairs with a 28 hp (21 kW / 28 PS) electric motor, to produce 128 horsepower. Power goes to the wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a small 48V battery pack.
Like the Citroen C3, the electric version of the Panda has a front-mounted electric motor producing 111 hp (83 kW / 113 PS). The Panda EV has a 44 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which provides up to 199 miles (320 km) of WLTP range. A more affordable variant with a 124-mile (200 km) driving range might also be available.
Specs
Here are the specifications of the electric and hybrid Fiat Grande Panda
Hybrid Grande Panda
- Engine: 1.2-liter 3-cylinder with 100 hp (75 kW / 102 PS)
- Electric Motor with 28 hp (21 kW / 28 PS)
- 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- 48V battery pack
Fiat Grande Panda EV
- Front-mounted electric motor with 111 hp (83 kW / 113 PS)
- 44 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack
- 199 miles (320 kilometers) of WLTP driving range
Market Rollout and Production
The Grande Panda will first be available in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with other markets to follow.
According to Fiat, the Grande Panda will be manufactured in Serbia.
The current generation will continue to be produced until 2030 under the Pandina nameplate.
Fiat Grande Panda Pricing
Pricing details for the Panda will be announced later. However, the Grande Panda is expected to be one of the most affordable models in Fiat’s lineup.Â
An affordable pricing will position it competitively against the Citroen C3, Dacia Sandero, and a plethora of budget-friendly EVs emerging from China.
Verdict
The Fiat Grande Panda is an exciting new entry in the city car segment. Like its competitors, the Grande Panda is affordable and offers some of the best technology features. On top of that, the Panda combines the brand’s classic design elements with modern technology and powertrains. It has a relatively large size, practical interior, and a choice of hybrid or electric power. Stay tuned for more updates and car reviews as Fiat continues to expand its Panda family in the coming years.
