
The diminutive FIAT Panda is something of a little legend. Anyone who has ever visited Italy will have seen thousands of these popular cars around and about, in various levels of condition, yet they keep going. Now, the Italian brand have brought forth this new and rather appealing new version: Meet the new FIAT Grande Panda, truly representing the brand with its Italian design, compactness and sustainability. A new people’s car, if you will.
This latest version makes its debut equipped with a choice of all-electric or hybrid power-trains. Reflecting the brand’s signature style, the new model is an ideal fit for both family and urban life. The car’s robust and structured appearance, along with its dynamic wedge-shaped design, emphasises strength and uniqueness. The Grande Panda is the first FIAT built on parent company Stellantis’s ‘Smart Car Platform’ setting the scene for a new family of vehicles set to be introduced in the coming years. More to the point, this car looks to be a fun and entertaining ride, ideal for the same family, especially in urban and suburban settings.

The Funky Exterior
The much-loved FIAT Panda from way back in the 1980’s is living a second life in our modern era thanks to this new model, showcasing a cool vibe with iconic features and its Italian signature styling. This is the first time that “Grande” does not really mean large incidentally; the Grande Panda is unique for its compact size that nevertheless guarantees comfort for 5 people. Its bold surfaces have been embellished by soft lines, from the robust wheel arches to the rear and front skid plates in silver. Its design has been conceived to be simple but functional and pleasantly surprising with that essential ‘Italianness’.
The prominence of the wheel arches, emphasised by structured lines and soft, striking surfaces, conveys a confident personality. The exterior look is also enriched by many design elements that go back to FIAT’s origins. Among them, the lettering on the car reaffirms the brand’s roots with unexpected details such as the 3D-branded, low-relief ‘PANDA’ lettering on the doors and ‘FIAT’ on the rear. In addition, the lenticular print on the C-pillar that goes from the modern FIAT logo and the 4 FIAT stripes creates a modern effect. Moreover, the inspiration from past trends is reflected in the ‘PXL’ LED lamps, merging functionality with style. Indeed, the captivating X design together with the black pillar finishes and the 17” diamond-cut alloy wheels with FIAT logo hubcaps result in an unparalleled combination and create a distinctive and evocative look. There’s a nice range of lively colours too.


Roomy Inside
The Grande Panda can carry up to five people in absolute comfort thanks to its roominess and smart use of space. In this perspective, it boasts some of the best shoulder room in this segment which adds even more to its already special interior. Indeed, the Grande Panda hides spacious storage in unexpected parts of the vehicle such as the 13 litres dashboard space, three litres of which can be found in just one stowage compartment. Additionally, the Grande Panda presents above-average boot (trunk) space, with 361L of maximum capacity (electric version), making this vehicle the perfect choice for family business and everyday shopping.
In keeping with its colourful strategy, FIAT brings attention to cheerful details that enrich the interior of the Grande Panda. Specifically, the infotainment area with the tunnel pad, the dashboard, the vents and the seats stitching embellished with yellow details, brightening the interior. Furthermore, the main interior theme includes a special colour named ‘Blu Tasmania’, which perfectly matches the splashes of colour elsewhere. Furthermore, the Italian and FIAT influence can be seen in the 10’’ cluster and 10.25” digital radio screen features.


The Drive
Expect lively performance from this premium compact marvel. The Grande Panda will be available in electric and hybrid versions. With a 44kWh battery and an 83kW e-motor (113HP), the electric Grande Panda offers 199 miles of range making it the perfect vehicle for urban daily use and weekend getaways. This model boasts a maximum speed of 82 mph and a 0-62 mph (100kph) acceleration in 11 seconds (11.5 for the ‘La Prima’ variant).
This new global model (it’s the same everywhere) is equipped with an integrated AC retractable cable at the front (in addition to the rear charging port), capable of charging at up to 7kW, completing a charge from 20% to 80% in 4 hours and 20 minutes. As an alternative to the retractable cable, based on customer preference or specific market requirements, a rear-only 11kW charging port can be chosen, with a recharging time from 20% to 80% in 2 hours and 50 minutes. For both solutions, a standard DC fast charging port at the rear is included, offering 100kW charging power and completing a charge in just 27 minutes. This charging option makes a lot of sense.


The Hybrid version is equipped with a turbo-charged 1.2 litre, 3-cylinder engine delivering 100BHP, a 48-volt Li-ion battery, and 6-speed electric dual-clutch transmission which includes the 21kW e-motor, inverter, and transmission central unit. All these elements work in synergy, driving the Grande Panda's performance to the next level. The additional electric power boosts flexibility at low revs and during acceleration, delivering a smooth and quiet start along with responsive transitions. Additionally, this technology allows for energy recovery (recuperation) during deceleration.
Thanks to the hybrid ‘Miller Cycle’ power-plant, the vehicle achieves an estimated CO² output of just 117g/km making it highly competitive with other brands. The hybrid power-train offers numerous advantages, including the ability to start in 100% electric mode to provide a smooth, silent startup with zero petrol consumption. Likewise, the electric components boost the vehicle’s efficiency and dynamics, and enables the internal combustion engine (ICE) to turn off in certain situations. It happens when travelling in the city or on rural roads with smooth driving, providing up to 0.6 miles electric range at speeds below 18 mph. It engages also in stable conditions, on flat roads or on a highway with a downhill slope when the driver releases the accelerator, enabling efficient power demand and battery management.


The ‘e-creeping’ function relies solely on electric power and is primarily used for making short forward movements without pressing the accelerator, such as when one is stuck in traffic. It is also used to park in 100% electric drive, either in first gear or in reverse. The benefits of this technology are immediate with reduced consumption, greater environmental respect, less noise, enhanced comfort, and a more enjoyable driving experience. All the advantages are achieved also thanks to the dual-clutch transmission and the overall responsiveness of the power-train.
The FIAT Grande Panda features a comprehensive suite of ‘Advanced Driver Assistance Systems’ (ADAS) for a safe and convenient driving experience. Key specification includes Parking Assistance with rear sensors (and standard on ‘La Prima’ trim with front sensors and rear view camera), as well as assisted driving features like Cruise Control, Speed Limiter, Active Safety Brake and Lane Keeping Assist. Additionally, danger alerts provide speed limit information and driver attention warnings, while active safety systems alert for open doors or the boot (trunk), ensuring everything is securely closed before driving. These technologies work together to enhance safety and convenience on the road.


MHH International
This neat new vehicle has clearly been well thought through and this review could have been considerably longer, such is its charm. It’s a car that really fits in with the modern motoring ethos. Get in touch with us here at MHH International to find out about this car in electric or hybrid formats and how it can be exported from the UK, fully insured, to destinations as far afield as The Caribbean nations, Kenya, Mauritius and New Zealand. Ask about VAT-free purchases and of course the wide range of prestige vehicles available from many manufacturers. We look forward to helping you into the driving seat of your next new car.