Maximilian Stocker
Just in time for the 125th anniversary of the Fiat brand, the new edition of an absolute icon is being presented. The Panda has been a permanent part of the Italians’ portfolio since 1980 and has always impressed with its compact dimensions, versatility and extremely affordable price. The current 3rd generation has been built since 2011 and is now getting a successor. The new model will be launched under the name “Grande Panda”, although the current Panda will continue to be offered in parallel as a combustion engine until at least 2026 – and that brings us to the topic:
The drives
The Grande Panda is based on the STLA Small platform from Stellantis, which is designed for different drive options. This means that the vehicle will be offered with electric and hybrid drive. Technically, the Grande Panda is closely related to its sister model, the Citroën C3. The Italian car will therefore probably have the same engines under the hood. The C3 offers an electric unit with 113 hp and a mild hybrid petrol engine with 136 hp. It is currently unclear whether the 101 hp petrol engine without mild hybrid technology will also have a chance in the Grande Panda. Since the vehicle will be offered in other regions of the world, such as Africa and the Middle East, in addition to Europe, it is assumed that there will be some changes in terms of engines. However, Fiat has not yet revealed any exact details.
Greetings from the original panda
Visually, the icon has been given a much more modern appearance, reminiscent in many ways of the Panda from 1980 and convincing with its corners and edges. The front is steep and consists of a black panel with integrated lights. The LED daytime running lights appear in square pixels in a checkerboard pattern. The Fiat logo is on the left of the “grill” as on the original Panda. Wheel house panels, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and the roof rails convey robustness. The model name has also been stamped into the sheet metal on the side of the doors. The same applies to the brand name “Fiat”, which is again on the left of the tailgate. The lights are a homage to the past. With the pixel LED look, they ensure a futuristic rear view and give the Grande Panda a certain independence.
What the interior looks like is not yet known. Fiat is also not revealing any further details about the vehicle. But we already know this much: The Grande Panda is the first new product in a model family that will be followed by a new vehicle every year until 2027. So things are still exciting for the Italians.
© Motorsport Magazine