Fiat Grande Panda: Retro reborn as urban hippy; compact car on a global platform
The new Fiat Grande Panda marks the brand’s transition to global common platforms for catering to multiple international markets; to be available in both electric and hybrid avatars.
Stellantis has unveiled the all-new Fiat Grande Panda compact car, dubbed as the first product in a new family of models designed on the global and multi-energy ‘Smart Car’ platform targeting global markets.
Moving away from region-specific models to global platforms, the Italian brand is expected to launch the new Grande Panda in European, the Middle East, and African markets in the coming months. South American markets, in which Fiat is among the top selling brands, are unlikely to get the new offering for now.
Under the skin, the new Grande Panda is essentially the Fiat’s makeover of the Euro-spec Citroen C3 mini-SUV, although the car throws a much-more funkier vibe than the C3. The car may seem like a concept version due to its funky styling, but it’s actually in its production-ready form.
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The car is likely to receive the same electric and hybrid powertrains from its French sibling. This includes the 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol mill with mild-hybrid technology with 6-speed, dual-clutch auto gearbox on the one hand, and a 113-hp, 320 km-range electric powertrain with a 44 kWh LFP battery pack from e-C3.
Designed at the Centro Stile in Turin, the car measures just 3.99-meters long and therefore looks diminutive, although perfect for navigating urban driving requirements. Interestingly, the new Grande Panda is still 12 inches longer than the third-generation Panda, which will also continue to be sold in select markets alongside the new model for now.
Design wise, the Grande Panda offers a unique design that blends retro charm with modern flair. The exterior combines sharp, structured lines with softer surfaces, highlighting the pronounced wheel arches. This creates a dynamic and robust look.
Fiat hasn’t forgotten its heritage; the Italian touch in terms of styling pays homage to the classic Panda 4×4 through elements like the distinctive C-pillar angle, bright yellow body colour, and 3D-printed “PANDA” lettering on the doors. The car’s urban versatility is proved by its skid plate, robust C-pillar, and distinctive opal cube headlamps with a chessboard patterned light signature.
Further, the use of a pixelated theme in the headlights, taillights, unique grille pattern, and even the 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, however reminding us of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, adds a touch of whimsy and recalls the geometric designs of the 1980s. The squares and sharp-cut 90-degree angles are also eye-catching; we are actually bored of curvy designs isn’t it?
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On the whole, the Fiat Grande Panda is a fresh take on the B-segment, offering a unique blend of functionality, modern design, and subtle nods to Fiat’s rich history and its continuing presence in the imagination of global buyers.
