Fiat has released the first set of details and images of the all-new fourth-generation Panda SUV, now christened the Fiat Grande Panda. The new Panda continues the model's rugged legacy with a fresh, retro design and two powertrain options.
- Grande Panda will sit above the previous-gen SUV
- Final design remains quite close to the concept
- Shares powertrain, platform with the Citroen C3
Fiat Grande Panda: what’s new?
Called the Grande Panda to reflect a footprint that is larger than that of its predecessor, the new SUV is closely related to the Citroen C3, sharing Stellantis’ value-minded Smart Car platform. Originally engineered for developing markets and called Common Modular Platform (CMP), it has been adapted for global models and can accommodate both internal combustion and battery powertrains.
The production car stays true to the blocky, retro proportions of the Panda concept that Fiat revealed in February, and even retains the prominent Panda branding along its sides – a nod to its bare-bones 1980s namesake.
The minimalist, rugged look reflects Fiat’s new brand values of "strength and uniqueness", and sets the tone for the design of all upcoming models in the Panda family, including the pixel-style headlights, which were supposedly inspired by the windows of Fiat’s old Lingotto factory in Turin. Ovals will be a prevailing theme, in a nod to the 1920s building’s famous rooftop test track, and efforts to reduce the weight and cost of various elements will lend an airier, more spacious feel, Fiat has suggested.
A number of cues nod to the Panda’s utilitarian roots and emphasise what Fiat calls its "UV [utility vehicle] attitude", including the chunky front skid plate, roof rails and black lower-body cladding. However, while the brand acknowledged the influence of the original Panda 4x4, it stopped short of hinting at plans for a four-wheel-drive version of the Grande Panda.
It’s around 0.3m longer than the previous Panda, at 3.99m, but that’s still "below the 4.06m segment average", claims Fiat. The five-seater cabin hasn’t been revealed yet, but Fiat said it would be "perfect for contemporary urban mobility".
The Grande Panda will come with more than one powertrain; the international-spec C3’s 200km and 327km electric systems, and the mild-hybrid 100hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.
Fiat Grande Panda: will it come to India?
The rugged yet retro-looking Grande Panda will first go on sale in Europe. There is no news on Fiat bringing the SUV to India in the near future.
Current Panda will live on till 2027
The current Panda, which is mainly on sale in Europe and is now also referred to as the Pandina, will remain in production until "at least" 2027, Fiat has confirmed. It plans to boost output by 20 percent to cater to sustained demand, even in the hatchback’s 13th year on sale.
A subtly updated version of the car features new active safety functions, an upgraded driver’s display and a new steering wheel, and it's touted as the "most technological and safest Panda ever" when it goes on sale this summer.
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