The new Fiat Grande Panda has been officially unveiled. There will be hybrid and all-electric versions

Fiat has unveiled a new model named Grande Panda. The new model looks more like a crossover than the previous Panda hatchback, which is now called Pandina.

The new Fiat Grande Panda is built on the Stellantis Smart Car platform, which makes it a close relative of the Citroen C3/e-C3. Distribution of the new Fiat model will begin in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and then in other markets. Fiat called the Grande Panda "the first representative of the new global line-up".

The Grande Panda showcases a retro-futuristic design inspired by the Fiat City Car concept. It features pixelated headlights and taillights, four-spoke 17-inch wheels, athletic fenders, plastic cladding with interesting patterns, roof rails and a fairly high ground clearance for such a compact model. At 3.99 metres long, it is 337mm longer than its previous version, but still 25mm shorter than the Citroen C3.

Fiat has not yet revealed the interior of its new car, but said the cabin can accommodate five passengers, adding that the Grande Panda is "ideal for family and city driving in any country".

The Grande Panda will be available in all-electric and hybrid versions. Specs have not yet been disclosed, but given the close affinity with the Citroen C3/e-C3, we can make some guesses.

The French model is available with a mild hybrid 1.2-litre 102bhp three-cylinder engine mated to a 28bhp electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox with a small 48-volt battery.

As for the electric car, the Citroen e-C3 is equipped with a 113 hp front-mounted electric motor and a 44 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack, providing a range of up to 320 kilometres on the WLTP cycle. Citroen has already promised a more affordable electric version with a range of 200 kilometres, so we can well expect a similar range from Fiat as well.

While the Fiat Pandina is produced at the Pomigliano plant in Italy, the new, Grande Panda is rumoured to roll off the assembly line in Serbia.

Pricing will be revealed at a later date. It is expected to be one of the most affordable Fiat models. Citroen C3, Dacia Sandero and a number of low-cost electric cars from China can be considered as competitors of the Fiat Grande Panda on the European market.

Source: Fiat