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FIAT Grande Panda
The first model of the new generation Fiat
The Grande Panda is based on Stellantis’ Smart Car Platform, which is compatible with a variety of powertrains, and will be the first model in the new generation Fiat family to debut in the future.
Fiat has announced the Grande Panda, the first in a new global model series. It was developed as a model that symbolizes a new generation of Fiat models, incorporating Italian design into the interior and exterior, a compact body size, ample interior space, and sustainability. Available from its debut with both a fully electric and a 48V mild hybrid powertrain, the Grande Panda will be launched into the B segment, a segment Fiat has led for decades.
Designed at the Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, the Grande Panda retains the character of previous Panda models, with its compact size, clean lines, and simple interior. Its dynamic wedge-shaped design exudes a tough impression, showcasing strength and modernity.
The Grande Panda is the first Fiat to be built on the Stellantis Group’s Smart Car Platform, which is compatible with a range of powertrains, and is the vanguard of a new generation of Fiat family cars due to be introduced over the next few years.
Exterior that pays homage to the original Panda
The exterior is a homage to the original Panda, which was hugely popular in the 1980s. The headlights are equipped with “pixel LED lamps” inspired by video games.
The Grande Panda pays homage to the original Panda, an icon of the 1980s that remains highly popular today. While remaining compact at just 3,990mm in length, 1,570mm in height, and 1,760mm in width, which are below the average for the B-segment, the car still offers ample space for five adults to relax in.
The exterior features many design elements that harken back to Fiat’s roots, such as the bold 3D “PANDA” relief on the front and rear doors and the “FIAT” lettering on the rear. Simple yet functional details, such as silver skid plates at the front and rear and powerful wheel arches, emphasize the Italian character.
The “Pixel LED Lamps” in the headlights, reminiscent of 1980s video games, are inspired by past trends and coolly combine high visibility with style. Furthermore, the black pillar finish that accentuates the window graphics and the 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels with hubcaps bearing the “FIAT” logo add a powerful accent to the car’s unique character.
The seven distinctive exterior colors available embody the colorful Italian lifestyle: Limone Yellow, Luna Bronze, Acqua Azure, Lago Blue, Passione Red, Cinema Black, and Gelato White.
Providing affordable BEV specifications that are easy to purchase
Rather than focusing on big batteries and high-performance motors, Fiat has opted for an affordable electric powertrain for the Grande Panda, with charging ports at the front and rear and a range of 320km, enough for urban travel.
The powertrain lineup includes a fully electric (BEV) model and a 48V mild hybrid model. The BEV model combines a 44kWh battery with an e-motor with a maximum output of 83kW (114PS), ensuring a maximum range of 320km (WLTP combined mode). Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h takes 11 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to 132km/h.
The BEV model does not pursue specifications such as large batteries or high-output motors, but prioritizes affordability, which is Fiat’s core value. It provides a cool, affordable BEV to customers who want to ride the wave of electrification of mobility but cannot afford to make large investments.
In addition to the rear charging port, the car is equipped with an AC retractable cable at the front. It can charge at up to 7kW, allowing for a full charge from 20% to 80% in 4 hours and 20 minutes. Upon customer request or in certain markets, customers can also choose to use only the rear 11kW charging port, which takes 2 hours and 50 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%. Both charging ports are equipped with DC fast charging ports, allowing for a full charge in just 27 minutes using a 100kW fast charger.
Hybrid specifications that cover a variety of situations with electric power
The 48V mild hybrid model combines a 1.2-liter inline three-cylinder turbo with a battery and motor, and is equipped with a function that allows the motor to cover a variety of usage environments.
The mild hybrid version is equipped with a 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder gasoline turbo engine that delivers a maximum output of 100 PS, a 48V lithium-ion battery, a 21kW e-motor, an inverter, and a 6-speed electric dual-clutch transmission (eDCT) that includes a transmission central unit. By adding electric power to the gasoline engine at low rpm and during acceleration, smooth and quiet starts and high efficiency are achieved. In addition, this 48V hybrid system also features a regenerative braking system during deceleration.
The 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine employs a Miller cycle system, reducing CO2 emissions to 123g, ensuring high competitiveness against rivals in the same segment. It also comes equipped with an “e-launch” function that allows the car to start in 100% EV mode (smooth and quiet start with zero gasoline consumption).
Under certain circumstances, the gasoline engine can be stopped, allowing for up to 1km of electric driving at speeds of 30km/h or less. The motor also operates when the driver releases the accelerator, even in stable conditions, such as on flat roads or downhill highways, enabling efficient driving. The car is also equipped with functions that use the motor primarily at low speeds, such as “e-Creep,” which uses electricity to drive forward for a short period without pressing the accelerator when in traffic jams, and “e-Parking,” which is used when parking.
Interior made with environmentally friendly materials
The interior actively incorporates new environmentally friendly materials, such as plastic recycled from beverage cartons and a new material made from bamboo fiber (see the dashboard in the photo).
The simple and bright interior is finished in Blue Tasmania, accented with yellow accents on the tunnel-padded infotainment area, dashboard, air conditioning vents, and seat stitching. The cockpit’s 10.0-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch digital radio are surrounded by a ring reminiscent of the Lingotto truck at Fiat’s headquarters in Turin.
The front and rear seats offer the best shoulder room in the B segment, providing a high level of comfort. There is also a total of 13 liters of storage space in various parts of the interior, including the dashboard. There is also a luggage capacity of 361 liters, which is sufficient for business use or short trips.
The Grande Panda is made from recycled materials recovered from 140 beverage cartons. 80% of beverage cartons in Europe are made from cartons, and 20% are made from non-recyclable plastic and aluminum, which are usually discarded during recycling. Fiat has recovered this 20% of the material and reused it in interior plastic parts called “Lapolen Ecotek.”
Additionally, the dashboard wrapping of the top-of-the-line La Prima trim level uses BAMBOX Bamboo Fiber Tex, a special textile made from real bamboo fiber. Part of the dashboard is coated with the special textile, and 33% of this fabric is made from real bamboo fiber.
