We test the reinvented Fiat Grande Panda with a bold design and a starting price of €15,900

Fiat once again conquers the B-segment with one of the best-known models from the Italian brand, the new Grande Panda, a model that was born 44 years ago and is presented as the first model of its new global range. Designed at the Centro Stile in Turin, this compact car, 3.99 metres long, offers an attractive, efficient and sustainable proposal available in electric and hybrid versions, aimed at redefining urban mobility in Europe. The Fiat 500Hybrid also returns at the end of 2025.

Inspired by the Panda of the 1980s, the new Grande Panda combines a compact and robust design with distinctive details, while keeping the characteristic straight lines and shapes found in the original Panda. Its PXL LED headlights evoke the retro style of the video games of the era, while its compact body (3.99 metres long, 1.57 metres high and 1.76 metres wide) guarantees agility and interior space for five occupants.

Two propulsion options

Fiat offers the Grande Panda in two mechanical versions:

• Electric: a 83 kW (113 CV) motor, a 44 kWh battery and a range of 320 km WLTP. It reaches 132 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in 4.2 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 11 seconds). Its 100 kW fast charging allows it to recover 80% of the energy in just 27 minutes.
• Hybrid: a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo engine producing 100 CV, with a 48V lithium-ion battery and an eDCT dual-clutch transmission. It offers 100% electric driving modes at low speeds and features such as e-parking and e-creeping, a function in which releasing the brake allows the car to move forward.

Sophisticated interior with cutting-edge technology

The Grande Panda features a 10″ digital instrument cluster and a 10.25″ infotainment screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offers wireless charging and up to four USB-C ports. Its connected services system allows you to locate the vehicle, receive maintenance alerts and optimise routes in real time.

Each Grande Panda uses recycled material from 140 beverage cartons for its interior. In addition, the “La Prima” finish incorporates the sustainable BAMBOX Bamboo Fiber Tex® textile, made with 33% real bamboo fibres, which gives the interior a sophisticated and distinctive touch that, personally, I find eye-catching.

Dynamics and driving feel, not bad for the price

In our case we only had the opportunity to test the fully electric 113 CV version, and I can already tell you that it meets every requirement perfectly. The throttle response is almost immediate, with slight vibrations at the start, and the suspension is somewhat soft, which works very well in urban traffic but, when it comes to more sporty driving, falls short, both in terms of understeer, body roll and inertia, as well as its modest 113 CV. However, this doesn’t worry us: it is not a car with sporting aspirations.

The interior stands out in terms of design, but given its price and position in the segment, we cannot expect more sophisticated materials. Even so, the use of recycled materials on the door panels gives a sense of lower quality. This is not the case with the dashboard: with the bamboo fibre finish, quality is elevated, creating an attractive design for the occupants, in addition to including several storage compartments and details such as the Lingotto track.

What I didn’t like about its dynamics is the energy regeneration. We have the “Brake” mode, C in this model, which, as you well know, extends the life of our brakes and helps recharge the battery during braking and deceleration. However, there are no small paddles behind the steering wheel to help regulate the regeneration, a very useful detail that also adds fun to the driving experience.

Differences between versions

• La Prima (electric and hybrid): The most fully equipped version, with 17″ alloy wheels, a 10.25″ infotainment system, BAMBOX Bamboo Fiber Tex® upholstery and full LED headlights.
• (RED) (electric): A more affordable version with 16″ steel wheels, interior with exclusive details and the distinctive commitment to supporting the fight against global diseases.
• Icon (hybrid): Intermediate version with a 10.25″ screen, LED headlights and the option to add technology and design packs.
• Pop (hybrid): The most affordable version, with a 10″ digital instrument cluster, manual air conditioning and a practical, functional setup.

Range and prices

Orders for the new Grande Panda have been open since 28 January, but the fully electric units will be slightly delayed until April. The Fiat Grande Panda will be marketed in five versions:

• Electric:
  • La Prima: €28,450
  • (RED): €25,450 – €21,000 with discount and financing
• Hybrid:
  • Pop: €18,950 – less than €16,000 with brand discounts and financing
  • Icon: €20,450
  • La Prima: €22,950

Image gallery Fiat Grande Panda