New Fiat Grande Panda: everything we know about Italy’s retro-inspired EV

• All-new retro-inspired supermini
• Available as an EV or petrol mild hybrid
• Priced from €19,000 (£16,000) in Europe

Fiat is turning 125 years old in 2024, and it’s celebrating the occasion by reinventing one of its most iconic models – this is the new Fiat Grande Panda. The transition from the outgoing Fiat Panda to the new Grande model involves more than just a longer name. It takes on an entirely new look inspired by the original 1980 Panda, while everything under the metalwork has been completely overhauled, too.

There have been rumours of a new Fiat Panda for some time now, with the current model beginning to feel its age in a supermini market now awash with hybrids and EVs. After 13 years on sale, the Italian carmaker has decided that now is the time to introduce its replacement, which will use fully electric tech from parent-brand Stellantis for the first time.

Fiat is yet to confirm UK pricing for the new Grande Panda, but European models suggest that the value-focused ethos of the original Panda hasn’t been lost. Electric models will cost from €25,000 (circa £21,000) on the continent, while an even more affordable mild hybrid petrol model will start from just €19,000 (around £16,000).

What do I need to know about the new Fiat Grande Panda?

Underpinning the new Fiat Grande Panda is the STLA Smart platform, shared with other models that fall under the Stellantis umbrella, including the new Citroen C3 and e-C3, as well as the new Vauxhall Frontera. Like those models, the Grande Panda will be offered as a petrol hybrid and a full EV.

Electric models use the same 44kWh battery and 111bhp electric motor found in the Citroen and the Vauxhall, delivering up to 199 miles of range in this application. There are no official performance figures yet, but don’t expect the Grande Panda to set any new lap records – the Citroen e-C3 takes a leisurely 11 seconds to complete the 0-62mph sprint, so the Fiat won’t be far off.

The mild hybrid petrol Grande Panda pinches the 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine and small electric motor from parent-brand Stellantis. In the case of the Fiat, it produces 99bhp and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

It’s currently unclear whether a non-hybrid petrol Grande Panda will be offered, but it’s a possibility given that Citroen sells the C3 in pure-petrol guise. Similarly, there’s been no mention of a 4x4 variant yet, but it could appear further down the line if the new Panda is to follow the trend set by its forebears.

At just 3,990mm long, the Grande Panda is the smallest of the Fiat, Citroen and Vauxhall trio, but that still represents an increase of over 300mm compared to the outgoing model. It’s taken on a chunkier look, too, with squared-off bumpers and plenty of black cladding to lean into the popular small SUV aesthetic.

It’s the details that really stand the Grande Panda apart, however. The black band across the front end is a modern interpretation of the original Panda’s grille, but it now houses a pair of “chessboard pattern” LED headlights. At the rear, the tail-lights display a similar X-shaped motif, while you’ll spot Fiat’s historic parallel stripes logo hidden around the exterior. Most striking is the large ‘Panda’ lettering embossed along both sides, harking back to the decals applied to the original Panda 4x4.

Fiat promises that the Grande Panda will deliver impressive practicality despite its diminutive size. Unusually for a front-wheel drive EV, there is a small storage space under the bonnet where you’ll find an integrated charging cable for home charging. Boot space stands at a decent 361 litres, while there’s 13 litres of storage dotted around the front of the cabin.

Elsewhere in the interior, you’ll spot a recurring oval theme, inspired by the rooftop test track at the brand’s original headquarters in Turin. Behind the two-spoke steering is a 10-inch digital driver’s display, while the dashboard houses a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen. There’s a bold mix of colours and materials throughout the cabin, including bright plastics, blue upholstery for the seats, and a bamboo dashboard.

How much will the new Fiat Grande Panda cost?

While UK prices and specifications will be revealed later in the year, Fiat has confirmed pricing for the Grande Panda in its home country. Electric models start from €25,000 (around £21,000) in Europe, while the mild hybrid petrol car is even cheaper, at €19,000 (around £16,000).

The Grande Panda arrives just in time for Fiat’s 125th anniversary, an occasion that the Italian brand is celebrating with a raft of new models. From now until 2027, Fiat plans to launch a new vehicle each year using the same STLA Smart platform as the Grande Panda.

The Grande Panda will face stiff competition – read our top 10 list of the best small cars and superminis to see its rivals…