In early 2024, Fiat made a big announcement about its Panda model, which has been one of its smallest and most affordable cars since 1980. They plan to expand the Panda into a whole family of vehicles. The first one to join this new lineup is the Grande Panda, a compact hatchback with some features of a crossover.
The Grande Panda is longer than usual for its class, measuring 157 inches. It stands out with its sharp angles and a front end that looks like something from the future. Interestingly, Fiat placed its logo to the side, similar to how it was on the original Panda before it got updated. The hatchback also has black plastic cladding, bumper trim that resembles a skid plate, and roof rails, giving it a tough appearance. The rear lights are another nod to the first Panda. The Grande Panda is designed to look unlike any other car you’d see on European roads.
We haven’t seen inside the car yet, but Fiat says it will comfortably seat five people. We hope the interior will be just as unique as the outside.
Fiat hasn’t shared the technical details yet. They mentioned building the Grande Panda on a flexible platform that can support both hybrid and electric versions. Traditionally, the Panda has been known for its four-wheel-drive capability, but it seems likely that the Grande Panda will come with front-wheel-drive.
More information about the Grande Panda will be available in the next few months. It’s planned to be sold in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, but there are no plans for it to come to the United States. Meanwhile, Fiat’s current Panda, now called the Pandina since February 2024, will continue to be available for now. It’s been around since it first appeared at the Frankfurt auto show in 2011, which is quite old for a car. Despite its age, it remains one of the cheapest new cars you can buy in Europe and is still very popular for Fiat.
