The CEO of Fiat, Olivier Francois, highlights what distinguishes Fiat from the surge of affordable new (predominantly) Chinese electric vehicles. He is an engaging storyteller, boasting an Instagram filled with connections to celebrities, and openly acknowledges that the new Grande Panda must achieve blockbuster status.
“Heritage is crucial,” he states. “Our design is deeply rooted in our history, and that’s intentional. It’s an effective way to instill confidence in our customers. New brands emerge, but, in reality, they come and go. We’ve been around for 125 years—and we’re here to stay.”
Like the eagerly awaited Renault 5, the Grande Panda exudes undeniable confidence. Its retro-inspired pixel LEDs reminiscent of ’80s video games, robust stance, and vibrant color palette (with no gray as mandated by its creator) provide a nostalgic experience without appearing overly derivative. Kudos to exterior designer Francois Leboine and his crew for giving it a particularly fresh look on standard steel wheels. (Leboine, worth mentioning, previously worked on the R5 before moving on from Renault.)
“Panda” is embossed in low relief on the car’s side, ensuring you won’t forget its name, and this can be padded for protection. The Fiat logo and four-bar monogram—introduced 40 years ago on the Uno—are artistically combined on the seats, door trims, and wheel arch surrounds and are laser-etched into the C pillar. It feels as though everyone involved has contributed their utmost efforts, including the lesser-known champions of the product planning team.
In the UK, prices for the Panda begin at £20,975 for the basic Red version, escalating to £24,000 for the top-tier La Prima model. A more affordable, 1.3-liter hybrid version is expected soon, but currently, the focus is on the fully electric variant, boasting an approximate range of 200 miles. This vehicle aims to replicate the impact that the iconic Nuova 500 had on Italian mass mobility as la dolce vita was just becoming a reality in the late ’50s.
Urban Utility
Exceptional packaging is intrinsic to its design philosophy, but the original 1980 Panda serves as the primary inspiration for the new model. The original was crafted by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, who, at 86, continues to ride trail bikes and humbly regards his contributions to automotive design as mere “problem solving.”
Courtesy of Alberto Gandolfo/FIAT
Indeed, navigating various challenges is essential for affordable electric city cars. Multiple iterations of the new Panda are forthcoming, but the Grande makes its debut at just under four meters in length. The original was designed to capture the rustic appeal of the Renault 4, and even today, you can spot 4×4 versions of the Panda in both remote and trendy locations across Italy. Although no all-wheel-drive option is planned, Fiat is still emphasizing the Panda’s practicality, featuring smart interior storage options and an elevated stance for better visibility. It’s a UV Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). This concept might just take off.
