New Fiat Grande Panda kickstarts retro lineup with enlarged electrified crossover

Fiat’s fourth-gen Panda perpetuates a growing trend of tiny icons turned massive. Based on Citroen’s new C3 platform, can this bigger bear garner the same adoration as the original Panda 4x4?

These days, if you want your small car to succeed, just make it bigger. Sounds paradoxical, but there’s now a whole sub-segment of vehicles — from Mini’s Countryman to Fiat’s own 500x — which evidence the public’s voracious appetite for increased dimensions and nostalgia-fueled styling.  

With that in mind, Fiat’s new Grande Panda is off to a strong start. At 3.99 m long, the brand stresses that the new model is shorter than the 4.06 m class average, though it is over 300mm longer than a regular Panda. The Grande also looks to be riding higher than before – exact figures are still to be confirmed.  

Aside from following market trends, there’s a perfectly good explanation for all this growth: to create a more practical cabin. According to Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, “…the Grande Panda is perfectly suited for families and urban mobility in every country... a real FIAT!” The new crossover should also comfortably seat five passengers and make “innovative and smart use of the space.”

The new 80s-inspired styling should also pull punters off the streets and into Fiat’s showrooms. Originally designed by Giugiaro, the first-gen Panda tapped into demand with its straight lines and boxy proportions, and it’s more of the same for the Grande. A wedge-shaped design reportedly conveys “strength and uniqueness” while “a subtle combination of structured lines and soft and bold surfaces emphasize the robust wheel arches.” 

It’s a fundamentally strong design, but it’s the little touches that we appreciate the most. The imprinted Panda lettering running down the flanks is a direct reference to the decals on the first 4x4. Similarly, the offset grille badge harks back to historic Fiats, and opal-cube headlights take influence from the windows adorning the Lingotto factory.  

When it comes to powertrains, performance, and driving dynamics, there’s less we can say with certainty. Fiat has confirmed that the Grande Panda will be available with a range of hybrid petrol and electric options — likely borrowed from Citroen’s new C3, given both cars use the same platform. Disappointingly though, there’s no word on whether a true 4x4 version will be joining the ranks.

Perhaps Fiat is saving the all-wheel drive gubbins for one of the future Pandas in its latest business plan; the Italian firm has promised that a new model will join the family every year until 2027. But you won’t need to wait that long to get your paws on the Grande: the reimagined Panda will be released from captivity and into the wilds of Great Britain early next year. It’ll probably be extremely affordable too, with some early estimates suggesting it could match Citroen’s circa £15,000 entry price.  

We think the Grande Panda has all the trappings of a successful crossover, but will the absence of four-wheel drive be a deal breaker for fans of the original?

Hero image credit: Fiat