Another iconic model is making a production return in 2025. Whereas the Ford Capri and Vauxhall Frontera offer the spirit of those memorable models, the Fiat Grande Panda captures the look, feel, and spirit of the Giugiaro original, while having grown to take on B-segment rivals.
Design and interior
Like the Frontera, and Citroen C3/C3 Aircross, this Fiat shares the Stellantis ‘Smart Car’ BEV-native platform. As a result, the Grande Panda has tall, slim styling which suits the Panda’s boxy silhouette best, and is one of the first nods to the original.
Although not a remake, the look is very sympathetic to the original – much like the Renault 5 E-Tech. At the front, there are unique LED daytime running lights, which lead into the flush grille, which opens to reveal a hidden cable allowing charging at up to 7kW.
The most distinctive part of the design is the word ‘Panda’ pressed into the front and rear doors. The chunky wheel arches shout Panda 4×4, with an unusual ‘Fiat’ hologram on the C-pillar. At the back, the vertical rear lights, ‘Fiat’ logo embossed into the boot, plus 3D badging, are the highlights. The end result could only be a Fiat, and in our opinion, it looks fantastic and at its best in bright colours – dark ones lose the design details.
Inside, the Panda has similar levels of surprise and delight. The highlight must be an oval dashboard design, inspired by the Lingotto roof test track, and even featuring a model of the original Panda ‘driving’ around the edge. There are also green highlights, and rectangular air vents. A long tray underneath gives impressive stowage – just like the original Panda.
On the passenger side of the range-topping La Prima car we drove, there’s ‘Bambox’ fabric made from Bamboo fibre – a favourite food of real Pandas! There’s a 10in display for the instruments, with its own attractive typeface, and a 10.25in infotainment touchscreen which is logical in use. In addition, there are welcome physical controls for the heating. The driving position is comfortable, and the front seats are supportive, and cheerily detailed with the ‘Panda’ name across them.
Like the C3 and Frontera, the Grande Panda’s interior feels spacious, even in the back – head and kneeroom impress. Additionally, the 361-litre boot is practically shaped. This is an affordable car, using blue plastics made from recycled materials, but with the modern design and bright highlights, it feels more premium than both its Citroen and Vauxhall sister cars.
Performance and drive
Fiat’s new B-segment challenger is available with the choice of electric and mild hybrid powertrains. A larger battery version, as with the C3 Aircross and Frontera, is likely this year. Until then, the EV version of the Grande Panda is fitted with a 44kWh battery, which has 111hp and 122Nm of torque, and a range of 199 miles. Capable of being fast charged, it can go from 20% to 80% on a rapid charger in just 33 minutes.
This Fiat feels willing enough for everyday use, with acceptable acceleration off the mark. Choose the more relaxed ‘Comfort’ drive mode, and the Grande Panda feels much slower, as it retards the throttle. The ride is impressively refined too, working well with the 17in wheels – with brake feel fine, too. The only issue we found is slow steering that lacks feel.
The Grande Panda is also available with the familiar 48V, 100hp mild hybrid engine. Well-proven in other Stellantis brands, it employs a belt-driven starter/generator, on top of the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.
We didn’t get a chance to drive the mild hybrid version at launch, but Fiat is predicting the electric version will be the best-seller.
We think 2025 will be the year of the affordable, attractive, and small EV – and the Grande Panda fits the bill perfectly (prices start at £20,975!). In fact, we’d go as far as to say it’s the best car Fiat’s made since the 500 remake in 2007! The Grande Panda is an attractive, fun, and practical B-sector package, which will make an impact against more sober rivals.
Positive: Design and attention to detail inside and out, spacious and practical interior, impressive value for money
Negative: Rivals such as Renault 5 E-Tech are more fun to drive, basic infotainment
Standard equipment: 16in wheels, EcoLED headlamps, manual air conditioning, 60/40 foldable rear seat, 7kW integrated charging cable, 10.25in touchscreen with mirror screen, cruise control, rear parking sensors, six-airbags, lane keep assist, active safety brake.
Engines: Mild hybrid: 100hp 1.2; Electric: 111hp
Equipment grades: Red, La Prima
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (mild hybrid), single-speed automatic (EV)
| Model | Fiat Grande Panda Electric La Prima |
| P11D | TBC |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 199 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | TBC/TBC |
| Luggage capacity | 361 litres |
| Battery size/power | 44kWh/111hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
