June 14, 2024 marks a milestone for Fiat, as the Turin brand celebrates its 125th anniversary with the launch of the long-awaited new Big Panda. This compact city car, designed by the Turin Style Center, perfectly embodies the values of the original model but with a global vision that promises to conquer the streets of the whole world.
Olivier FrancoisCEO of Fiat and global CMO of Stellantis, described the new Grande Panda as “the best way to start writing the first pages of our future“. Based on a global multi-energy platform, this car marks the beginning of Fiat’s transition towards internationally shared platforms, offering unique benefits to customers in each region.
An Italian design for the world
The new Grande Panda stands out in the B segment for its exceptional compactness, with a length of only 3.99 meters, lower than the industry average of 4.06 meters. Yet, despite its small size, it can comfortably accommodate up to five passengers thanks to an intelligent organization of the internal spaces.
Sculpted lines and bold personality
The exterior of the new Grande Panda features a unique combination of structured lines and soft yet bold surfaces, which highlight the robust wheel arches. The dynamic and incisive body design is generated by extremely taut profile lines, giving a bold allure and a distinctive visual imprint.
Inspired by the iconic windows of the Lingotto factory, the headlights composed of opaline cubes create a pixelated effect that extends from the gloss black upper grille. Additionally, the daytime running lights transform into turn signals, illuminating some of the cubes in a horizontal checkerboard pattern.
Homage to the roots with a look to the future
From the side, the configuration of the new Grande Panda pays homage to the robustness of the Panda of the 1980s, but with a touch of dynamism thanks to the lines of the passenger compartment and the glass. The roof bars move the highest viewing point towards the rear, accentuating the wedge-shaped attitude of the bodywork.
As tribute to the classic Panda 4×4, the doors feature 3D printed bas-relief letters that reflect the surrounding environment and enliven the lower part of the side. The robust “C” pillar faithfully reproduces the unmistakable inclination of the angular relationship with respect to the vertical volume of the rear part.
An Italian icon on the streets around the world
Despite its Italian roots, the new Grande Panda was conceived to conquer global markets. It will be initially introduced in Europe, Middle East and Africabut its multi-energy platform allows it to be produced and marketed in every region of the world.
Production in Kragujevac, Serbia
In an apparent mockery for the Mirafiori plant in Turin, which is desperately waiting for a real restart, production of the new Grande Panda will be concentrated in the Kragujevac plant, in Serbia. This choice, announced in recent months, is part of Stellantis’ investment plan abroad.
However, despite the relocation of production, the Turin Style Center played a crucial role in the design of the new Big Panda, ensuring that the Italian soul of the brand is preserved in every detail.
Efficient engines for a sustainable driving experience
Although Fiat has not yet disclosed the complete technical specifications, it is possible to hypothesize that the new Grande Panda will be available in 48 Volt and 100% electric mild hybrid versions, following in the footsteps of its cousin Citroën C3, with which it shares the Smart Car platform of Stellantis.
In the case of the mild hybrid variant, the 1.2 turbo petrol engine with 101 HP is likely to be offered, combined with an automatic gearbox. This solution would guarantee brilliant performance and optimal efficiency, ideal for urban and family use.
On the other hand, the 100% electric version would represent an even more sustainable option for those who wish to minimize environmental impact without giving up the practicality and comfort of a compact city car.
A new chapter for Fiat: a family of global models
The new Grande Panda represents just the beginning of an exciting era for Fiat. According to what was announced during theStellantis Annual Investor Daythe Big Panda will be the first of a new model family, with a new vehicle launched every year until 2027.
This series of models, designed on the same multi-energy STLA Smart Platform, will allow Fiat to create different vehicles to meet the specific needs of customers in each region of the world. This innovative approach aims to consolidate the brand’s global presence and offer tailor-made mobility solutions for each market.
Prices and availability: when will we be able to buy the new Grande Panda?
Although the official launch of the new Grande Panda is scheduled for 11 July 2024, on the occasion of Fiat’s 125th birthday, it is likely that the car will be available for purchase by the end of the year.
As for the price, Fiat has not yet provided official information. However, we can hypothesize that the price list of the new Big Panda will start at a price slightly higher than 14,990 euros requested for the non-electrified petrol Citroën C3 cousin in the You version.
As we get closer to the launch date, Fiat will release further details on the range of trim levels, available engines and respective prices, allowing potential buyers to better plan their purchase.
