The last Panda 4x4 was easy to like. The Panda 4x4 before that, as squared off as a Rubik’s Cube, was downright loveable. For a time, if you lived in the Alps, it was practically the law that you had to have one. Few cars have ever been so acutely fit for purpose. The Grande Panda will not be that because it’ll be available exclusively as either an EV or a hybrid and therefore will be about as lightweight as the Resolute desk. But Fiat well understands the affection that three generations of rugged Panda generated in buyers, and clearly the incoming replacement is intended to take full advantage of it.
“The best way to celebrate Fiat’s 125 years is to start writing the first pages of our future, starting with the new Grande Panda. Designed in Turin, Italy by our Centro Stile, Fiat’s new creation embodies its forerunner’s values,” said Olivier Francois, the brand’s CEO. “With the Grande Panda, Fiat now begins its transition to global common platforms that cover all regions of the world, passing on the resulting benefits to its customers worldwide. In fact, the Grande Panda is perfectly suited for families and urban mobility in every country... a real Fiat!”
The shared architecture he’s talking about there is the ‘multi-energy’ STLA Smart platform which currently underpins the Citroen C3 but is set to form the basis of revitalised Fiat lineup, with plans to launch a new model every year until 2027. The Grande Panda will be the first, and is set to be relatively compact at 3.99 metres long while still accommodating five people in an interior that is promised to make ‘innovative and smart use of space’. There are precious few other details at this stage, although plainly it's feasible that the car will share the C3’s modest powertrain choice, too, including its 1.2-litre three-pot petrol engine.
But clearly it’s the styling that is intended to stand out. Fiat says its ‘Italian personality’ is all about ‘a subtle combination of structured lines and soft and bold surfaces that emphasise the robust wheel arches’ - although it doesn’t quibble when it comes to the obvious 4x4 reference; the lettering on the flanks is meant as a specific homage. Needless to say, the Grande Panda will not be alone when it arrives (Hyundai previewed its Dacia Spring rival earlier this week) but Fiat will feel like its long-running nameplate gives it a significant advantage in steering buyers toward previously forlorn Fiat dealerships. Let’s just hope the new version delivers the proper 4x4 variant to cash the cheques its bodywork is frantically writing. Because a replacement for the Panda 100HP is even less likely...
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