FIAT Grande Panda: Return to the B-segment with hybrid and electric

The Era of the FIAT Panda: A Return to the B-Segment with Innovation and History

After a period of confident return to the global automotive stage, the legendary Italian brand FIAT is once again attracting attention, reclaiming its former leadership positions. Following the successful launch of the new 500 and 600 models, the company is making a strong bid to conquer the compact car market with the all-new Grande Panda model. This move marks FIAT's long-awaited return to the B-segment, where the brand dominated in the 80s and 90s. The new model is another example of the Italian manufacturer"s ability to draw inspiration from its rich heritage, but this time the focus is on the iconic legacy of the 80s, unlike the revived FIAT 500, which referenced the design from the 50s and 60s.

Design: A Symbiosis of Past and Future

Inspired by the original 1980 Panda, the new Grande Panda is a bridge between the past and the future, combining nostalgic references with futuristic solutions, especially in its electric version. It has the ambition to restore FIAT"s glory as a manufacturer of affordable small cars with great capabilities—a niche in which the original Panda, as well as the Uno and Tipo models, achieved great success. The Grande Panda stands out with its compact dimensions and clean, rectangular lines that make it instantly recognizable. Its length is 3999 mm, which puts it below the segment average, while its width and height are 1763 mm and 1586 mm, respectively. The wheelbase is 2540 mm. The design carries the characteristic Italian spirit that the brand is proud of, while offering a modern interpretation of the 80s style.

Among the distinctive elements are the three-dimensional PANDA lettering on the side of the body and the embossed FIAT stamp on the tailgate. The rear LED lights are a modern interpretation of those on the old Panda, reminiscent of the pixels from 80s and 90s video games. In the higher **La Prima** trim level, the front LED headlights are designed to resemble the lit windows of the famous **Lingotto** factory in Turin. The model is available in seven bright colors, and for the first time in the Panda's history, a gray color is not offered. The base color for all trim levels is red.

Interior Innovations and Technological Equipment

The interior of the new FIAT Grande Panda logically continues the playful exterior design. The oval shapes around the screens and the center console are a direct reference to the characteristic test track on the roof of the Lingotto factory. The driver has a 10-inch screen in front of them, and next to it is a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the multimedia system. Unlike many new cars, the air conditioning is controlled with physical buttons, which increases convenience and safety. The lane-keeping system and the annoying speed-limit warning chime can also be quickly deactivated with separate buttons.

The interior is fresh and colorful, with simple but aesthetically pleasing materials and an interesting texture on the seat fabrics, which are easy to clean. Although hard plastics are used, they are of good quality and do not make squeaking noises. Recycled but durable plastic is used for the production of many interior elements. The interior has numerous storage compartments with a total volume of up to 13 liters, as well as a wireless smartphone charger. The seats are comfortable with good side supports, and the steering wheel is flattened at the top and bottom for a more comfortable grip. Despite its compact dimensions, the Grande Panda offers a surprisingly large amount of space in the second row of seats, making it suitable for two adults or three teenagers. The trunk is deep and holds 412 liters in the hybrid version and 361 liters in the electric version. With the rear seats folded down, the volume reaches up to 1366 liters in the hybrid.

Engines and Dynamic Characteristics

The FIAT Grande Panda is offered on the Bulgarian market in two versions—hybrid and all-electric, reflecting the company"s strategy to offer consumers a choice.

The hybrid version

is powered by a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with 110 hp and 205 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed e-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, which integrates an electric motor with 28 hp and a small 48-volt lithium-ion battery. This combination provides nimble acceleration in urban conditions, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h taking 10 seconds. The top speed is 160 km/h. The system allows for frequent coasting or driving entirely on electricity. During a test drive, the average fuel consumption was 5.7 liters per 100 km, which provides a range of at least 700 km on a single tank.

The electric version

relies on a single electric motor on the front axle, which generates 113 hp and 122 Nm of torque. The 44 kWh battery provides an autonomous range of up to 320 km according to the WLTP standard. Acceleration to 100 km/h is in 11 seconds, and the top speed reaches 135 km/h, which clearly positions the model as ideal for an urban environment. The electric vehicle has a built-in AC charger for charging up to 7 kW, which is a unique feature for a model in this class. With a standard charger, the battery can be charged from 20 to 80% in 4 hours and 20 minutes. The more powerful 11 kW charger shortens this time to 2 hours and 50 minutes. With fast DC charging up to 100 kW, charging takes only 27 minutes. During a test drive, the average energy consumption was 17.4 kWh/100 km.

Prices and Trim Levels

In Bulgaria, prices for the new FIAT Grande Panda start from 40,797 BGN for the hybrid version in the base **Pop** trim level. For this price, the car comes with basic features such as manual air conditioning and a smartphone slot instead of a full-fledged multimedia system. The higher **Icon** trim level starts from 42,473 BGN, and the tested and richly equipped **La Prima** version is priced at 45,825 BGN. The electric version starts from 49,598 BGN for the first **RED** trim level, and the top **La Prima** version is priced at 56,302 BGN.

With the new Grande Panda, FIAT once again proves that it can create impressive and affordable cars that combine bold design, practicality, and modern technology. The return to the B-segment is a strategic move that has the potential to solidify the Italian brand"s position as a leader in the compact car market.