The long-running Fiat Panda styling is due to return this year after its launch in Italy, and it will be one of the cheapest electric cars in the UK when it launches.
With old-fashioned styling and masses of new technologies, the Grande Panda will update the existing styling of the much-loved city car after a 13-year career.
The new Big Panda was officially unveiled on Tuesday in Turin, representing the start of a new Panda family.
Taking inspiration from the iconic 1980s model, a hybrid edition of the vehicle will be available from £18,975.
And, before the UK bans new petrol cars sold from 2030, the Grande Panda EV will start from £20,975, making it one of the cheapest electric models on the road this year.
The panda bigger than ever, hence the “big panda”.
The Grande Panda is just 4 metres long and 1,763 metres wide, with Fiat saying the vehicle is “designed to be compact yet practical and spacious inside, sitting to five adults in comfort”.
It has a board made of damaged bamboo cane fibers and door inserts and portions of cabin shaped like cups and recycled cardboard.
The all-electric styling will come with a 44 kWh battery and an 83 kW motor, with an “official” 199 miles.
It can also increase from 0 to a whopping 62 mph in 11 seconds, up to a more sensible speed of 82 mph.
Families will also receive support through the 361 liters of capacity.
At launch, there are two versions.
One is the entry-level Grand Panda Electric Red from £20,975, while the other is the Electric La Prima from £23,975.
Fiat claims that it will come with an integrated “Market First” charging cable, capable of delivering up to 7 kW of force.
The hybrid will be a 100-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine with a 48-volt battery.
It will have a six-disc automatic transmission to increase from rest to 62 mph in 10 seconds to MPH.
The new hybrid starts from just £19,000.
The existing panda, now dubbed Pandina, will remain in production until “at least” 2027, Fiat confirmed.
The Italian car logo will also expand the panda circle of relatives with a new derivative every year until 2027.
This comes as Audi may also suspend two luxury EV models and possibly even close its factory based in Belgium, where it is built.
Elsewhere, several car brands are due to relaunch iconic nameplates in the coming months, adding Ford with the Capri.
By Tom Malley
The Fiat Panda has gained a mainstream cult following since its production in 1980 and is one of the most affordable cars ever made.
Now in its third generation, it remains the best-selling style in Italy.
Panda I – 1981-1995 (United Kingdom)
The first panda remarkably undeniable but incredibly exciting.
Its box-like appearance, utility board, and hammock create instant hit with pilots universally.
Originally fitted with a 903cc single four-cylinder petrol engine and a single trim level, the panda’s diversity would grow as the years progressed.
Panda II (2004–2012)
The second-generation panda hit the market in the UK in 2004 and continued its legacy of practicality, simplicity and handling from its predecessors.
In the year, it won the European Car of the Year award.
Buyers can only use the 1. 1-liter and 1. 2-liter engines, however, in 2005 diversity has evolved into a diesel style, Fiat’s 1. 3-liter multijet, and a new four-× four-star panda.
Panda III (2012 – present)
Since 2012, the third-generation panda has been a staple on roads around the world.
Adding a lot of funk to its flavor to the past model, the panda is governed through the hybrid square circle known as the squad and the exterior.
A 1. 2-litre petrol and a 1. 3-litre diesel engine were transported, before the 4×4 returned a year later.
A two-wheel-drive model, the Panda City Cross, emerged temporarily, as did other special editions, adding the Panda Waze, the Antarctic Panda 4×4, the Panda Trussardi and the most recent model, the Panda Hybrid.
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