80s inspo’ for next-gen Fiat Grande Panda

FIAT has revealed the first pictures of its new Grande Panda this week, the model recalling an icon of Italy’s roads in the 1980s Panda hatch.

Based on what the 125-year-old brand describes as a multi-energy platform, the Grande Panda is the first of a range of new global models that will see the Fiat move to offer its product in markets including Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Electric and hybrid versions of the Grande Panda will be offered, the slightly larger model now moving into the B segment with a body length of just under 4000mm (3990mm).

The vehicle will offer seating for five in a “well organised” interior, and is said to offer family levels of comfort and technology fitting of “today’s urban mobility”.

Fiat says it will launch a new vehicle model every year between now and 2027, beginning with the Grande Panda. All will be based on a shared Smart Car platform which Fiat says, “works in every region of the world”, allowing it to create many different vehicles to respond to customers’ needs.

In terms of design, Fiat says the design of the Grande Panda is one that conveys strength and uniqueness with a robust and structured volume, bright colours, and pronounced profile lines. It delivers what Fiat describes as innovative and smart use of space with “a cool personality and surprising features”. The headlights of the model are said to reflect those in the façade of Fiat’s Lingotto factory.

In homage to the classic Panda 4x4, the Grande Panda features P-A-N-D-A lettering in a bas-relief across the doors, while the “unmistakable inclination of the angular ratio with the vertical volume of the rear is reproduced by the robust C pillar” … In other words, it looks ‘chunky’.

Finally, to maintain the geometric theme of the 1980’s model, the Grande Panda sports 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels that Fiat says offer a “captivating, stylised ‘X’ design”.

“The best way to celebrate Fiat’s 125 years is to start writing the first pages of our future, beginning with the new Grande Panda,” said Fiat CEO and Stellantis Global CMO Olivier Francois.

“Designed in Turin, Italy by our Centro Stile, Fiat’s new creation embodies its forerunner’s values. This compact car is based on a global platform, giving the brand the opportunity to expand its global reach.

“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.”

There is no word yet on whether the Fiat Grande Panda will be offered in right-hand drive markets including Australia.