By Declan Glynn
The new Fiat Grande Panda marks the triumphant return of one of Europe’s most beloved nameplates, and it is reimagined for the electric age. Blending nostalgic design cues with modern EV technology, Fiat’s latest all-rounder aims to redefine urban mobility with its distinctive personality, practicality, charm and surprising affordability.
The Grande Panda’s boxy, upright silhouette is reminiscent of the original Fiat Panda from the 1980s, and it provides the car with a confident, road-ready presence. Its squared-off, rugged design is enhanced by distinctive LED Pixel headlights, 3D vertical taillights, a 3D “Panda” signature on the doors, the FIAT name embossed onto the tailgate, sturdy roof rails, and a sporty rear spoiler – some of which are trim-dependent. The Grande Panda’s relatively compact footprint makes it super-easy to navigate along crowded city streets, while manoeuvring in and out of parking spaces can be done with the greatest of ease. Compared to the original Fiat Panda, the new iteration is 611mm longer, 557mm wider, and 131mm taller – providing justification for the name ‘Grande Panda’.
Recycled materials used throughout the cabin include striking bamboo-trimmed dashboard panels that add warmth and character. The dashboard features a rectangular element with rounded sides, and the oval theme is repeated throughout the cabin.
The digital cockpit pairs a 10” driver information display with a 10.25” infotainment touchscreen, delivering a modern, connected feel, while physical controls have been retained for key functions. Despite measuring just under 4 metres in length, front and rear passengers benefit from surprisingly generous legroom, while the high roofline means headroom is rarely an issue, even for taller occupants. The Grande Panda Electric has a boot capacity of 361-litres, expanding to 1,315-litres with the rear seats folded down.
The Grande Panda Electric is available in three trim levels: Pop, Icon and La Prima. It is built on the Stellantis Group’s Smart Car platform and it benefits from extensive development investment, prioritising real-world usability and efficiency. The lithium-ion phosphate battery provides a range of up to 320km on a WLTP combined driving cycle. Uniquely, the Grande Panda features an integrated retractable charging cable (Icon and La Prima trim), which is neatly stowed behind the FIAT logo on the front fascia. With a 100kW DC charging capacity, the car can complete a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 32 minutes.
My Grande Panda Electric ‘Icon’ review car was finished in distinctive Limone Yellow metallic paint. The 44kWh battery sends power to a front-mounted electric motor which produces 113bhp and 120Nm of instant torque. The power on offer is brisk enough for confident urban acceleration and comfortable motorway merging too. The supple suspension absorbs road imperfections with ease, and the general feeling within the car is one of calm serenity. The car features a mild-to-moderate regenerative braking system that recovers energy upon deceleration, and it transitions seamlessly into the mechanical brakes without a grabby or unexpected pedal response.
The hugely-impressive Fiat Grande Panda Electric is priced from just €22,995 (including EV subsidies).
