Fiat has just unveiled its new Grande Panda, and while the name might suggest a larger, more imposing vehicle, the reality is a bit more understated. Set to join Fiat’s global lineup, the Grande Panda is a small crossover built on the Stellantis Smart Car platform—the same architecture used for the Citroën ë-C3. It will offer seating for five and come in hybrid and electric variants, but is it the game-changer Fiat wants us to believe it is?
Size and Segment
Despite the "Grande" in its name, the Panda is far from large. At 157.1 inches long, it’s smaller than the average in the segment, sitting 2.7 inches shorter than its competitors and a full 10.1 inches smaller than the Fiat 500X, which itself wasn’t a giant by any stretch. So while it’s bigger than the old Panda, it doesn’t quite earn the “Grande” badge, especially when it’s up against larger SUVs and crossovers in the segment.
Design: Trendy or Tired?
Fiat clearly tried to make a statement with the Grande Panda's design, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The pixel-themed headlights and taillights borrow cues from more futuristic designs, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but it risks looking like it's trying too hard to stand out in a crowded market. The 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and the embossed PANDA and FIAT on the sides and rear give it a retro feel—sure, there’s some charm there, but it also gives the car a slight concept car vibe. Will this design hold up long-term, or will it age poorly like so many other trend-heavy vehicles?
Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the Grande Panda will offer both electric and hybrid options. The electric variant comes with a 44.0-kWh battery, offering a modest 199 miles of range based on the European WLTP cycle, and 113 horsepower—enough for city driving, but probably not enough to make you feel like you're in the fast lane. The hybrid version will feature a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, paired with an electric motor. This gives it a bit more oomph, but again, it's hardly groundbreaking.
The Bigger Question: Do We Need Another Crossover?
Fiat is clearly betting on the crossover craze, but is it enough to keep the Grande Panda relevant? While Fiat hopes that a small SUV will maintain their global appeal, the truth is that crossovers and SUVs are everywhere. The Grande Panda doesn’t offer anything radically new or revolutionary, and its size still places it at the smaller end of the spectrum—hardly "Grande."
Verdict: Fiat's Strategy Needs Rethinking
The Fiat Grande Panda may have some eye-catching details, but it still feels like just another small crossover in a sea of similar vehicles. Its size, design choices, and underwhelming powertrains leave us questioning whether it's enough to stand out in an oversaturated market. Fiat might be trying to stay relevant with the SUV boom, but it could be time to rethink the strategy. There’s a stronger demand for innovation, and it’s possible the Grande Panda could have benefited from pushing the envelope further.
The Grande Panda might grab some initial attention, but it doesn’t feel like the game-changer Fiat was hoping for. Looks like they might need to go back to the drawing board for their next big move.
