Electric or gasoline? The FIAT Grande Panda has it all

Gasoline, hybrid, or electric. The FIAT Grande Panda revives the spirit of a classic with a simple formula: space, comfort, and personality.

There are cars that seem to invite us to enjoy life and relax. The FIAT Grande Panda is one of them. It’s called Panda, actually Grande Panda, and it has a clear mission: to make driving a bit simpler and more relaxed.

In a world of increasingly complex, gray, and identical cars, the FIAT Grande Panda aims to be a breath of fresh air. It draws inspiration from the original Panda of the 1980s but adds a modern look with robust shapes, LED Pixel lighting, and many details that give it personality.

But it’s not all about style. With three engine options to choose from, space for the family, and compact dimensions, there’s much more to discover. Whether parked or in motion, inside and out, we’ll cover everything in this video buying guide.

Four meters well utilized

The FIAT Grande Panda is practically four meters long, which keeps it compact enough to navigate tight streets and smaller parking spaces.

But these four meters have been utilized to create an interior capable of handling uses beyond everyday city commuting. A wheelbase of 2.54 meters helps create space for passengers, especially in the rear seats, giving the Grande Panda a more family-friendly feel than its exterior dimensions might suggest.

The trunk follows this same logic. In the gasoline and hybrid versions, the Grande Panda offers 412 liters of cargo capacity, while the all-electric version has around 361 liters.

It’s not a large car, nor is it intended to be. But it manages to combine compact exterior dimensions with enough space for everyday needs and family use.

While the Grande Panda is full of small details on the outside, FIAT didn’t overlook them inside either. We don’t know if FIAT created this Panda with as much love as stated on the seat backs, but it was certainly made with great attention to detail.

Instead of the usual sea of black plastics, we find shades of blue, colorful accents, and unconventional materials. This is the case with Bamboo Fiber Tex, used in the dashboard of the La Prima version, which contains bamboo fibers and helps give the interior a different look. There are also small hidden elements and references to FIAT’s history scattered throughout the cabin.

But life isn’t just about details. Practical solutions are also needed. And here, there’s no shortage of storage spaces, cup holders, or a sort of shelf in front of the passenger seat.

In the La Prima version, which sits at the top of the range, we find automatic air conditioning, a 10″ digital instrument panel, a 10.25″ central screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with two USB-C ports.

There is space for three passengers in the back, though the middle seat is naturally more limited. The square-shaped body design also facilitates getting in and out for passengers and can help with daily use of baby seats installed in the Isofix points.

Gasoline, hybrid, or electric. Which should you choose?

Simplicity is indeed one of the key features of this Grande Panda. And the version shown in the video is the simplest in the range: a 100 hp 1.2 Turbo gasoline engine with a six-speed manual transmission. A combination that meets the most common daily needs.

For those who prefer an automatic transmission, there is the Hybrid version. In this case, the gasoline engine is assisted by an electric motor with 28 hp, boosting the combined power to 110 hp, a system designed to offer lower fuel consumption.

There is also the 100% electric Grande Panda, with 113 hp, a 44 kWh battery, and a range of up to 320 km in combined WLTP cycle. This is a sensible option for those who drive mostly in urban areas and have the opportunity to charge regularly.

For those who travel long distances frequently and don’t want to rely on charging, the gasoline version remains simpler to use and more versatile. Therefore, the choice ultimately depends far more on the type of use than on any hierarchy among the three powertrains.

Regardless of the powertrain, the Grande Panda prioritizes comfort over a more sporty driving experience. And that’s exactly what is expected from a car of this nature—comfortable in the city, on the road, and even on poor road conditions.

How much does the FIAT Grande Panda cost?

The FIAT Grande Panda range starts at 21,500 euros for the gasoline version, followed by the hybrid at 23,500 euros, and the electric version at 27,500 euros.

The gasoline version, La Prima, which can be seen in the video, starts at 24,500 euros and includes features such as 17″ wheels, automatic air conditioning, a rear camera, and front parking sensors.

For eligible businesses, the electric Grande Panda may also benefit from a full VAT deduction on purchase, according to the applicable tax regulations.

But there’s another way to save money. With FIAT’s promotional campaign that combines trade-in and financing, the price of the Grande Panda drops to 15,900 euros, under the current commercial terms.

Almost 50 years later, the Panda’s story continues. Now better adapted to current needs, yet retaining the unpretentious spirit that has always defined this model.