The fourth-generation Panda, marketed as the Fiat Grande Panda, is a subcompact/supermini (B-segment) produced by Fiat since 2024. it is based on the Smart Car platform shared with the fourth-generation Citroën C3 and Opel Frontera. It will be available as a petrol mild hybrid or as a battery electric vehicle. The Grande Panda will be sold alongside the third-generation Panda, the latter will continue production in Italy until at least 2030.[4][5][6]

Fiat Grande Panda
Overview
ManufacturerFiat (Stellantis)
ProductionJuly 2024 – present
AssemblySerbia: Kragujevac (Fiat Serbia)
DesignerFrancois Leboine at Centro Stile Fiat[1][2]
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact car (B)[3]
Body style5-door hatchback
Layout
PlatformStellantis Smart Car Platform
Related
Powertrain
Hybrid drivetrainMild hybrid
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,540 mm (100.0 in)
Length3,990 mm (157.1 in)
Width1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Height1,570 mm (61.8 in)

Overview

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The fourth-generation Panda was introduced on 14 June 2024,[7] with the interior and full specifications was later revealed on 11 July coincided with Fiat’s 125th anniversary "Smiling to the Future” ceremony held at the La Pista 500 at the Lingotto building in Turin, Italy.[8]

The car is based on the Smart Car Platform, the Grande Panda is the first of the Panda model series, with a few models under the Panda model series planned to launch by 2027.[9]

Design

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The design of the Grande Panda takes inspiration from the first generation model with the use of squared lines, it has a number of design references to the original model and retains many design elements from the Mega-Panda concept.[10][11][12]

The front features headlights composed of opaline cubes that are inspired from the windows of the Lingotto factory facades and has X-shaped LED daytime running lights which can illuminate the cubes on the gloss black grille. The side features 3D-printed bas-relief 'Panda' lettering on the lower part of the doors and x-pattern alloy wheels (with sizes ranging up to 17"). The rear features 3D vertical taillights housed inside transparent caps, the FIAT name embossed onto the tailgate and a sloped rear windscreen.

The Grande Panda is the first production vehicle to feature an integrated charging cable which is stored behind the flap with the Fiat logo on the front fascia. This charging cable can only support AC charging with speeds up to 7.4kW.[13]

Interior

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The interior dashboard features a rectangular element with rounded sides inspired by the shape of the Lingotto circuit in Turin and the oval theme is repeated throughout the interior.[10][11][14]

The same rectangular shape houses the 10" digital instrument cluster and 10.25" touchscreen infotainment display. In the centre of the dashboard, the transparent yellow panel features the silhouette of the original Panda model climbing uphill. Part of the dashboard is covered in bamboo fibre, including the glove box. Other interior items are a rocker switch used for the automatic transmission in the central console, two USB-C charging ports for the front occupants and the classic metal key for the ignition.

There are several yellow decorative elements marking the contours of the air vents, dashboard and centre console. A range of contrasting materials are used such as textured fabrics, tinted acrylics and brighter coloured plastics. The front and rear seats have a chequered finish, with contrast yellow stitching and an inscription in yellow that reads, "Panda made with love in Fiat".

The interior has up to 13 L (0.46 cu ft) of storage space includes the "pocket" retrospective to the original model in the form of an upper glovebox. The Grande Panda has a boot space of 361 L (12.7 cu ft), it is 60% larger compared to its predecessor.

References

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  1. ^ "Fiat Grande Panda, Praticità Con Stile". 11 July 2024.
  2. ^ "Fiat Grande Panda: Disegnata in Italia presso il Centro Stile Fiat di Torino".
  3. ^ "Fiat Grande Panda ibrida". 15 July 2024.
  4. ^ Padeanu, Adrian (2024-06-14). "The New Fiat Grande Panda Proves Fun Designs Aren't Dead". Motor1.com.
  5. ^ Pappas, Thanos (June 14, 2024). "New Fiat Grande Panda Debuts With Electric And Hybrid Options". Carscoops.
  6. ^ "FIAT celebrates its first 125 years and smiles to the future". media.stellantis.com. 2024-07-10. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  7. ^ Padeanu, Adrian (2024-06-14). "The New Fiat Grande Panda Proves Fun Designs Aren't Dead". Motor1.com.
  8. ^ "FIAT celebrates its first 125 years and smiles to the future". www.media.stellantis.com. 2024-07-10. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  9. ^ Welford, Ted (2024-04-22). "Fiat to create 'family of cars' from the Panda". carmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  10. ^ a b Katsianis, Jordan (2024-07-12). "Fiat Grande Panda full details announced: fully-electric model to cost from under €25,000". Auto Express. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  11. ^ a b "FIAT GRANDE PANDA, PRACTICALITY WITH STYLE". Auto&Design. 2024-07-11. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  12. ^ Curatti, Lorenzo (2024-07-11). "New Fiat Grande Panda (2024): The revolution of the bestseller". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  13. ^ Bouland, Félix (2024-08-08). "Fiat brilliantly integrates charging cable into new Grand Panda". newmobility.news. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  14. ^ Gemelli, Fabio (2024-07-12). "Fiat Grande Panda: The interior in detail". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
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