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Retro nod

At 3.99 meters, the Grande Panda is markedly larger than the classic Panda, but still quite useful as a city car. Its design is a modern ode to the original: angular lines, a large windshield and an interior full of nods to the 1980s. The dashboard, with oval elements and an open compartment instead of a cabinet, strongly recalls the archetypal Panda.

Whereas the electric Grande Panda comes standard with cool white steel wheels (“steelies”), the entry-level version of this Hybrid has to make do with hubcaps. The entry-level color “Passione Red” is free on all variants, and as far as we are concerned the color for this retro futuristic Fiat.

More than a mild-hybrid

Under the hood is a familiar power source from the Stellantis arsenal: a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine with 100 hp, coupled to a 28 hp electric motor and a small 0.9 kWh battery. Officially, this is a mild hybrid powertrain, but while driving, the system feels more mature than you might think.

In the city, the electric assistance comes into its own. The electric motor gives you that extra push during stoplight sprints and provides quiet, smooth starts. At low speeds, the Panda even surprisingly often drives fully electric – a rarity for a mild hybrid. Energy is recovered during braking and you can feel it: the car brakes firmly on the electric motor, as if you were driving a full hybrid.

The six-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission does its job pleasantly. Only during sudden acceleration does it sometimes have to shift gears, but otherwise the transitions between fuel and electric engine are hardly noticeable. We wrote earlier about the Jeep Avenger hybrid, with the same powertrain: what a pleasant piece of technology this is.

Luggage space Fiat Grande Panda

Inside, the Grande Panda surprises with its space offerings. The boot measures 410 liters – considerably more than the electric version, which with 361 liters already scored above average in this segment. Despite the large trunk, the second row of seats remains comfortable: even adults can find a comfortable place to sit here. The Panda leaves competitors such as the Renault 5 and Toyota Yaris Hybrid behind. For some practical extras you do have to pull out your wallet: only the more expensive La Prima offers a rear seat that folds down in unequal parts. Moreover, in the Hybrid Icon, only the driver’s seat is height-adjustable – the passenger has to do without. In the electric version, both seats are adjustable.

The infotainment system is pleasantly simple: a 10.25-inch touchscreen without navigation in the base version (the “Icon”) but standard with wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Google Maps on, and go!

Driving Experience

The Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid positively surprises as soon as you get behind the wheel. Its angular design provides excellent all-round visibility – a relief in this compact segment, where thick C-pillars and small rear windows often obstruct visibility. In the Panda, you can look over your shoulder and diagonally forward with ease.

As mentioned earlier, the powertrain feels pleasantly smooth. The combination of gasoline engine and electric motor provides a smooth and quiet start, with a 0-to-100 time of 10 seconds. Thanks to the direct power of the electric motor, you shoot away surprisingly quickly at the stoplight, then the acceleration quickly flattens out.

The suspension is a bit on the firm side. On smooth Dutch asphalt, you might hardly notice it, but during our test drive in and around Turin – where the road surface here and there resembles more of a moonscape – the shocks are definitely felt. In that respect, the Panda offers less comfort than you might hope. The new Citroen C3 – the French brother of the Grande Panda – does that a lot better. But fair’s fair: even a Maybach would have trouble with some of the holes in the Italian asphalt. Still, a touch more suspension comfort would make the Panda even more suitable as a daily companion.

Conclusion: retro charm with smart technology

The Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid manages to combine retro charm with surprisingly clever technology. The powertrain is smooth and quiet, and the electric assistance makes it particularly pleasant in city traffic – as if you were driving a full hybrid. The suspension is a bit on the stiff side, but that’s fine to live with in the Netherlands. Its price starts at 25,990 euros. In the video below, we tell you more: