Fiat is making good progress with the Grande Panda. In addition to the EV, there is now a hybrid version. The Grande Panda Hybrid is equipped with a gasoline engine supported by an electric motor. And… that too for the same price as the EV. And also standard with automatic transmission. Choice stress, or is it not so bad?
Is the Fiat Grande Panda an Important Car for Fiat?
Yes, indeed! The Italians are making a noisy party of it during the presentation of this new Grande Panda variant in their home city of Turin. They have brought in good old rapper Shaggy, who gives the advertising campaign a face and breathes new life into his big hit Boombastic (1995). There is no lack of ambition, Fiat wants to conquer the world with the Grande Panda family and that is exactly why there is now also a ‘classic’ version with a gasoline engine. And that there will also be a manual version and a 4×4 version.
The bar is set high: sell 300,000 Grande Pandas per year, that is the goal.
What do you get for € 26,000?
We have known the Fiat Grande Panda since last year as a fully electric, compact crossover, based on the C3 from Stellantis group member Citroën. Drivetrain and chassis are exactly the same, both are based on the same Smart Car platform of the house. This means that the Hybrid, like the EV version, can enjoy a big plus, namely: space. Even a little more than the electric GP (Grande Panda) because the trunk space with 412 liters is just slightly more spacious than the EV (361 liters). Very useful. And make no mistake, this Panda is just 3.99 meters long and that results in a surprisingly relaxed seating position for the rear passengers with enough leg and headroom, although you also sit a bit high and on the buck in the back.
What else do you get besides space?
Well, a pretty outspoken, lively Italian design, full of silliness. Just look at how many pixels Fiat has purchased for the production of the Grande Panda’s light units. There is also no doubt which brand you are driving. And what model you have chosen from this brand, that is also not that complicated. It takes some getting used to so much exuberance in the early morning, but they have put work into it and have also taken a nicely ambitious approach on this point.
What child or powertrain does the hybrid have?
Like the EV, the Hybrid Turbo has an automatic transmission, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The operation of it, with a tiny button on the center console, has been around in Stellantis City for a while, but it actually works fine. The three-cylinder turbo is good for 100 hp, with a 21 kW electric motor helping to push. Hence the mention of 110 hp system power. Less than the EV, but that is offset by a slightly higher torque and that makes this car a bit more snappy, faster, more eager, so that is already a win. But we are not cheering yet. Both the EV and this new Hybrid do not really come across smoothly.
Is it better to take the ev?
If you can buy a fully electric Grande Panda, you can also go for this gasoline version. So the comparison is further forced. On paper, the Hybrid already comes out as the winner as far as we are concerned, but caution is also advised here. With its range, the Hybrid beats the EV, but that is based on a WLTP figure (1 liter of gasoline would be good for 18.5 km) and that sounds very rosy. The same applies to the range of the EV, which has not yet been measured.
And which Equipment Is Recommended?
There is something special about the equipment. The basic version of the Grande Panda EV is called Red. With the Hybrid Turbo it is called Icon. That basic gasoline version is more bare than the basic EV, so there is a difference, in seat upholstery and in the glove compartment. However, the gasoline version can be dressed up more extensively than the EV. In both cases, the more luxurious version is called La Prima, which is 3,000 euros more expensive and offers 17-inch light alloy wheels, USB-C ports in the rear, a light sensor and automatic air conditioning as additional equipment.
What does the fiat grande panda hybrid sacrifice in Driving Pleasure?
Driving is a bit colorless. Comfort is central. The car is not a brave knight who will eagerly attack an Italian Alpine road with bravado. The modest front seats are inadequate for that, but driving dynamics and performance are also not up to it. It remains a compact crossover and Fiat itself also says that this is not a sporty car, but a likeable all-rounder. The chassis is neatly cared for, with coil springs all around, independent wheel suspension at the front and stabilizer bars both front and rear to stay a bit horizontal. And it does its thing. This is a car for child seats, groceries and yes, also for vacations. Praise for the turning circle. And that Joris Driepitter is quite quiet. In combination with the automatic transmission, this delivers a smooth, relaxed and comfortable ride. Not very expressive and a bit flat, but ‘smooth’.