Fiat reintroduces the iconic Grande Panda 4×4, combining nostalgic design with modern electric and hybrid drivetrains. Set to launch fully in 2025, this small off-roader blends retro style with contemporary technology, emphasising sustainability and versatility for the evolving automotive market.
Fiat is once again capturing attention with the return of its iconic small car, the Grande Panda 4×4. Originally launched in 1980, the Panda became celebrated for its utilitarian design and capability. Production of the original models ceased in 2003 after over four million units were produced, making it a nostalgic symbol for many, especially in markets like Hungary, where its Polish variant, the Kispolski, became particularly popular.
The new Grande Panda 4×4, unveiled recently, aims to bridge the past with the future while embracing modern automotive trends. This latest iteration retains the charm of its predecessor with a distinctive boxy silhouette adorned in bold burgundy, complemented by retro steel wheels and a practical roof rack equipped with a spare tire. It not only pays homage to the original Panda’s utilitarian roots but also positions itself as a competitor to contemporary off-road vehicles, such as the Renault 4 Savane 4×4.
While detailed specifications concerning its powertrain remain scarce, early indications suggest that the vehicle is equipped with an electric motor driving the rear wheels. There is speculation that it could mirror systems found in other Stellantis models, like the Jeep Avenger 4xe, utilising a modest 29-horsepower motor. Potential options for the front wheels include a mild-hybrid 1.2-litre gasoline engine or an alternative electric motor, hinting at a versatile approach to power that appeals to modern drivers seeking both sustainability and performance.
The Grande Panda 4×4 represents not only a technological evolution but also an aesthetic one. Recognised with the ‘Carwow of the Year Award 2025’ in the ‘Car Anticipation’ category, the vehicle has been praised for its fresh and angular design, alongside features like pixelated headlights that blend traditional Fiat cues with contemporary flair. As it embraces eco-friendliness, it promises an array of drive options, combining electric and hybrid capabilities, making it a forward-thinking addition to the Panda lineage.
Fiat’s commitment to innovation is underscored by CEO Olivier Francois’s confirmation of the vehicle’s development, highlighting enhancements such as increased ground clearance and a robust suspension designed to tackle off-road challenges. Notably, the Grande Panda is being developed on the Stellantis Smart Car platform, which facilitates the need for adaptability in its drivetrain configurations, essential for a vehicle aiming to offer both traditional and electric all-wheel-drive functionalities.
Beyond aesthetics and performance, the Grande Panda 4×4 also prioritises user experience. It boasts a modern interior fitted with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster, integrating technology seamlessly into daily driving. Moreover, its dimensions allow for practicality, with ample cargo space that surpasses some of its rivals, such as the Citroën C3.
As Fiat commemorates its 125th anniversary with the launch of the 2025 Grande Panda, it reflects a broader strategy of blending nostalgia with modern expectations. The new model appears primed not only to recapture the essence of the Panda legacy but to provide a sustainable, accessible solution to the demands of contemporary driving.
The full production version of the Grande Panda is expected to debut in the market next year, signalling a significant moment for Fiat as it strives to engage both loyal fans of the brand and new customers drawn by its innovative, eco-friendly approach.
