► Is the Panda 4×4 making a comeback?
► New concept previews a more rugged model
► And doesn’t it look great?
Fiat has revealed the Grande Panda 4×4 concept to showcase the potential for a more rugged version of its new supermini.
Referred to as a ‘direct heir’ to the Panda 4×4, a production model has not been confirmed but certainly looks to be on the cards. Revealed to coincide with first drives of the new Fiat Grande Panda hybrid, Fiat says the concept features an ‘electrified rear axle’, likely suggesting it’s a hybrid model rather full-electric, although this hasn’t been confirmed. Fiat offers its new chic city car with the choice of an 111bhp electric powertrain or as a 108bhp mild-hybrid model.
Equipped with white steelies, a raised ride height and chunky roof rack housing a tool box and spare tyre, this concept certainly looks the part, and revives the rugged image that Fiat’s cult hero is renowned for. Its dark red hue also harks back to a special edition version of the 1983 original.
Other details include new spotlights on the roof rack and front bumper in the same blocky signature that feature across Fiat’s new Grande Panda. A range of accessories are likely to feature on a production model.
It’s the first time yet we’ve seen a four-wheel-drive version of a car based on Stellantis’ new ‘Smart Car’ platform, also used on the Citroen C3 and Vauxhall Frontera. Four-wheel-drive will likely be supplied by a small 48-volt rear-mounted electric motor, replicating a similar setup found on the Jeep Avenger 4xe.
Prices for the new Grande Panda start from £21,035 for the electric model, making it one of the cheapest EVs you can buy. Hybrid models have also recently had a price cut to £18,035 courtesy of a new entry-level Pop trim level. It swaps steel wheels instead of alloys and does without roof rails or privacy glass. First UK deliveries of the Grande Panda are expected in the summer.
Fiat says “With its eyes set firmly on the future, the new Grande Panda 4×4 project is destined to be a manifesto for a fresh vision of sustainable mobility — a vision rooted in innovation, in line with current dictates, while maintaining the characteristics that made it a global cult favourite.”
Hopefully this is a manifesto that actually comes to fruition…
Senior staff writer, car reviewer, news hound, avid car detailer.
By Ted Welford
Senior staff writer at CAR and our sister website Parkers. Loves a car auction. Enjoys making things shiny