I was recently invited to the launch of the new Fiat Grande Panda, set against the backdrop of the Worcestershire countryside. It was a chance to see the car in person, understand a little more about where Fiat is heading as a brand, get a sneak peek at some of the cars Fiat has planned for the future, and most importantly, drive the new Grande Panda for myself.
The car I drove was the all-electric Grande Panda La Prima, finished in a bright yellow colour that suited it perfectly. Some cars feel like they need a subtle paint colour to work. This one does not. The Grande Panda wears bold colours well, and in yellow, it looked fun, confidentand full of character.
This is Fiat going back to what it has often done best. Simple, compact, practical cars with personality. The Grande Panda is not trying to be a premium electric SUV. It is not trying to be sporty, overcomplicated or needlessly futuristic. It feels honest. It feels cheerful. And after spending time with it, I came away thinking it could be one of the most likeable small electric cars on sale.
Quick take
The Fiat Grande Panda is a compact, boxy and practical small car available as either a petrol hybrid or a fully electric model. The electric version offers up to 199 miles of WLTP range, while the hybrid uses a 1.2-litre turbo petrol mild-hybrid system. Fiat says the hybrid starts from £18,995 and the electric starts from £20,995, before any deals, offers or grants. The La Prima Electric I drove starts from £23,995. 
For me, its biggest strengths are its design, simplicity, useful space, value and sense of fun. It is not the fastest or most polished electric car in the world, but that almost misses the point. The Grande Panda feels like a car built for real life.
Why the Fiat Grande Panda matters
The Grande Panda is more than just a new version of a familiar name. Fiat describes it as the first model in a new global line-up, based on a multi-energy platform, with both electric and hybrid versions available. It is also the first product in a new family of Fiat models, with more cars planned to follow as the brand moves towards a more global product strategy. 
That was a big part of the story at the launch. This is not just Fiat replacing the Panda. This is Fiat setting out a new direction. The message felt clear. Fiat wants to build cars that are useful, affordable, characterful and easy to live with. In a market where many new cars seem to begetting bigger, heavier and more expensive, that approach feels refreshing.
The Grande Panda sits in the B-segment and measures just under four metres long. It can carry five people and has been designed to offer family-friendly practicality in a compact footprint. 
And that compactness is important. This is the kind of car that should make sense in town, on the school run, on a commute, around tight car parks, and for drivers who simply do not want or need something huge.
Design: properly fun, but not silly
The first thing you notice about the Grande Panda is the way it looks.
It is boxy, chunky and upright, with a stance that makes it look more substantial than its size suggests. There is a ruggedness to it, but it does not feel like Fiat has tried to turn it into a pretend off-roader. Instead, it feels playful and practical.
The design clearly links back to the original 1980s Panda. Fiat has leaned into that heritage without making the car look like a pastiche. The square proportions, bold surfaces and upright rear all nod to the old Panda, but the overall look is modern and distinctive. 
There are also some brilliant little details. The pixel-style lighting gives the front end a very distinctive look. Fiat says the headlamps are inspired by the windows on the façades of the Lingotto factory, which is a lovely design reference if you know the brand’s history. 
Along the side, you get three-dimensional Panda lettering in the doors, which is a direct homage to the classic Panda 4x4. Around the car, Fiat has also played with the old four-bar logo, turning the Fiat lettering into a more graphic design element. 
These little touches matter. They make the Grande Panda feel considered, rather than simply cheap.
The car I drove was finished in yellow, and honestly, it was probably the right colour for it. The Grande Panda has a fun, youthful feel, and the brighter colours bring that out. It looked cool without looking like it was trying too hard.
Interior: simple, bright and surprisingly charming
Inside, the Grande Panda continues the same theme. It is not luxurious, and you will find plenty of harder materials, but the design makes up for that.
The cabin feels cheerful. There is a clear sense that Fiat has tried to make the interior interesting, rather than simply functional. The dashboard design takes inspiration from the Lingotto test track in Turin, and you can see that rounded, oval-like theme in the layout. Auto Express also picked up on this, noting the Lingotto-inspired dash shape and the tiny Grande Panda detail mounted near the touchscreen. 
The La Prima model I drove had a bi-colour blue and white signature fabric interior, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, embedded navigation, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. 
That gives the top-spec car a good level of kit without making it feel overloaded.
I also liked the general simplicity. The controls were easy to understand, the layout made sense, and it did not feel like Fiat had tried to hide every basic function behind a touchscreen. It was nice to have physical climate switches and dedicated buttons for some driver assistancefunctions, which is exactly the kind of thing that makes a car easier to live with day to day. 
Every Grande Panda gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 10-inch digital cluster. It is not trying to be a tech flagship, but it gives you the features most people actually use.
Space and practicality
One of the things I liked most about the Grande Panda was how versatile it felt. It has the kind of upright shape that helps make a small car feel more open inside. You sit in a cabin that feels light, simple and easy to use. There is decent storage, a practical boot and a feeling that Fiat has thought about everyday use.
It is not a huge car, so taller adults in the rear may not find it as generous as some larger family cars. But for a compact hatchback with a slightly SUV-like shape, it does a good job of making the most of its footprint.
Boot space depends on which version you choose. The hybrid at 412 litres and even though the battery reduces capacity compared with the hybrid the electric still has 361 litres, which is strong for a small car.
That makes the Grande Panda more useful than you might expect. It is small enough to be easy around town, but not so small that it feels compromised.
Powertrains: hybrid or electric
One of the big selling points of the Grande Panda is choice. You can have it as a petrol hybrid or as a fully electric car.
The hybrid uses Fiat’s T-Gen3 turbo 1.2-litre engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. Fiat says it delivers up to 110hp of combined power, made up of a 100hp petrol engine and 28hp electric motor assistance. It does not need plugging in, as the 48V battery recharges through regenerative braking and energy recovery while driving. 
The electric version uses an 84kW motor, which is 113hp, and has an official range of up to 199 miles on the WLTP combined cycle. That range figure should be more than enough for a lot of drivers, particularly if the car is used mainly for commuting, town driving, school runs and local journeys.
With a 44kWh battery that can rapid charge from 20 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes at up to 100kW or on a home wallbox charger, around seven hours. 
For private customers, the hybrid will likely appeal to those who want a lower entry price and no need to think about charging. For company car users, salary sacrifice drivers, or households with access to home charging, the electric version could be very appealing.
What was it like to drive?
The car I drove was the all-electric La Prima. On the road, it felt exactly how I hoped it would. Simple, quiet and easy to enjoy.
This is not a sporty car, and it is not pretending to be. The electric motor gives you that smooth, instant response you expect from an EV, taking 11.5 seconds from 0 to 62mph.  The Grande Panda is more about ease than excitement. Around town and along country roads, it felt calm, straightforward and well suited to everyday driving. I liked that.
Some electric cars feel like they are trying too hard to impress you. The Grande Panda just gets on with the job. It is quiet, easy to place on the road and nicely suited to relaxed driving.
The build quality also felt decent. It is clearly built to a price point, but I did not come away feeling short-changed. The cabin had charm, the controls felt usable, and the details helped make it feel more special than the price might suggest.
Rivals: what does the Fiat Grande Panda compete with?
The Fiat Grande Panda is a little hard to pigeonhole, and that is part of its appeal.
On paper, it is a compact small car. It measures 3,999mm long, so it is still easy to use around town, but it has a boxy shape, five seats and a useful boot. The electric model offers 361 litres of boot space, while the hybrid offers 412 litres. That puts it in a sweet spot between smaller city cars and larger compact SUVs. 
Citroën ë-C3
The most obvious rival is the Citroën ë-C3, as both cars sit within the same Stellantis family. But once you look beyond Citroën, the Grande Panda becomes more interesting. Many of its rivals are either smaller, more expensive, less practical, or aimed at a slightly different buyer.
Dacia Spring
The Dacia Spring is one of the cheapest electric cars on sale in the UK, starting from £15,990. It is cheaper than the Grande Panda, but it is also smaller and more basic. It makes sense if price is the absolute priority, but the Fiat feels like a more rounded, grown-up car. 
Hyundai Inster
The Hyundai Inster is another strong alternative. Hyundai describes it as an A-segment electric city car, with up to 229 miles of WLTP range. It is clever, compact and characterful, but it starts from £23,505, which puts it closer to a higher-spec Grande Panda Electric. 
BYD Dolphin Surf
The BYD Dolphin Surf also sits in the budget EV conversation. It arrived in the UK as BYD’s most affordable model, priced from £18,650, and is positioned as a compact electric city car. It is likely to appeal to buyers looking for a low-cost EV with plenty of tech, but the Fiat counters with stronger retro appeal and a more practical, boxy shape. 
Renault 5 E-Tech
The Renault 5 E-Tech is probably the closest in spirit. Like the Grande Panda, it uses heritage as a major part of its appeal. It is stylish, retro-inspired and electric, but it feels more like a chic supermini, while the Fiat feels more practical, upright and versatile.
Then you have cars like the MG4 EV, Kia EV3, Vauxhall Frontera Electric, Fiat 600e, Jeep Avenger Electric and Hyundai Kona Electric. These offer more space, more performance or longer range, but they are also generally larger and more expensive. For example, the MG4 currently starts from around £29,985, while the Kia EV3 is 4,300mm long and has a 460-litre boot, putting it in a larger class altogether. 
That is what makes the Grande Panda such a good combination. It gives you the affordability and friendliness of a small car, the practicality of something boxier and more family-friendly, and the charm of a retro-inspired design. It is not as tiny as the cheapest city EVs, but it is not trying to be a full-size family SUV either.
For buyers who want something compact, useful, affordable and genuinely likeable, the Grande Panda lands in a really interesting gap in the market.
Trims and pricing
The Grande Panda range is available in Pop, Icon and La Prima trims across both hybrid and electric versions. Fiat says the hybrid starts from £18,995 on the road, while the fully electric version starts from £20,995. Those figures are before any current deals, grants or special offers. 
For the electric model, Fiat lists the Pop from £20,995, Icon from £21,995 and La Prima from £23,995. The La Prima adds features such as 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, automatic climate control, embedded navigation, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. 
For the hybrid, Fiat lists the Pop from £18,995, Icon from £19,995 and La Prima from £21,995. 
That pricing is a big part of the appeal. Small cars have become surprisingly expensive in recent years, and electric cars are still out of reach for a lot of buyers. The Grande Panda feels like Fiat is trying to bring some sense back to the market.
It is also worth mentioning that the Grande Panda was named Best Bargain at the 2026 Top Gear Electric Vehicle Awards. Fiat said the award recognised its value, characterful design and everyday practicality. 
After driving it, that makes sense.
Explore Lease Deals
Drive Away TodayRunning costs and efficiency
For the electric model, the official figure is up to 199 miles of WLTP range, with 0g/km CO2 emissions. As with any EV, the real-world range will depend on temperature, speed, driving style, load and how much motorway driving you do. 
Auto Express found that the Grande Panda EV was most efficient at lower speeds and around town, which is where this sort of car will probably spend most of its life. It also noted that faster roads affected the range more noticeably. 
That is worth keeping in mind. If you do lots of long motorway journeys, you may want to think carefully about whether the electric model suits your routine. But if you mainly drive locally and can charge at home, the Grande Panda Electric could make a lot of sense.
The hybrid is the easier stepping stone for those not ready to go electric. Fiat lists combined fuel economy between 55.4 and 56.5mpg, with CO2 emissions between 115 and 117g/km. 
That gives buyers a useful choice. Go electric if you can charge and want lower running costs. Go hybrid if you want the familiar convenience of petrol with some electrified assistance.
What I liked most
The best thing about the Grande Panda is that it has personality. So many new cars are objectively good but slightly forgettable. The Grande Panda is not forgettable. It has a proper identity.
I liked the way it looked. I liked the colour. I liked the simple interior. I liked the little details. I liked the fact it did not feel overly complicated.
The La Prima Electric I drove had enough kit to feel comfortable, but the car still felt true to what a Panda should be. Useful, unfussy and a bit different.
There is also something refreshing about a car that focuses on value without feeling miserable. The Grande Panda is affordable by electric car standards, but it does not feel like Fiat has stripped out the fun to get there.
What could be better?
The electric model is not quick. If you want sharp acceleration or sporty handling, this is not that kind of car.
Some of the materials inside are clearly chosen with affordability and sustainability in mind. That did not bother me too much because the design does a good job of lifting the cabin.
Rear seat space will be fine for many families, may may feel a little tight for taller adults, although headroom is helped by the upright silhouette. 
And while the official 199-mile range is useful, regular motorway drivers may want to look closely at their real-world needs before choosing the electric version.
But none of these points really spoil the car. They simply remind you what the Grande Panda is designed to be.
Who is the Fiat Grande Panda for?
The Grande Panda should appeal to a wide range of drivers.
It makes sense for people who want:
- A small car with character
- A more affordable electric car
- A simple, practical city car
- A compact family car with useful boot space
- A car that feels different from the usual small SUV crowd
- A hybrid option without needing to plug in
- A top-spec EV that still comes in at a sensible price
The electric model will suit drivers who can charge at home or work, and who mainly use their car for local driving, commuting and shorter trips.
The hybrid will suit those who want the Grande Panda’s style and practicality, but are not quite ready to make the jump to fully electric.
After seeing the Fiat Grande Panda in person and driving the all-electric La Prima, I came away genuinely impressed.
It looks fun. It feels simple. It is practical enough for everyday use. It has proper Panda heritage without feeling stuck in the past. It offers both hybrid and electric options. And crucially, it feels like good value.
There is something very likeable about the Grande Panda. It brings a bit of colour and personality into a part of the market that can sometimes feel a little too sensible.
For me, the Grande Panda is at its best when you stop judging it purely as an electric car and start seeing it as a modern Fiat. A small, useful, affordable car with charm.
And in yellow, it looked brilliant.
The new Fiat Grande Panda is now available to order.
Is the Fiat Grande Panda available as an electric car?
Yes. The Fiat Grande Panda is available as a fully electric model with an official WLTP range of up to 199 miles. 
Is there a Fiat Grande Panda hybrid?
Yes. The Grande Panda Hybrid uses a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance and up to 110hp combined power. 
How much does the Fiat Grande Panda cost?
Fiat lists the Grande Panda Hybrid from £18,995 and the Grande Panda Electric from £20,995, before any deals, offers or grants. The La Prima Electric starts from £23,995. 
What trim did you drive?
I drove the all-electric Fiat Grande Panda La Prima, finished in yellow.
Is the Fiat Grande Panda similar to the Citroën ë-C3?
Yes, the Grande Panda Electric is mechanically closely related to the Citroën ë-C3, but the Fiat has its own design, interior character and Panda-inspired details. 
Is the Fiat Grande Panda good value?
Yes. Based on its pricing, equipment, electric range and character, the Grande Panda feels like strong value. It has also been named Best Bargain at the 2026 Top Gear Electric Vehicle Awards. 
