Fiat goes retro with larger Grande Panda family car

Fiat's fourth-generation hatchback will have electric and mild hybrid power sources

Eddie Cunningham

This is the new Fiat Grande Panda, the first of a new series evoking the popular 1980s run-around.

The fourth-generation hatchback comes across as a retro and rugged-looking urban small family car and is the first model of the new global line-up.

It will have electric and mild hybrid power sources and will initially go on sale in Europe, followed by the Middle East and Africa.

At under four metres long, Fiat says it can carry five. I was driven in an existing Panda this week and I was impressed with the room at the back, especially the head space – underlining the practical nature of the beast. If the new car can manage to retain that sort of room in its small frame it will augur well for i5.

Obviously enough, it is called the Grande Panda because it is larger than its forerunners.

And it will have close ties to the new Citroen C3.

From the sides there is that undeniable Panda look and profile.