Fiat Launches All-New Grande Panda in Italy: Starting at €18,900

Fiat has launched its all-new Grande Panda in Italy, revealing the full range of trims via its online configurator. The most intriguing model is the entry-level Grande Panda Pop, priced at €18,900 ($19,600), thanks to its back-to-basics approach and utilitarian aesthetic.

The most affordable Grande Panda features 16-inch black steel wheels and is available in a no-cost “Passione Red” paint finish. Interestingly, the electric Grande Panda Red shares this same color and wheel combination, although the EV’s steel wheels are white.

A key differentiator of the Pop trim is the absence of LED lighting, giving it a more retro look reminiscent of the original 1980s Panda. This halogen headlight approach is common among automakers, including premium brands like Mercedes-Benz, for their base models.

Inside, the dashboard features a large plastic cover where the infotainment screen would normally be, positioned next to the standard 10-inch digital instrument cluster. This bulky plastic panel serves as a “smartphone station,” incorporating a device holder and a USB-C port—a design reminiscent of Dacia models.

Equipment is decidedly spartan, including manual air conditioning and manual rear windows. However, Fiat has included rear parking sensors as standard, a helpful feature for maneuvering the 3.99-meter (157.1-inch) long supermini. As mandated for all new cars sold in the EU, the Grande Panda includes a basic ADAS suite with automatic headlights, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), traffic sign recognition, and a lane keeping system.

For those seeking more features, the mid-level Grande Panda Icon is available for €20,400 ($21,200). The top-of-the-line Grande Panda La Prima, featured in promotional materials, costs €22,900 ($23,800).

These prices reflect the mild-hybrid 1.2-liter engine; the fully electric Grande Panda models are more expensive. The electric version starts at €24,900 ($25,900) for the Red trim and reaches €27,900 ($29,000) for the La Prima. This represents a €9,000 ($9,300) price difference between the most affordable and most expensive models.

Comparing the Grande Panda with its sister car, the Citroen C3, reveals some interesting points. The Citroen C3 starts at €15,240 ($15,800), but this is for the ICE-only version without hybrid assistance. The electric Citroen e-C3 starts at €23,900 ($24,800), making it €1,000 ($1,000) cheaper than the equivalent electric Grande Panda.