Fiat’s Grande Panda has already impressed in EV form, but if electric power doesn’t work for you, Fiat has an alternative solution in the form of a mild hybrid version. Fiat believes this will be the most popular version of the car in the UK, and we’ve now driven it.
Design and interior
Outside, the Grande Panda’s tall, slim styling and boxy silhouette are unchanged from the EV, which is great as it’s one of the nods to the original, and in our opinion one of the key selling points of the car.
Although not a remake, the look is very sympathetic to the original Panda – much like the approach Renault has taken with the 5 E-Tech. At the front, there are unique LED daytime running lights, which for the hybrid version lead into the flush grille – obviously without the flap for the hidden charging cable at the front.
The most distinctive part of the design remains the bold ‘Panda’ word pressed into the front and rear doors. The chunky wheel arches shout Panda 4×4 (which we’re pleased was confirmed for production at this event!) and there’s the unusual ‘Fiat’ hologram on the C-pillar. At the back, there’s the same vertical rear lights, ‘Fiat’ logo embossed into the boot, plus 3D badging – but additionally, there’s a small ‘Hybrid’ sticker on the boot. In our opinion, this could only be a Fiat, and even though some of the newness has now faded, it still looks fantastic, and at its best in bright colours – dark ones lose the design details.
If the exterior design isn’t enough to excite, the interior is also a design highlight, with high levels of surprise and delight. The oval dashboard design, inspired by the Lingotto factory rooftop test track, is unusual and unique, and we still love the model of the original Panda ‘driving’ around the edge. There are the same green highlights, and rectangular air vents, with the long tray running underneath the dashboard, giving impressive stowage – just like the original Panda.
Our test car was in the range-topping La Prima spec, which includes a ‘Bambox’, covered in a fabric made from Bamboo fibre – a favourite food of real Pandas! There’s a 10in display for the instruments, with its own attractive typeface, and this time around, an energy monitor showing the power coming from the engine and battery pack. Infotainment is taken care of by a simple 10.25in touchscreen which is logical in use. In addition, there are welcome physical controls for the heating. The driving position is comfortable, and the front seats are supportive, and cheerily detailed with the ‘Panda’ name across them.
Like with Stellantis group sister cars the Citroen C3 and Vauxhall Frontera, the Grande Panda’s interior feels spacious, and even in the back head and kneeroom impress. Additionally, because there’s no EV battery pack, the mild hybrid version of the Panda gets a bigger 412-litre boot, remaining practically shaped. This is an affordable car, using blue plastics made from recycled materials, but continues to impress with the modern design and bright highlights, feeling more premium than both its Citroen and Vauxhall sister cars.
Performance and drive
The 111hp EV version of the Grande Panda will arrive first in the UK, with this mild hybrid version following on just after in September. It is fitted with a turbocharged 1.2 litre, three-cylinder engine, plus a 48V lithium-ion battery, equalling 110hp and 115g/km CO2 emissions.
Like the EV version, the MHEV Panda feels willing enough for everyday use, with decent acceleration off the mark. Although, there’s noticeable transmission whine right from low speeds from the slick, six-speed automatic transmission. The ride, although still refined, has a slightly harder edge in the hybrid, probably thanks to the change in weighting with the engine and hybrid system. However, brake feel is still fine. The only driving issue we found was the same slow steering, which lacks feel.
Fiat is still predicting a strong EV mix for the new Panda in fleet, but mild hybrid versions are expected to be the best-sellers in the UK.
We prefer the EV version of the Grande Panda however, as we still believe 2025 is the year of the affordable, attractive, and small EV. If a mild hybrid powertrain works better – the Grande Panda fits the bill perfectly (prices start at £18,035!), and we stand by our claim made earlier this year that it’s the best car Fiat has made since the 500 remake in 2007! Even with a mild hybrid drivetrain, the Grande Panda remains an attractive, fun, and practical B-sector package, which will make an impact against more sober rivals.
Positive: Design and attention to detail inside and out, more practical than the EV version, impressive value for money.
Negative: Ride slightly harsher than the EV, rivals are more fun to drive, basic infotainment.
Standard equipment: 16in wheels, EcoLED headlamps, manual air conditioning, 60/40 foldable rear seat, 7kW integrated charging cable, 10.25in touchscreen with mirror screen, cruise control, rear parking sensors, six-airbags, lane keep assist, active safety brake.
Engines: Mild hybrid: 110hp 1.2; Electric: 111hp
Equipment grades: Red, La Prima
Transmissions: Seven-speed automatic (mild hybrid), single-speed automatic (EV)
| Model | Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid La Prima |
| P11D | £20,490 |
| Residual value | 46.5% |
| Depreciation | £11,467 |
| Fuel | £5,770 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £1,984 |
| Cost per mile | 32.03p |
| Fuel consumption | 52.3mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 118g/km (29%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £99/£198 |
| Luggage capacity | 412 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,198cc/110hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
