Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid: how it goes, consumption, price

The Panda is a piece of Italian history. It is from that far 1980 in which Giorgetto Giugiaro he drew it first serieswhich remained on the list for over twenty years. Today, alongside the current third series, we find the Grande Panda, a compact crossover available in full electric, petrol and mild hybrid versions. We had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of this latest version, trying out the Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid in its trim level The First. In terms of engines, the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo delivers 110 horsepower, but also promises very low emissions and consumption. The “vitaminized” Panda, which has grown to almost 4 meters, remains so modest, but also ready for anything, from city use to travel, winking at sustainability thanks to a 48V lithium ion battery and the 6-speed dual clutch gearbox eDct which incorporates a 28 HP electric motor.

1 How it’s made

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The now legendary name Panda is approaching half a century of existence. This car has recently split into two, becoming (or rather remaining) Pandina on the one hand, and declining into a modern small crossover under the name of Big Panda. The dimensions remain compact, with a length of 399 cm31 more than the Pandina, growing by 61 cm compared to its first ancestor from 1980. The world has changed, all cars have increased in size both for needs in terms of habitability, but also for safety and technology. The Grande Panda is in fact 176 cm wide, 158 cm high and has a generous wheelbase of 254 cm, offering a spacious boot of 412 litres. So inside the passenger compartment we also find two screensone for the instrument panel and one for the infotainment, which are flanked by many style elements, which have instead been a habit for the Panda since its first appearance. In addition to taking up the square lines of the first generation, the car is full of original details. Among these we find the writings in bas-relief on the bodywork and a new transparent yellow frame that reproduces the Lingotto test circuit, complete with a miniature Panda traveling along the track. Moving inside, the upper part of the dashboard is entirely covered in bamboo. As for the motorization, al 1,200 cc 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine it is accompanied by an electric unit integrated into the 28 HP gearbox, for one total power of 110 HP. Not a few for a compact car, capable of declared average consumption of 5.1 litres/100kmbut also to reach a top speed of 160 km/h and to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 10 seconds.

2 How is it going

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The Grande Panda confirms the fame of the model, which it combines with practicality style and intelligent solutions. It is impossible to deny that in its segment it is one of the most interesting both for its design and its interiors, which are pleasant, of good quality and with very well-studied details. Behind the wheel it is appreciated for its silent and smooth operation, especially in urban use, while the hybrid platform allows you to move, below 30 km/h, up to one kilometer only with the help of the electric motor. In addition to this, in the city the hybrid system often turns off the heating unit, to the benefit of efficiency and silence. The Great Hybrid Panda shines with comfort and versatilitywhile steering and responsiveness to the accelerator pedal are excellent in the city, where the turning radius is small and the effort on the steering wheel, even when manoeuvring, is very limited. However, they are a little less so when traveling on a country road. Here perhaps the only limitations of the Grande Panda Hybrid emerge, with a very filtered and indirect response from the steering, which however remains precise, and a panache in acceleration and pick-up that does not make overtaking the best playground for this car. The gearbox is not among the most responsive, but it is good overall, both in terms of fluidity and effectiveness.

3 Conclusions and prices

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There are three trim levels for the Fiat Grande Panda. We start from the Grane Panda Pop from 19,900 eurosyou go up with the Iconwhich for 21,400 euros total adds the 10.25″ touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers and wireless support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as four electric windows. The top trim level of this Grande Panda Hybrid is called The Firstlisted at 24,400 eurosand combines all the previous packages and adds 17″ alloy wheels and interior finishes with Bambox dashboard compartment on the dashboard. We talked about the declared consumption, which translates in practice into a real value of around 18-20 km/l in extra-urban conditionsit drops to 15 on the motorway at code speed, something less (13-14) in the city.

4 Pros and cons

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Below, the strengths and weaknesses found behind the wheel of the Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid

• design and style, both internal and external;
• attractive price;
• good compromise consumption and performance.

• Steering in extra-urban use.