La rinascita della Scala, 80 anni dopo
di Carla Moreni
The Fiat Grande Panda has brought the B-segment back into the Turin-based manufacturer's range. While maintaining compact proportions - just under four metres long and about 1 76 metres wide - the design focuses on space and versatility. The passenger compartment is spacious and the boot offers declared capacities in the region of 361 litres in the electric variant and up to over 410 litres with the hybrid or thermal configuration with the rear seats in use, amplitude reinforced by an easy loading sill for bulky objects. Externally, the Grande Panda is ideally reminiscent of tradition, with shapes reminiscent of the iconic 1980s model but updated by distinctive details and personal lines despite its strong kinship with the Citroen C3 with which it shares the platform and most of the engines.
The 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine is the simplest and most traditional solution in the Grande Panda range, designed for those who favour low purchase costs and mechanical simplicity. This engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and expresses itself naturally in everyday driving, with fuel consumption and performance in line with the expectations of a multi-purpose hatchback. According to the Italian price list, the starting price for the basic Pop version with this engine is €16,900, which is the most affordable solution in Fiat's catalogue for the Grande Panda.
At the heart of the range is the 110-horsepower 1.2-litre mild hybrid engine, a solution that combines a petrol engine with 48-volt micro-hybrid technology and a dual-clutch automatic transmission. This coupling offers a more modern balance between fuel consumption and dynamic performance, making the car quicker on acceleration and more efficient in urban and suburban driving. The Italia price list indicates that the mild hybrid version starts at 18,900 euro in the Pop configuration, a figure that positions this motorisation as the heart of the range for those seeking a balance between running costs and driving comfort.
The Fiat Grande Panda is also offered in an electric version with a 113 hp engine and 44 kWh battery. The electric variant in the Pop configuration is priced at 23,900 euros, while the richer La Prima version reaches 27,900 euros. This variant is characterised by a declared autonomy of 320 kilometres in the Wltp cycle, a level that allows daily journeys without frequent recharging, although it requires more stops during extra-urban journeys. Driving the electric is pleasant in the city and gradual outside, with simple management of energy recovery modes and no vibrations associated with the traditional transmission.