- Our first drive in the new Fiat Grande Panda
- Our expert Steve Fowler reckons it's a 'corker' after first drive
- Surprisingly roomy
- quirky, fun, and brilliant value
- Lease one a Fiat Grande Panda with Select
Fiat’s Panda has been charming its way into people’s hearts for decades, but now – like everything else – it’s finally joined the electric age with the Grande Panda. And I have to say, it’s a corker.
You’d think Fiat had just made the car bigger and slapped a battery in it, but no, there’s been some proper thought here. They’ve kept the cheeky personality of the original while giving it a bit of modern flair, making it bang up to date and hugely competitive in today’s EV market.
Now, don’t let the name fool you – the Grande Panda isn’t exactly a giant. It’s about the size of your average supermini, only taller. But that height makes all the difference; you get a brilliant view out, and the upright shape gives it that cool, boxy look that stands out in a sea of jellybean-shaped cars.
Fiat’s also gone big on sustainability, with bits of the interior made from recycled materials and even some bamboo in the dash. Yep, bamboo – because if a Panda’s going to have a favourite material, it might as well be bamboo.
Driving it is a bit of a treat, especially around town. It’s nippy, easy to park, and super comfortable over the pothole-ridden streets we’ve come to accept as the norm.
Sure, it’s not the fastest car on the block – a 0-62mph time of 11 seconds isn’t exactly going to set your pulse racing – but it’s more than quick enough for city driving. And with its snazzy square shape, judging the corners when you’re manoeuvring into a tight spot is an absolute doddle.
Range anxiety is still a talking point with EVs, and the Grande Panda’s 44kWh battery gives you a claimed 199 miles on a full charge. Let’s be real, you’re not likely to see the full 199 unless you’re driving like an absolute saint, but for zipping about town or the odd jaunt to the shops, it’s more than adequate.
The clever charging setup really takes the sting out of plugging in, too. There’s a retractable charging cable tucked away in the car’s nose – it’s one of those genius features you didn’t know you needed. And if you want fast charging, there’s a traditional socket at the back for charging speeds up to 100kW, giving you a 20 to 80 per cent charge in just 27 minutes.
Inside, it’s surprisingly roomy for a car that’s less than four metres long. The boot’s got a respectable 361 litres of space, and while rear-seat passengers won’t exactly be lounging in luxury, there’s just about enough room for a couple of adults or a trio of kids.
Up front, the driving position is spot-on, and the seats – embossed with the Panda logo, naturally – are both comfy and supportive. Fiat has even managed to throw in a bit of clever storage with a bamboo-covered flip-up glovebox and a handy shelf for odds and ends.
Tech-wise, Fiat’s done a cracking job. Even the entry-level 'RED' model comes with a 10-inch driver display and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Spend a bit more for the La Prima version, and you get extras like wireless phone charging and some posher materials. And safety? It’s all there – lane-keeping assist, active braking, speed limit warnings – even rear parking sensors on the base model.
I can’t help but love the cheeky design details Fiat’s sprinkled throughout the car. The embossed Panda lettering down the side, the Lingotto test track-inspired graphics on the displays, and even the LED lights, which take inspiration from the famous windows of Fiat’s old factory in Turin. It’s stuff like this that gives the Grande Panda real personality – and let’s be honest, that’s what we all want from a car like this.
And here’s the best bit – it’s a bargain. We’ve only driven the electric model so far – cheaper petrol hybrid models are coming. But the EV starts at just £20,975 for the RED model, which, by the way, supports a great charity. The La Prima tops out at £23,975, which is still fantastic value considering the kit you get. Plus, with a claimed efficiency of 4.4 miles per kWh, it’s not going to break the bank to run.
So, who’s the Grande Panda for? Well, it’s perfect for city dwellers who want something stylish, practical, and kind to the planet. It’s not got the range for long road trips unless you’re happy to plan your charging stops, but as a daily runabout, it’s hard to fault. Fiat’s managed to capture the spirit of the original Panda while giving it a thoroughly modern twist. It’s quirky, fun, and brilliant value – what more could you ask for?
Specs
- Model tested: Fiat Grande Panda (RED and La Prima)
- Price to buy outright/rough cost to lease: £20,975 - £23,975
- Powertrain/battery size: Electric, 44kWh battery
- Power output/torque/top speed: 117hp / 220Nm / 93mph
- Max Range/charging speed: Claimed 199 miles; up to 100kW charging (20-80% in 27 mins)
- Fuel economy/CO2 emissions: 4.4 miles/kWh; zero emissions
- Boot space: 361 litres
- BIK/road tax: 2% BIK (2025/26); £10
- Standard-issue kit: 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Lane-Keeping Assist, rear parking sensors (RED model)
- Main rivals: Citroën e-C3, Hyundai Kona Electric, Vauxhall Frontera
** Steve Fowler is one of the UK’s best-known automotive journalists and currently EV Editor of The Independent and a regular contributor to The Guardian. He’s the only person to have edited three of the UK’s biggest car titles – Auto Express, Autocar and What Car? – and has interviewed the biggest names in the car world from Tesla’s Elon Musk to Ford’s Jim Farley. Steve has also presented documentaries for BBC Radio Four and is used as a resident ‘car guru’ on TV and Radio. He’s a World Car of the Year juror and a judge on both Germany’s and India’s Car of the Year Awards. Read more of Steve's work at stevefowler.co.uk.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Audi launches new entry-level Q4 e-tron
- Maserati showcases extreme GT2 Stradale
- Tesla Model Y - new line-up revealed!
- Football’s Michael Owen takes delivery of UK’s first Leapmotor
- Smart new Volvo XC60 makes debut
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
