Practical test Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid: Great box one size bigger
Let's start with a look back: In the early 1980s, Fiat surprised the automotive world with a model that the Italians quite rightly described in advertising as a "great box". The design for the minimalist small car came from Giorgetto Giugiaro, who later classified his creation as one of his "proudest designs". The Panda, now promoted to Pandina and undisputedly the most popular model in Italy, has been rolling off the production lines near Naples for 46 years. Last year, the "little one" finally got a "big brother", which is available at Fiat dealerships as the Grande Panda.
The "great box" has grown considerably to 3.99 meters, and customers can choose from three drive systems. In addition to the classic 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder engine, the Turin-based company also offers the Grande Panda as an electric and hybrid version. The hybrid version uses the Stellantis Group's Smart Car platform and combines the tried-and-tested 100 hp (74 kW) 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with a 21 kW (29 hp) electric motor, which draws its energy from a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The electric assistance is intended to help with acceleration, among other things, and this also works at low speeds, but of course this does not immediately turn the Garnde Panda into a dynamo - the temperament is, as expected, limited, but is also perfectly adequate for long distances. However, the classic biotope remains the urban environment. Here, the electric drive takes over regularly and unnoticed by the person behind the wheel, so that most inner-city kilometers are completed electrically. A comfortable 11.2 seconds pass between 0 and 100 km/h, and the top speed is reached at 160 km/h.
E-Queing is also on board, turning the Grande Panda into an electric car in traffic jams. The cooperation between the two drive systems significantly reduces fuel consumption. Fiat promises 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers. The promise does not quite correspond to reality, but six liters is a good value in these times.
In the age of retro design, the creative minds at Turin's Centro Stile in the Mirafiori district chose a middle way. Although the Grande Panda has elements of the original model that are recognizable at first glance, it also has an independent shape that, like the original, focuses primarily on practical features.
The person behind the steering wheel looks out over a brightly colored environment in which the most important controls are easily accessible, and navigating through the menu on the central screen is intuitive rather than requiring extensive study. There is no shortage of storage space, the seats are comfortable and offer sufficient lateral support. The "Bambox Bamboo Fiber Tex" material selected by Fiat uses bamboo fibres for the dashboard in the top La Prima variant - how could it be any different in a Panda?
The luggage compartment holds 412 liters, which can be increased to 1366 liters with the rear seats folded down. However, the rather high loading sill makes it difficult to load the cargo compartment. There is a pleasant amount of space at the front, making the small Fiat suitable for long journeys. The up to three passengers in the rear, on the other hand, are closer together than they would like due to the design.
Once on the move, the "great big box" shows its pleasant side. At the start, the electric motor takes over first, and a little later the three-cylinder engine begins its drumming. The small combustion engine regularly makes itself felt, but is not unpleasant. In general, the Grande Panda is one of the acoustically restrained representatives of its class. Wind noise only becomes noticeable above 130 km/h. The suspension is pleasantly designed and compensates for most of the deficits in the infrastructure. It only becomes a little uncomfortable on the common cross grooves. The steering is precise, the brakes are reliable and the lane departure warning system intervenes gently. As is usual with many Stellantis models, the assistant can be switched off at the touch of a button.
The electric range is manageable in view of the small battery, which has a capacity of just 0.88 kWh, but thanks to the very good recuperation during deceleration, the energy source recharges quickly and thus reliably supplies the electricity for the electric motor. This means that "sailing" is always possible. To use the electric drive frequently, however, a "gentle foot on the gas" is required.
The Grande Panda comes to customers with a full range of driving assistants. These include cruise control, active emergency brake assist and the (sometimes annoying) speeding warning system (can be switched off), and there is also plenty of connectivity on board. Fiat also has more than 100 components in stock for customization. The price list for the Grande Panda Hybrid starts at 19,900 euros for the Pop variant. The top version, La Prima, costs 24,990 euros. (aum)
Data Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid
Length x width x height (m): 3.99 x 1.76 x 1.58
Wheelbase (m): 2.54
Drive: R3 petrol engine, 1200 cc, MHD, FWD, 6-DCT
Power: 74 kW / 100 hp
Max. Torque: 205 Nm
Top speed: 160 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 11.2 sec.
WLTP average fuel consumption: 5.1 liters
CO2 emissions: 130 g/km
Unladen weight / payload: min. 1390 kg / max. 395 kg
Base price: 19,900 euros
More info for topic: Fiat Panda
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