Fiat’s iconic charm meets modern ingenuity in the new Grande Panda, which has officially been named ‘Best Small Car’ in the 2025 Autocar Awards. This prestigious accolade from one of Britain’s most established motoring publications marks a defining moment for Fiat’s latest urban marvel — a car that blends heritage and innovation with unmistakable flair.
The Autocar judges were impressed by the Grande Panda’s creative design language, compact practicality and everyday affordability, singling it out as a standout in a highly competitive segment. Based on the flexible Stellantis Smart-Car Platform, which supports both hybrid and fully electric powertrains, the new Panda channels the utilitarian brilliance of the original 1980s model while embracing the demands of tomorrow’s urban mobility.
“The Grande Panda is what happens when a car maker pays attention to and respects not only its heritage but also out-of-the-box thinking,” said Mark Tisshaw, editor of Autocar. “From the ‘Panda’ indents stamped into the body to the infotainment bezel shaped like FIAT’s old test track atop its Lingotto factory, the car represents a creative, refreshingly cheery attitude to design.”
Indeed, it’s a car that wears its legacy proudly — with clever nods to its past and future in equal measure.
A Small Car with a Big Personality
Compact in footprint but bold in character, the Grande Panda boasts eye-catching Italian design, clever engineering and a strong focus on sustainability. Available in both electric and hybrid variants, it offers urban drivers choice without compromise.
- The fully electric Grande Panda pairs an 83kW (113 HP) e-motor with a 44kWh battery, providing a 320 km WLTP range.
- The hybrid version features a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine generating 110 HP, supported by a 48V Li-ion battery and an advanced 6-speed eDCT dual-clutch transmission.
Despite its sophisticated underpinnings, the Grande Panda never loses sight of practicality. One of the most inventive touches is its spiral charging cable, cleverly integrated and stored under the bonnet — a patented solution unique to Fiat’s electric variant. This design not only frees up boot space but also makes everyday use tidier and more convenient.
Sustainable Inside and Out
True to its eco-conscious ethos, the Grande Panda makes sustainability a tangible part of its appeal. Fiat has thoughtfully integrated recycled materials, including 140 beverage cartons in the car’s interior components. The La Prima trim also features BAMBOX Bamboo Fiber Tex®, a dashboard wrapping crafted from real bamboo fibres, elevating both environmental credentials and tactile sophistication.
This commitment to ethical production complements the Grande Panda’s wider mission: to make clean, clever and stylish urban mobility accessible to a broader audience.
A Panda for Every Personality
Fiat has tailored the Grande Panda range to appeal to a wide customer base:
- The fully electric version is available in (RED) and La Prima trims — both stylish and socially conscious.
- The hybrid variant is offered as Pop, Icon, and La Prima — catering to those who want efficiency with flair.
Honouring the Past, Driving the Future
With the 2025 Autocar Award now under its belt, the Fiat Grande Panda has firmly re-established the Panda nameplate as a force to be reckoned with in the small car category. It’s more than just a clever city car — it’s a statement of design optimism, practical engineering, and sustainable ambition.
In a world where small cars are often overlooked, the Grande Panda proves that you don’t need to be big to make a big impact.
