Tag Archives: Panda

Motorsport

Fiat Panda 4×4 Restomod Celebrates Iconic Hatch’s 40th Anniversary

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Fiat Panda 4×4’s debut in June 1983, Niels van Roij Design presents a restomod project that pays tribute to what is considered to be the world’s first small, transverse-engined production car with all-wheel drive. This project, in collaboration with Kaeve Cars, is called the Panda 4×4 Piccolo Lusso, and while it may not look drastically different from the original car, almost every component has been rebuilt or redesigned.

The exterior of the Piccolo Lusso features a unique Azzurro Blu paint finish, reminiscent of the beautiful azure waters that surround Italy’s picturesque coasts. Inside, the cabin is adorned with luxurious Mediterranean leather upholstery, exuding warmth and sophistication. The designer studio has paid homage to the iconic boxy silhouette of the Italian classic by using cloth upholstery on the seat hearts and rear bench centers.


Motorsport

Next-Generation Fiat Panda Speculatively Rendered Ahead Of 2024 Debut

The Fiat Panda, one of the oldest cars still in production in Europe, has been around since 2011 in its current form. Fortunately, a new version is on the horizon and has been confirmed to make its debut next year. Specifically, on July 11, 2024, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Italian automaker, which is now part of the Stellantis automotive conglomerate. In the meantime, we have an unofficial preview of the next-generation supermini.

It’s worth noting that Fiat has already provided a glimpse of the fourth iteration of their beloved subcompact car with the Centoventi concept. However, the concept is over four years old, having made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019. Whether the design elements of the Centoventi will influence the fourth-generation Panda, as showcased in this rendering, or if it will have a completely different appearance, remains to be seen.


News

Fiat Panda Set to Return in 2024 as Affordable Electric SUV

The highly anticipated comeback of the Fiat Panda is scheduled for next year, and according to Autocar, it will be a crossover designed with a “less is more” approach to compete with the Dacia Sandero.

Olivier Francois, the CEO of Fiat, hinted that the car’s grand reveal, which he described as “very special” and surprising, would likely take place on July 11, 2024, coinciding with Fiat’s 125th anniversary. The design of the revived Panda is expected to draw inspiration from the Centoventi concept introduced in 2019, which showcased a futuristic Panda-like appearance.

During discussions about the company’s plans, Francois expressed the idea of creating another B-segment vehicle to accompany the electric Fiat 600. He emphasized that this new product would cater to the “essential” category and retain the simplicity and cleverness that characterized the original Panda.

The upcoming Fiat Panda will measure approximately four meters in length and embody a “simple clever” approach, reminiscent of its predecessor. Francois stated that the car, set to be unveiled next year, would be considered cool, popular, and affordable. This positioning would make it a direct competitor to the Dacia Sandero, priced at £13,000 in the UK, assuming Fiat decides to introduce a combustion version as well.

Fiat Centoventi front quarter tracking

Nevertheless, an electric Panda is not expected to have a price lower than the Fiat 500 EV, which starts at £31,000. Francois also mentioned that the new Panda should appeal to global markets, including Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, in addition to Europe. This indicates that the vehicle will likely share the CMP platform with the Jeep Avenger and the 600, allowing for both electric and combustion powertrains.

“We need something that perfectly suits European tastes but can also have a global appeal,” stated Francois. “And this is why I believe there is room for something in the B-segment other than the 600, which is very much focused on the European market.”