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.

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.”