2025 Fiat Grande Panda
The new Fiat Grande Panda is here, and it looks unmistakably Fiat. The styling feels retro, almost like an 8-bit video-game car from the 1980s. Fiat has gone for a chunky, Minecraft-style boxy look that immediately stands out.
This review covers: Exterior design, Interior features and practicality, Price and competitors, Boot space and rear seat usability, Driving impressions and performance
Pricing and Value
Despite its stylish design, the Grande Panda is priced aggressively.
Estimated starting prices:
Petrol version: £18,995
Electric version: £21,035
Fully loaded electric version: £24,035
Main competitors:
Hyundai Inster
Renault 5
BYD Dolphin Surf
Fiat’s pricing looks competitive, but actual value improves with dealer discounts. Platforms like Carwow often show lower real-world purchase prices.
Powertrain Options
Petrol
1.2-litre turbo petrol
110 hp
6-speed automatic
0–60 mph: ~10 seconds
Electric
113 hp motor
Weight: 1.5 tons (EV) / 1.3 tons (petrol)
Claimed 0–60 mph: 11.5 seconds
Tested acceleration: 10.16 seconds
Strong mid-range acceleration (30–70 mph)
Braking distance from 60 mph: 33 metres (very impressive)
Driving impressions:
Easy to drive in urban settings
Smooth brake blending
Great visibility due to high seating position
Exterior Design
Fiat has leaned into a playful, retro design. The boxy headlamps and square elements across the front grille give it a distinctive look. The asymmetrical Fiat badge adds character.
The body features several nostalgic Easter eggs inspired by Fiat’s past, including embossed branding and variations of the four-stripe Fiat logo along the sides.
Key exterior details:
Steel wheels on base versions
16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheel options
Contrasting door handles
Roof bars available on higher trims
Blacked-out windows (optional, cannot be deselected)
A standout design touch is the lenticular Fiat logo on the side: viewed from one angle, it shows “Fiat”; from another, the four-stripe symbol.
At the rear, the 3D Panda badging and oversized plastics make it feel like a scaled-up remote-control toy car.
Interior: Design, Build, Features
The interior mirrors the quirky exterior. The top-spec model shown includes playful shapes and textures that embrace affordability without feeling cheap.
Highlights:
Steering wheel center uses chunky plastic but looks intentional
Air vents look like toy parts clipped on
Infotainment frame mimics Fiat’s historical rooftop test track
Dashboard uses recycled bamboo fiber, giving a natural wood effect
Seats are well padded and very comfortable, with a cool stitched pattern.
Material drawbacks:
Some plastics scratch easily
LCD panels and infotainment feel basic but functional
Tech features (top trim):
Separate physical climate control
Heated seats and heated steering wheel
Two USB-C ports, 12-volt socket, wireless charging
Digital driver display (minimal but clear)
The steering wheel reach adjustment is limited, which may affect driving comfort.
Rear Seats and Practicality
Rear space is decent for a small hatchback:
Good headroom
Acceptable knee and foot space
EV version: battery reduces under-floor depth
Fitting three adults is possible for short trips.
Child seat practicality:
ISOFIX anchor points are deep and difficult to reach
Passenger seat may need to be moved forward
Useful touches:
Rear window drops almost completely
Large bottle holders
Seatback pockets on mid-spec trims
Rear USB ports on top trim
Boot Space
360 litres (Electric)
412 litres (Petrol)
These numbers are excellent for the segment.
Carry-on suitcase test:
Fits 6 airplane cabin-size suitcases
Downsides:
No place to store the parcel shelf
No central armrest or through-loading
Large load lip makes sliding items harder
Seatbelt can snag when resetting the seats
The Hyundai Inster offers more flexibility, but Panda still remains practical.
Highlights and Drawbacks
Five Annoying Things
No one-pedal driving option on the EV.
No vanity mirrors.
Reversing camera guidelines are too conservative.
Rear wiper cleans less than half the window.
No adaptive cruise control or lane-keep assist.
Five Good Things
Built-in Type-2 charging cable stored behind the front badge.
Key slot ensures you never leave the key behind.
Battery warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles.
Mechanical rear seat release – fast and simple.
Chunky switches feel sturdier than some premium cars.
Driving Experience – Real-world Feel
On the road, the 2025 Fiat Grande Panda focuses on simplicity and ease rather than outright performance, and surprisingly, that works in its favour. It feels light, nimble, and unintimidating, making it the perfect city companion.
Even though the EV weighs around 1.5 tons, it never feels heavy to maneuver. The steering is light at low speeds, which helps while parking in tight spaces or navigating narrow urban lanes. The high driving position, large windows, and thin A-pillars give excellent visibility, allowing drivers to place the car confidently on the road.
Performance & Acceleration
You mentioned the tested acceleration:
Claimed 0–60 mph: 11.5 seconds
Tested 0–60 mph: 10.16 seconds (faster than claimed)
In real traffic conditions, the electric torque makes the Grande Panda feel quick off the line. It has enough power to make confident overtakes, especially between 30–70 mph, which is where EVs usually begin to fade. Here, the Panda keeps pulling.
The petrol version has:
1.2-liter turbo petrol engine
110 hp, paired to a 6-speed automatic
The petrol option feels slightly quicker from a standstill, and the automatic shifts smoothly. It feels sprightly in town and relaxed on highways. The engine note is not sporty, but refined enough for daily use.
Ride Quality & Comfort
The suspension is tuned to handle broken roads, speed bumps, and potholes without upsetting passengers. It does not crash or thud like many budget hatchbacks.
Small bumps are absorbed cleanly
Larger potholes are handled with controlled body movement
The seats add to comfort with generous padding and soft cushioning
Even after long city drives, the Panda does not feel tiring.
Handling & Braking
The car is not meant to be sporty, but the steering feels accurate enough to enjoy corners at moderate speeds. The EV’s low center of gravity (due to battery placement) adds stability.
Your rough data included an impressive braking figure:
60–0 mph stopping distance: 33 meters
This is excellent for a car in this price and weight category. The Panda also blends regenerative braking with physical brakes smoothly — no sudden or jerky intervention.
Verdict
The Fiat Grande Panda is:
Stylish
Fun
Surprisingly practical
Competitively priced
It combines character, affordability, and everyday usability. Even though some plastics look cheap and certain features are missing, the Grande Panda delivers something rare: charm.
If you want a small city car that stands out and offers value, the Grande Panda should be on your shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions – 2025 Fiat Grande Panda
1. What powertrains are available for the 2025 Fiat Grande Panda?
The Grande Panda is available in two options: a petrol variant and a fully electric variant. The petrol model uses a 1.2L engine (around 110 hp), while the EV uses an electric motor (around 113 hp). Real-world acceleration is similar on both.
2. What is the boot space of the 2025 Fiat Grande Panda?
The petrol version offers around 412 litres of boot space, while the EV version offers around 360 litres. The boot is practical and usable for daily family needs.
3. Does the electric Grande Panda support one-pedal driving?
No, the EV version does not offer dedicated one-pedal driving. It uses blended regenerative + friction braking and creeps forward like a normal automatic.
4. Does the 2025 Fiat Grande Panda have a built-in charging cable?
Yes, the EV version includes a built-in Type-2 charging cable stored behind the front badge for AC charging. However, the optional 11kW onboard charger uses a larger cable that cannot fit in that space.
5. What is the battery warranty and real-world range?
The battery warranty is 8 years / 100,000 miles. Real-world range during mixed driving is around 120 miles (depending on driving style and weather).
6. How is the ride quality and handling?
The Grande Panda offers a soft and comfortable ride, especially in city driving. Steering is light, easy to manoeuvre and the car handles bumps well. Braking performance is strong for its segment.
7. What features are missing in the 2025 Fiat Grande Panda?
Some missing features include: no vanity mirrors, no adaptive cruise control, no lane keep assist, conservative reverse camera guidelines, and rear wiper cleans less than half of the glass.
8. How practical is the rear seat for passengers and child seats?
Rear space is decent with good headroom. ISOFIX anchor points are available but slightly recessed, which may need some effort when attaching child seats.
9. What are the notable pros and cons of the 2025 Fiat Grande Panda?
Pros: Retro design, built-in charger, 8-year battery warranty, practical boot space, sturdy switchgear.
Cons: No one-pedal drive, no vanity mirrors, missing ADAS features.
