2024 Fiat Panda: updated information

author: FutureCar Staff    

Fiat is set to make a comeback with the release of a new Fiat Panda, potentially arriving in mid-2024. Exclusive renders of the new model have been unveiled, showcasing a minimalistic design that focuses on affordability. Fiat has been underinvested in recent years, resulting in the continuation of outdated technology and powertrains in their petrol-powered Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda models. However, the brand has recently unveiled new models, including the retro-inspired 600e electric crossover and the Topolino quadricycle based on the Citroen Ami.

On July 11, 2024, Fiat will celebrate its 125th birthday by introducing more affordable cars to compete with budget-friendly rivals such as Dacia, Hyundai's lower-end models, and Kia's i10 and Picanto city cars. Fiat has hinted that their latest model could be inspired by the Panda and draw heavy inspiration from the minimalistic Centoventi concept car, which was revealed in 2019. With Dacia's announcement of the Spring affordable EV coming to the UK, Fiat is likely to aim for a rival cheap EV. The Panda, known for being a small and affordable version of the 500, may make a comeback in EV form, while petrol versions could serve as entry-level models, possibly utilizing the 1.2-litre PureTech unit found in various Peugeot and Citroen cars.

While Fiat has not confirmed the return of other iconic small Fiat names like the Punto, Tipo, and Uno, they have not ruled out the possibility of having multiple models in the B-segment. The upcoming models from Fiat will range between 3.6 and 4.5 meters in length. Fiat CEO Olivier Francois emphasized the extra Italian flair associated with their cars as the key factor that will attract customers away from Dacia. He stated, "We are focused on making something simple, cool, joyful, you know, a little bit special. We have this DNA, and maybe we can take some design cues from the Panda and the 1980s and bring that back to life – a simple car made by the Italians is not a punishment but a joy; a simple car made by anyone else is a punishment."

Since becoming part of the Stellantis Group, which includes brands like Peugeot, Citroen, and Vauxhall, Fiat has access to a wider range of platforms and parts, allowing them to reduce costs. While extravagant features of the Centoventi Concept, such as swappable batteries, are unlikely to be included in the new Panda, simplicity will be a key focus.

FutureCar Staff