Cult-classic motor discontinued in the 90s set to RETURN as 4×4 with brand teasing ‘next chapter’
A CULT-classic car which was dropped in the 1990s is now set to make a comeback as a modern-day 4x4, as the manufacturer hints at the “next chapter”.
The original Fiat Panda was seen as a go-anywhere supermini and became a hit with its loyal band of fans.
Now, with the Italian firm’s fast-growing line-up the dinky motor is being turned into the Fiat Grande Panda 4x4.
The original Panda 4x4 first hit our streets in 1983 and thanks to its raised height and rugged styling elements it soon became a cult classic, seen as an affordable off-roader.
The new Grande Panda forms the base of the revived concept and is being offered with both 111bhp electric and 108bhp 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol powertrains.
It will be part of Stellantis’s new Smart Car platform, designed to appeal to cost-conscious drivers.
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Fiat hasn’t yet officially confirmed its production intent but has billed the Grande Panda 4x4 as “the next chapter” and a “potential true symbol of versatility, reliability and freedom”.
Fiat Europe boss Gaetano Thorel hasn’t officially confirmed the machine would reach production, but said: "Surely we will have this car on the road in the future – but not tomorrow,” reports .
Mr Thorel did add that there had been demand for a 4x4 version since the Grande Panda was first unveiled and that the company wanted to meet that demand.
Full details about the vehicle’s powertrain haven’t been revealed, Fiat has referred to it as offering an “electrified innovative rear axle”.
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Fiat engineers are still working on the potential four-wheel-drive powertrain and refused to give details on whether any production 4x4 would be electric or combustion-based.
Fiat insiders have hinted it would have an electric motor powering the rear axle and use the Smart Car platform, reports the motoring magazine.
Details of that unit’s size though have yet to be confirmed.
There is speculation it could be a smaller e-axle which adds supplementary power, when needed.
The car’s rival, the Dacia Duster 4x4, uses a similar mild-hybrid arrangement.
Fiat’s Grande Panda 4x4 concept also incorporates several bespoke design cues, such as dark red paint which hints at a special edition of the Panda 4x4.
It also features steel wheels, special graphics on the doors which underscore the stamped Panda lettering and hint at traditional off-roader body cladding.
There’s also a protective underbody skidplate and a roof rack.
Fiat has also hinted that any production model would “most likely feature other accessories”.
The intention is to eventually position the Grande Panda as a global car and to manufacture it in factories on three continents.
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In order to meet those global requirements, it can utilise a number of powertrains including a manual pure ICE, a hybrid, full electric and even LPG.
The manual ICE is set to launch in Europe later this year but it is not expected to be available in the UK at first due to the extra costs of right-hand drive conversion.
