New Fiat Grande Panda 4x4 concept is the Jimny alternative we've been waiting for
Though technical details are scant, Fiat said the Grande Panda 4x4 will feature an 'an electrified innovative rear axle' that will deliver 'impressive performance in urban settings and on more demanding terrain'.
No word on what will drive the front axle but in the regular Grande Panda Hybrid propulsion is provided by an 82kW 1.2 l three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired to a 21kW electric motor.
So to recap: a small, nostalgia-rich supermini with robust looks and mild off-roading performance? Come on, Fiat, give the Grande Panda 4x4 concept the green light already!

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

TimesLIVE
28-05-2025
- TimesLIVE
Stellantis names Antonio Filosa as its new CEO
Franco-Italian-US carmaker Stellantis on Wednesday named Antonio Filosa, the Italian head of its North American operations, as its new CEO, effective from June 23. Filosa, 51, will be expected to focus on the challenging task of reviving Stellantis' fortunes, specially in its key US market, after it suffered a 70% drop in net profit and a €6bn (R137,469,892,500) cash burn in 2024. "The board selected Antonio Filosa to be CEO based on his proven track record of hands-on success during his more than 25 years in the automotive industry", Stellantis said. Filosa will also need to rein in Stellantis sprawling 14-brand portfolio - with analysts and experts thinking the carmaker should terminate or sell some of them - and complete a process to restore the group's fraught relations with dealers, unions and governments. He succeeds Carlos Tavares, who quit the group in December after sharp drops in profits and sales raised questions about his management. Since then, the carmaker has been provisionally led by its chair John Elkann, a scion of the Agnelli family that founded Fiat, now part of Stellantis. The Agnellis are Stellantis' single largest investor through their family holding company Exor. The group's other brands include Peugeot and Jeep. Having exceeded €27 (R549) early last year, Stellantis's Milan-listed shares shed more than two thirds of their value in the next 12 months. Stellantis was created in early 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot's owner PSA, with Tavares, the former PSA head, as its first CEO. Filosa has been leading Stellantis in North America since October. In 2023 he was also appointed global head of Jeep, one of Stellantis key brands, a role he quit this year when, as part of a wider management reshuffle, he was also given the additional role of Stellantis global chief for quality. An Italian national, Filosa was born in the southern city of Naples, spent his youth in the region of Puglia in the south, and graduated in engineering from Milan's Polytechnic. Married to a Brazilian architect, he is the father of two sons and has a passion for water polo. He joined Fiat Group in 1999, where he covered several roles, predominantly in Latin America, becoming Fiat Chrysler chief in the region in 2018. He then served as Stellantis COO for South America. Despite his Fiat background and Italian nationality, he has hardly ever worked in Italy and can offer the global profile the Stellantis board had been looking for to address issues at the multinational carmaker. His recent years as head of Stellantis' North American business can also prove an asset in dealing with US President Donald Trump's administration and respond to its tariff policies.

TimesLIVE
23-05-2025
- TimesLIVE
Everything you need to know about the new Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid
Fiat's new Grande Punto has been launched as a hybrid. The funky new model that made its international Debut in June 2024 is available in multiple powertrains, including full electric derivatives launched earlier in the year. The company also revealed a new Grande Panda 4x4 concept model during the hybrid media drive, with exclusive details of dark red livery and an all-terrain drivetrain. The newly debuted hybrid drivetrain is a front-wheel drive with a new 83kW turbocharged three-cylinder 1.2 l engine paired with a 21kW electric motor and a 48V lithium-ion battery. An eDCT six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, regenerative braking and driving modes of e-launch, e-creeping and e-parking are available. The company doesn't share fuel consumption averages at this stage. Designed in Italy at the Centro Stile in Turin, the modern interpretation of the iconic Panda is a cool urban car that measures 3.99m in length. The car sits on the Stellantis 'Smart Car' platform, a flexible, multi-energy architecture designed to offer a wide range of cost-effective electric vehicles to compete with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. It has enough room to carry five passengers and a 412 l boot. Smart storage solutions totalling 16 l to store loose items is integrated in the cabin. The exterior cues of a wedge-like profile are enhanced by retro PXL LED headlamps, cube-like taillights and blacked-out pillars. Details such as 3D-branded 'Panda' lettering on the doors and 'Fiat' on the rear, a lenticular C-pillar graphic, and glossy black bezel are further stylistic touches. Bright exterior colours finish the fun driving vibe, while a choice of trims — Pop, Icon and La Prima — offer customer personalisation. The Blu Tasmania colour scheme with bright yellow accents on the dashboard, infotainment area and as seat stitching energises the cabin. Amenities include air-conditioning, digital clusters, electric parking brake, smartphone station, navigation, front parking sensors, rearview camera and wireless charging, depending on the model. Three customisable upgrade packs including Tech, Style and Winter are also available. They introduce further items such as automatic climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof bars, privacy glass, skid plates, heated seats, steering wheel and windshield. The range-topping La Prima trim combines all packages, along with 17-inch alloy wheels, premium interior finishes, including BAMBOX Bamboo Fiber Tex that contains 33% of the natural fibres for the dashboard. Recycled beverage cartons are repurposed as blue plastic with a shimmering aluminium finish as touch point finishers. Safety is taken care of by a comprehensive ADAS suite including cruise control, speed limiter, active safety brake, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning and open-door alerts. The La Prima trim boasts front sensors and a rearview camera. Connectivity is supported with wireless smartphone mirroring, multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. The initial Fiat Panda model debuted in 1980, and SA welcomed the second-generation car in 2003. Stellantis SA confirms it has no plans to introduce the new Grande Panda models to this market, but the hybrid pricing starts at €19,000 (R386,000) for European customers.

IOL News
22-05-2025
- IOL News
Fiat TRIS: the funky electric three-wheeler coming to South Africa
The three-wheeled electric Fiat TRIS is scheduled to be launched in South Africa. Image: Supplied Fiat has introduced a funky electric three-wheeler called the TRIS aimed at urban logistics and last-mile delivery to mobile businesses and it's coming to South Africa. Think of it as a kind of sophisticated Tuk-Tuk without the exhaust smoke. The name 'TRIS' draws its inspiration from the vehicle's three wheels, its modular design, and its three-light LED arrangement. It ensures easy pronunciation across multiple languages, allowing it to resonate with diverse global audiences. Three configurations It comes in three configurations: Flat Bed, Pick-Up and Chassis Cabin. The Pick-Up version speaks for itself and is the ready-to-work option, while the Flat Bed and Chassis Cabin options can be customised by Fiat Professional's certified partners or directly by customers. Power The lithium battery, with a capacity of 6.9 kWh powers a 48-volt electric motor delivering 9kW (peak power) and a maximum torque of 45Nm providing a range of 90 kilometres (WMTC) with a top speed of 45km/h. Charging is easy thanks to its integrated smart charging system. Fiat says it can be charged from 0 to 80% in 3.5 hours, reaching a complete recharge in 4 hours and 40 minutes using a standard domestic plug. Stability on the three-wheeler is provided by a wide track rear axle, enlarged wheelbase and 12-inch tyres. The TRIS is 3.17 metres long with a 3.05 metre turning radius, a 2.25 square metre load space big enough to accommodate a standard euro pallet, and an RCE-homologated payload capacity of 540 kg. Digital It features 5.7-inch digital cluster displays with driving information, including distance-to-empty and battery level. There's also a USB-C plug and a 12V socket to keep devices charged. The TRIS meets European homologation standards, incorporating three-point seat belts, front LED lighting with ignition-activated low beams, a reverse buzzer, and a washer tank. There are multiple storage compartments, including a closed three litre glove box on the dashboard and additional storage nets as accessories. Stellantis South Africa has not yet confirmed a launch date, saying only that it's definitely coming to our shores.