
Iconic Fiat Panda 4x4 poised to make Grande all-electric comeback
Modern day version of old favourite is a blend of its rich heritage and new innovation.
Fiat's cute little go-anywhere Panda was to South African's what the Jimny is to Suzuki fans. Now it has been shown as the new Grande Panda 4×4 concept, a legendary icon reborn to capture the imagination of drivers around the world.
The next chapter in the legacy of the Italian brand is marked by a potential true symbol of versatility, reliability, and freedom on four wheels.
First launched in 1983, the Fiat Panda 4×4 quickly won over generations of enthusiasts by delivering a unique combination of practicality, comfort and elegance. All wrapped in a compact form capable of tackling any terrain.
Fiat Panda reborn
Think Suzuki Jimny again. Small on the outside, yet cleverly spacious on the inside. It offered everyday drivability paired with rugged off-road capability, embodying the ideal balance of city car and mountain climber. It was a revolution in motion: accessible, adaptable, and beloved by everyone.
With its eyes set firmly on the future, the new Grande Panda 4×4 project is destined to be a manifesto for a fresh vision of sustainable mobility. It is a vision rooted in innovation and in line with current dictates, while maintaining the characteristics that made it a global cult favourite.
Back in 2007 The Citizen Motoring accordingly had a Fiat Panda on test. It produced a mere 44kW of power and 102 Nm of torque from its 1 200cc naturally aspirated engine. But now, the Grande Panda 4×4 concept is powered with an electrified innovative rear axle.
Embracing sustainability
This feature would enable the vehicle to deliver impressive performance in urban settings and on more demanding terrain. It's a deliberate choice that underscores Fiat's ongoing commitment to embracing increasingly sustainable and forward-looking technologies. All while preserving the adventurous spirit and everyday practicality that have always defined the Panda 4×4.
The choice of materials and colours have been chosen to define the spirit of this Grande Panda 4×4 Concept model. It is all about the concept of freedom, adventure and desire to rediscover the connection the original had with nature. On the exterior, the iconic dark red colour has been reinterpreted in a modern key with a deep, enveloping Bordeaux. The beige details also dress the model with a nostalgic reference to the great 4×4 icon.
ALSO READ: Boxy and retro meet as Fiat debuts all-new Grande Panda
Blending heritage with innovation
The Grande Panda 4×4 Concept, which is now Fiat's potential next four-wheel drive is accessorised with two lamps on the roof rack in addition to those on the front. A list of even more accessories will likely be available if the vehicle comes into production.
With this modern reinterpretation of the Fiat Panda 4×4, the carmaker has reaffirmed its desire to blend heritage and innovation. It is in response to the needs of a changing mobility landscape while not losing sight of the model's authentic and deeply popular soul.

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


The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
AUTO ambitions: 2025 Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT review
While the 2025 Suzuki Fronx may not be one of the Japanese manufacturers best-sellers in its lineup, it's certainly one of the most compelling. Moreover, the 2025 Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT keeps all the good stuff from the slope-roofed, coupe-styled crossover that impressed us last year. Let's also not forget how well the humble Japanese carmaker is doing in a contracting South African economy. The firm continues to set sales records, seemingly each month, according to NAAMSA sales data. As a result, the high-value marque is comfortably ensconced in third position for South African new-car sales in the passenger segment. There's no practical situation the 2025 Suzuki Fronx GLX 4AT doesn't handle with aplomb. Image: File Now the brand has brought a 2025 Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT to market. Clearly, it's aimed at motorists who'd rather not bother with a manual gearshift and third pedal. And as excellent as the 5MT Fronx is, we totally accept South Africa's unique market demands. Chat to any layperson in the street about commuting and the vast majority will say they just want something easy in traffic. Nevertheless, Suzuki's slope-roofed crossover joined the market somewhat late. But launching back in 2023 did at least allow the brand to survey the segment and make appropriate provisions. Key of which was the introduction of the 4AT in top-wrung GLX spec, retailing for R362 900. It hails from India – like most of Suzuki's cars sold in SA – because the Indian government gives tax breaks to cars manufactured that are shorter than four metres. Which, in turn, means savings are passed onto the consumer at the end of the day … Suzuki Fronx GLX 5MT model pictured. Image: File Accordingly, the 2025 Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT measures 3 995 mm long to adhere to the Indian restriction. It is 1 765 mm wide and stands 1 550 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2 520 mm. Inside, there is no issue with head and shoulder space. The boot is rated at 304 litres, which is par for the course for compact crossovers nowadays. And you can fold the rear seats really easily for plenty of extra utility space. What we most enjoy is that the GLX is the highest-spec Fronx on offer. So, there's the contrasting black roof that gives it a sleek silhouette. Gunmetal alloy wheels, distinctive two-tier LED headlamps and the largest 9-inch touchscreen available comes with wireless Apple CarPlay. Plus, a 360-degree reverse camera, 4.2-inch LCD driver-info display, automatic climate control and cruise control, mean you'll want for nothing in the 2025 Suzuki Fronx GLX. The Fronx is yet another impressive offering built in India for Suzuki. Image: File As before, there's only one engine available in the 2025 Suzuki Fronx range. It's the bomb-proof naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol, which is good for 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. It's a rev-happy engine that combines comfortably with the easy-shifting, four-speed automatic gearbox. Unfortunately, like in the CVT Swift and auto Jimny models we drove recently, going for two pedals instead of three does have its downsides though. Against the stopwatch the 2025 Suzuki Fronx 4AT is a bit tardier to 100 km/h, coming in slower than 10 seconds. Likewise, you'll be using more fuel to commute around. Our average eventually settled on 6.9 l/100 km, when the three pedal was closer to 5.9 l/100 km. Despite this, it accelerates in a linear fashion and is suitably easy-going and quiet at moderate throttle. You'll spot a 2025 Suzuki Fronx GLX by the contrasting roof and gunmetal alloy wheels. Image: File On the evidence of our review, we think the 2025 Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT will find plenty of happy homes in South Africa. The high-spec 9-inch infotainment and other bells and whistles is worth the R362 900 price of admission alone. Likewise, the build quality for the sub-continental offering really impressed us. Perhaps, the only slightly divisive issue is the name: Fronx. 'Yes, I just brought a new Fronx!'. Which you can explain to your mates is a portmanteau of 'Frontier' and 'Crossover,' just by the way. However, when you experience its peppy drive and composed road manners, you'll care less what it's called. 2025 Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT Engine: 1.5-litre petrol 1.5-litre petrol Transmission: 4-speed automatic 4-speed automatic Power: 77 kW 77 kW Torque: 138 Nm 138 Nm 0-100 km/h: 10.20 seconds (tested) 10.20 seconds (tested) Top speed: 170 km/h 170 km/h Consumption: 6.9 l/100 km (tested) 6.9 l/100 km (tested) Price: R362 900 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

TimesLIVE
9 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
John Elkann says Europe needs small, affordable cars like Japan's 'kei cars'
Europe needs small and affordable cars such as Japan's 'kei cars', Stellantis chair John Elkann said on Thursday, as high prices, which he blamed on regulation in the region, weigh on consumer demand. Kei cars are urban vehicles traditionally sold in Japan with size and engine restrictions, enjoying lower tax and insurance costs. Elkann said the European equivalent could be called the 'e-car'. 'There's no reason, if Japan has a kei car, which is 40% of the market, Europe should not have an e car,' he said at an Automotive News Europe conference in Turin, Italy, the home of Fiat, now part of Stellantis. Fiat has a tradition of making small, affordable cars, from the 'Topolino' of pre-war years to the famous '600" and '500" of the 1950s and 1960s, which helped Italians take to the roads and turned Fiat into a European giant. Elkann noted that in 2019 there were 49 models sold in Europe for less than €15,000 (R266,622), vs just one now. In 2019 a million cars were sold at that price level compared with fewer than 100,000 now, he added.

IOL News
11 hours ago
- IOL News
Anele Mdoda hilariously tells Elon Musk to not fold after his Trump apology
Anele Mdoda's humorous perspective on Elon Musk's recent public apology to President Donald Trump gave Mzansi something to chuckle over. Image: Anele Mdoda Instagram South African media personality Anele Mdoda has captured the attention of the online world with her humorous perspective on Elon Musk's recent public apology to President Donald Trump. Musk, who made headlines for his controversial remarks about Trump last week, found himself issuing an apology that has ignited debate and laughter across various platforms. Only days after a fiery exchange between Musk and Trump unfolded, with Musk criticising Trump's proposed 'big, beautiful bill' that has become a focal point in Senate discussions, he appeared to backtrack. Just hours ago, in a post made on X, which Musk owns, he acknowledged the inappropriateness of some of his earlier posts, stating, 'I regret some of my posts about President Donald Trump last week. They went too far.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 11, 2025 This admission came in the early hours of Wednesday morning, showcasing a sudden reversal just one week after a heated barrage of personal attacks aimed at Trump. In the wake of Musk's unexpected olive branch to Trump, the US President offered insight during a pre-recorded podcast, suggesting reconciliation between the two was not out of the question. 'Look, I have no hard feelings,' Trump remarked, expressing surprise at Musk's earlier comments. He continued, appreciating the merits of his own 'phenomenal' bill while hinting that Musk 'just - I think he feels very badly that he said that, actually.' Yet, while Musk's apology was intended as a step towards mending bridges, it sparked mixed reactions from netizens and commentators worldwide. Among those reacting was Mdoda, known for her sharp wit and candid opinions. Mdoda expressed her bemusement and disappointment at Musk's decision to retract his earlier stance, advising the billionaire to stand firm rather than 'fold'. Hayi chomi sufolda — Anele Mdoda (@Anele) June 11, 2025 Social media users quickly joined the fray, with comments suggesting that Musk's sudden change of heart was possibly influenced by fears over his business interests. 'When someone is about to kiss the government contracts goodbye, they behave exactly the way mastende (landlord) is behaving,' one user quipped, while another remarked, 'It takes a real man to admit when he was wrong.'