Fiat Ireland unveiled its new Grande Panda to the Irish media at a special press launch event held at the offices of the Olympic Federation of Ireland in Abbotstown, the home of Team Ireland for whom Fiat is the Official Vehicle Partner.
The Grande Panda is Fiat’s bold reimagining of one of motoring’s beloved nameplates which stretches back 45 years over three generations. Over eight million units sold during that time. The model competes in the B-segment car. The target audience is first-time buyers, newly qualified drivers, empty nesters seeking to downsize and as a first, or second, family car.
This latest Panda has been given a strong personality featuring a boxy, robust shape and bold stance inspired by the 1980s version and including the PXL (LED)s from the pixel art of that time, giving the car both a nostalgic and futuristic look. There’s a strong focus on colour and sustainable materials in the interior including a bamboo fibre textiles used on the dashboard.
Features include a 10-inch digital cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen radio standard on Icon and La Prima with wireless mirroring with Android Auto/Apple Car Play. La Prima includes the embedded Navigation System.
Boot space is 412 litres for the hybrid version, 361 litres otherwise.
Trims are Pop, Icon and La Prima, all come well specced. Powertrains include full electric (BEV) and mild hybrid variants. The Pop trim is offered only with the battery electric versions while hybrids are offered in both the Icon and La Prima trims.
All-electric (BEV) versions with a 44kWh battery and engine power of 83kW, have an electric range of 320kms, and can DC charge in 30 minutes. A world-first feature is the integrated retractable 4.5m front charging cable behind the FIAT logo, which works up to 7 kW AC only. If you upgrade to 11 kW AC, you lose the retractable cable and must use the rear charging port instead. Both Icon and La Prima electric models include the 7kW on board Front Spiral Cable for convenient charging.
The Grande Panda will be the official vehicle for Team Ireland as part of their four-year partnership with Fiat Ireland, and used to support Irish athletes’ performances by providing transport solutions to make training, competitions and their day-to-day commitments more manageable and stress-free. A dedicated fleet of Fiat vehicles will be made available to athletes and sporting national governing bodies.
Brand Ambassadors Kate O’Connor and Thomas Barr will be driving new Grande Pandas while Olympic Champion swimmer Daniel Wiffen has been driving the model as he competes in the Irish Open. Kate is pictured with John Saunders, Managing Director Fiat Ireland, at last week's launch at Team Ireland HQ.
At the launch, John Saunders, Managing Director of Fiat Ireland said: “This is a car that perfectly captures what Irish drivers are looking for right now. A stylish, versatile and affordable option with a choice of powertrains that doesn’t compromise on technology or sustainability.”
The Pop is from €23,995; Icon from €23,995 and La Prima from €26,995.
Fiat Ireland expect to sell around 250 units (based on supply) for the rest of this year, moving to 500-600 units in a whole calendar year.
