- The ICE-only Fiat Grande Panda joins the mild-hybrid and EV options.
- A 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo delivers 99 hp and 205 Nm of torque.
- Power goes to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox.
A year after debuting as a subcompact hatch with electric and mild-hybrid power, the Fiat Grande Panda is gaining a more traditional option for buyers who aren’t ready to leave combustion behind. Stellantis has introduced a petrol-only version, and in a move that feels almost rebellious these days, it comes with a manual gearbox for drivers who still want to row their own gears over scrolling through drive modes.
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The first non-electrified Grande Panda uses the familiar turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that already serves in several Stellantis models, including the closely-related Citroen C3. Output is rated at 99 hp (74 kW / 100 PS) and 205 Nm (151.2 lb-ft) of torque, supported by Start&Stop. On paper, this makes it the least powerful Grande Panda, sitting just below the 109 hp mild hybrid and the 111 hp fully electric version.
Saving the Manual
More importantly, the gasoline engine is exclusively mated to a “refined” six-speed manual gearbox, leaving the dual-clutch automatic for the mild-hybrid variant. As with the rest of the range, power is transmitted to the front wheels. Fiat has confirmed that an AWD version is under development, but this will likely feature an electrified rear axle (mild hybrid or electric).
Visually, the gasoline-powered Grande Panda looks identical to its electrified stablemates, minus the lack of hybrid or EV badges. The exhaust pipe is tucked underneath the rear bumper, just like in the Grande Panda Hybrid. However, the interior is different, as the island-like center console houses the stick for the manual gearbox which is obviously missing from the other two.
Trim Levels and Features
No matter which powertrain you choose, the Grande Panda comes in three trims: the entry-level Pop, the mid-range Icon, and the range-topping La Prima.
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The base model rides on black 16-inch steelies and has no infotainment display, combining the standard 10-inch digital instrument cluster with a smartphone dock. The Icon adds full LED headlights and taillights, more modern hubcaps, six speakers, and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Finally, the La Prima sports 17-inch wheels and gains auto climate control, a Bambox dashboard, and a rearview camera, among other standard kit. The color palette includes seven shades, namely Gelato White, Cinema Black, Passione Red, Acqua Azure, Limone Yellow, Lago Blue and Luna Bronze.
Where It Fits on Price
Pricing for the petrol-powered Grande Panda has not yet been announced, but it is expected to undercut the mild hybrid, which currently starts at €16,950 ($19,700) in Italy on promotion. For context, the Citroen C3 with the same engine begins at €15,900 ($18,500), while its mild-hybrid counterpart costs €20,950 ($24,300).
Stellantis
