Review: Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid

I must admit I rather like the styling of Fiat’s Grande Panda. The Limone Yellow paintwork may not appeal to everyone, and the neon Perspex trim inside is certainly bold, but I thought it gave the car a welcome sense of individuality.

It is also refreshing to see Fiat investing in a new supermini when so many manufacturers seem obsessed with building ever-larger SUVs. There is still a place for practical, affordable small cars and the Grande Panda proves they needn't be dull.

The original Panda of the 1980s was the starter car for many of my generation, and I suspect plenty of those owners, now in their early sixties, will appreciate the nostalgic nods in this modern interpretation.

Just as importantly, Fiat has resisted the temptation to inflate the price. The hybrid tested here starts at £18,995, while the fully electric version costs from £20,995, making it one of the most affordable electric cars on sale.

The Grande Panda's shape is unmistakably boxy, echoing the original, with sharp angles inside and out. PANDA is stamped prominently into the doors, adding a quirky design touch while also increasing structural rigidity.

The cabin feels light and airy, with flashes of neon yellow brightening the otherwise simple interior. There are plenty of hard plastics, but they suit the car's honest, no-nonsense character rather than feeling out of place.

One particularly eye-catching feature is the glovebox, wrapped in BAMBOX Bamboo Fiber Tex, a textile containing around 33 per cent bamboo fibres. It looks distinctive and reinforces Fiat's sustainable approach.

The prominent cubed dashboard air vents and instrument binnacle pay tribute to the famous Lingotto factory in Turin, referencing both its distinctive windows and the iconic rooftop test track.

On the road, the Grande Panda is pleasant to drive, although the suspension can feel a little firm over broken surfaces and the steering is rather light. Road noise is noticeable, but wind noise is impressively well suppressed.

Although officially a five-seater, three adults in the back will find space rather tight. With two rear passengers, however, there is plenty of head and shoulder room and comfort is perfectly acceptable.

There is a pure petrol version on the way but for now buyers can choose between a fully electric version with a claimed range of 199 miles from its 44kWh battery or the 1.2-litre three-cylinder hybrid tested here.

Officially producing 111bhp, it feels livelier than the figures suggest, reaching 62mph in around 10 seconds. Fiat claims 55mpg, while I averaged a respectable 49mpg over a week of mainly urban driving with a few blasts down the motorway and along twisty rural roads.

Three trim levels are available – Pop, Icon and La Prima – and even the entry-level model is generously equipped with smartphone mirroring, 60/40 split rear seats, electric parking brake and LED lighting. The range-topper adds heated seats, heated steering wheel, parking sensors, a reversing camera and satellite navigation, among many other aids and adaptations.

Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid La Prima

Price: £21,995

Engine: 1.2 litre petrol

Power: 111bhp

Torque: 151ib/ft

Transmission: Six speed dual automatic transmission

Top Speed: 99mph

0-62mph: 10 seconds

CO2 emissions: 117 g/km