Panda-Inspired Fiat Concepts Preview the Brand's Future Lineup

Sharing a global platform with either electric, gas, or hybrid powertrains, a new model will launch each year from 2024 to 2027.

BY ERIC STAFFORDPUBLISHED: FEB 26, 2024

Fiat today revealed several concepts that are not only inspired by the famous Panda model from the 1980s but that also preview the design direction of the Italian brand's forthcoming lineup. Fiat CEO Oliver Francois detailed the company's future plans in a YouTube video, which includes the fact that the new models will share a global platform that will offer electric, gas, and hybrid powertrains. Francois also said that the first of these new Fiats will launch on July 11 of this year, with another model to follow every year until 2027—so four total. While it's unclear if any of the new cars will make it to the U.S. market, it's pretty obvious that if they're anything like the concepts below, they're going to be really cool.

 

 

Pink Panda City Car

STELLANTIS

This city car concept appears to be the most similar to the original Fiat Panda, with its square shape and boxed fenders. We don't expect the production version to have some of the most outlandish features, though, such as a mostly glass canopy and pink tires. We do expect it to adopt the pixel-like lighting elements, which are similar to the aesthetic seen on the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Behind the panel on the Panda's driver's door is a space to store a skateboard. Rad!

 

Innovative Interiors

STELLANTIS

Fiat's future interiors will incorporate oval shapes throughout that are said to be influenced by the company's Lingotto factory in Turin, Italy, which famously features a test track on its roof. Thankfully, the production steering wheel won't be an oval as seen here, but the modular dashboard could have a similar design. The interior materials are said to be made of recycled plastics and bamboo, while the seats remind us of wicker chairs.

 

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A Panda for Families

STELLANTIS

This concept is described as a spacious SUV for large families. Call it a Panda XL if you like. Along with an incredibly short front overhang and huge wheels, the rearmost windows are blocked off like a panel van while the the forward side glass extends below the beltline. It'll be interesting to see if either of those design elements make it to production. In the video, Fiat also used this model to showcase the three available powertrain options, which include an electric setup, a hybrid version, and a gas-powered variant.

 

An XXL Panda Camper

STELLANTIS

Francois called this camper configuration "the ultimate execution of the original 1980 Panda concept." Sized extra, extra large, it appears to feature a lifted ride height and all-terrain tires. Along with a roof rack, we spot what appears to be a winch located on its front fascia. The video further shows a ladder integrated into the rear hatch as well as traction boards and an attachable wind mill that's presumably used to generate power.

Panda Pickup Truck

STELLANTIS

This pickup concept is positioned as the next-generation of the compact Fiat trucks sold abroad. It looks similar to the other concepts except that it has a small cargo bed. The video shows a full-width tailgate too, but it's clear that the space isn't very large as only half a bicycle can fit within the area. What's even more interesting is the storage rack that rises from the roof in the video along with the individual light modules that can be removed from the front end and installed on the edges of the roof rack.

A Sporty Fastback Panda

STELLANTIS

This concept shows off the sportier side of Fiat's upcoming models, with its fastback body style that's similar to the coupe-like crossover that the company sells overseas. This shot also gives us a good look at its rear lighting signature, which mixes the pixel design with "Fiat" illuminated on one side. We also dig the copper paint color that pairs with big wheels with a blocky motif that looks like it was created in Minecraft. Interestingly, this was the only concept in the video that Francois described as "coming soon." Confirmation or coincidence?