Fiat has unveiled five new concept cars inspired by its iconic Panda City Car but with a modern twist. The concepts, which include a city car, a pickup, a fastback, an SUV, and a camper, are built on a new global platform that can accommodate different powertrains, including electric, hybrid, and combustion engines. The first of these new models is expected to be revealed in July 2024, and Fiat plans to launch a new vehicle every year until 2027.
The City Car: a Mega Panda for the urban jungle
The Fiat City Car concept is the closest to the original Panda in terms of size and shape but with a more spacious and futuristic interior. The concept features an oval-shaped dashboard, displays, and headrests inspired by Fiat’s Lingotto building in Turin, which has a test track on its roof. The concept also uses renewable materials, such as recycled plastics and bamboo fabrics, to reduce its environmental impact.
The City Car concept is available in both ICE and BEV versions, with the latter being produced at a plant in Kragujevac, Serbia, where Stellantis has invested €190 million ($200 million) to start its EV production. The City Car BEV is based on Stellantis’s Smart Car architecture, which is also used in the Citroen e-C3. The City Car BEV has a range of about 200 miles (320 km) and can be charged to 80% in 30 minutes using a fast charger.
The City Car concept is designed to offer versatility and functionality for urban dwellers who need a compact and agile vehicle that can also accommodate their family and leisure needs.
The Pickup: a fun and functional vehicle for work and play
The Pickup concept is a surprising addition to Fiat’s lineup, as the brand is not known for its trucks. However, Fiat has a successful model in South America, the Strada, which is a subcompact pickup that sells well in Brazil and other markets. Fiat believes that this type of vehicle can also appeal to customers in other regions, including Europe, where there is a growing demand for versatile and affordable vehicles.
The Fiat Pickup concept is based on the same platform as the City Car but with a longer wheelbase and a higher ground clearance. The concept has a boxy and retro look, reminiscent of the old Panda, but with modern touches, such as LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The concept also has a spacious cabin, with four doors and five seats, and a generous cargo bed, with a tailgate that can be opened in two ways: horizontally or vertically.
The Pickup concept is also available in ICE and BEV versions, with the latter having a range of about 180 miles (290 km) and a towing capacity of 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg). The Pickup concept is aimed at customers who need a vehicle that can handle both work and leisure activities, such as camping, surfing, or biking.
The Fastback: a sleek and sporty vehicle for the road
The Fiat Fastback concept is a large and elegant vehicle that combines the features of a sedan and a coupe. The concept is based on the same platform as the Pickup, but with a lower and longer body and a more aerodynamic shape. The concept has a distinctive front end, with a narrow grille and a prominent Fiat logo, and a sloping roofline that ends in a short and muscular rear.
The Fastback concept is powered by a hybrid system, which consists of a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor, delivering a total output of 240 hp (180 kW) and a torque of 280 lb-ft (380 Nm). The concept can run on electric mode for up to 30 miles (50 km) and has a combined fuel consumption of 50 mpg (4.7 l/100 km).
The Fastback concept is designed to offer a dynamic and comfortable driving experience, with a spacious and luxurious interior equipped with leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12-inch touchscreen. The concept also has advanced safety and connectivity features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and wireless charging.
