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Fiat has revealed its new pint-sized SUV in an attempt to fend off the advances of new affordable Chinese cars.
Dubbed the Grande Panda, the little SUV will be available as a fully electric car or as a hybrid.
It follows the same formula as the new Citroen C3, its twin under the skin.
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The Grande Panda’s bold design is sure to turn heads and win it a cadre of new fans.
It brings the same digital, retro cool vibe as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with pixel-effect headlights and front grille. Edgy 17-inch alloy wheels, 'Panda' embossed on the side panels and 'Fiat' on the rear hatch will help it stand out from the crowd.
It will measure less than four metres long, which makes it shorter than nearly all cars on sale in Australia including the micro Mazda2 and Hyundai Venue SUV.
Fiat hasn’t confirmed whether the vehicle will make it to Australia, but they have referred to the Grande Panda as the “first model of the new global line-up”.
It will first be launched in Europe, Middle East and Africa but a further global expansion could be on the cards. The third generation Fiat Panda was briefly sold in Australia between 2013 and 2015.
Fiat hasn’t provided details but expects the Grande Panda to use the same power sources as the Citroen C3.
The electric version will use an 82kW motor fed by a 44kWh battery that provides a driving range of up to 320kkm.
Hybrid examples use a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor.
Carmakers are starting to bring cheaper electric cars on line to help drive up sagging demand.
Currently only a handful of Chinese brands sell electric cars under $40,000, but big name legacy makers such as Volkswagen, Hyundai and Jeep have plans in the works for cheaper alternatives.
VW has confirmed a ID.1, which will be the same size as the former VW Up micro hatchback.
Hyundai has teased its new Inster SUV, which will be the brand’s cheapest electric vehicle. Kia will have a version of this car too in the future called the EV2.
Jeep has confirmed it is resurrecting the Renegade as a sub $35,000 electric SUV. It is due to go on sale by 2027.
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