Panda, Pandina and Grande Panda - what a mess, Fiat!

The Fiat Panda name has been around since 1980, when the first generation, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, made its debut. A model that sold and oversold itself, becoming an integral part of Italian automotive history.

For more than 40 years there has been one Panda in the Fiat line-up. Now, with the arrival of the Grande Panda, there are two. However, it has nothing to do with the Panda we are used to, as it is the successor (in terms of segment) of the Punto and Grande Punto. Style, mechanics, dimensions, engines: everything is different. And the 'Grande' suffix is a must to distinguish the two models and not make the list chaotic. It's a pity, however, that Fiat has complicated things with the Pandina, the Panda's trim. Let's try to clarify things.

It's easy to say Panda

So let's eliminate the first doubt right away: the Pandina is not a model in its own right but the richer and better equipped version of the Panda we are used to. So if you want a Pandina you will find yourself with a classic Fiat Panda, simply with those features that over the years have found a place on the various competitors - cruise control above all - but which were not present on the Italian bestseller. Even if the weight of the years makes itself felt (a 7" monitor today is decidedly undersized). l all with a starting price set at 18,900 euros, 3,000 more than the basic Panda.

Let's dispel the first doubt right away: the Pandina is not a separate model, but the richer, better-equipped version of the Panda we are used to. If you want a Pandina, you get a classic Fiat Panda, but with all the features that over the years have found their way into various competitors - cruise control, for example - but which were not present on the Italian bestseller. Even if the weight of the years makes itself felt (a 7-inch screen is now clearly undersized). All this at a starting price of €18,900, €3,000 more than the basic Panda.

The Fiat Panda configurator

Photo by: Fiat

So far, everything is clear. But now the Fiat Grande Panda turns the tables. As already mentioned, the suffix helps to frame it in terms of dimensions - 3.99 metres versus 3.68 metres - and more. And we know that, unlike the Pandina, it is not a specific version but a completely different model.

The platform is the Stellantis Group's Smart Car, suitable for petrol engines (present in the Citroën C3 but absent from the Grande Panda), mild hybrids and electrics. Everything should be clearer now.

The Fiat Panda in basic trim

Photos by: Fiat

The Fiat Panda in Pandina trim

Unfortunately, even some of the styling details can be misleading. Look at the sides of the Grande Panda. They say 'Panda'. And that's about it. The 'Grande' gets lost along the way. Admittedly, a length of 3.99 metres doesn't help in finding space for a large number of characters, but what would the less informed think when they see it go by and read Panda? I'm fascinated by the new Fiat Panda. I'm almost going to ask the dealer'. The following is a hypothetical conversation between the customer and the salesman.

• 'Good morning, I've seen the new Panda around and wanted to get some information'.
• "Ah, you say the Grande Panda".
• "Big? Well it looked small to me".
• "So you mean the Pandina?"
• "Yes the Panda, the usual one."
• "But the Panda Panda or the Panda Pandina?"
• "Look, I saw a car with Panda written on the side."
• "So you mean the Big Panda, not the Panda"
• "But how big is the Big Panda? Because I need a small, city car"
• "Then I'd recommend the Panda, it's smaller. And I'd go for the Pandina?"
• "Ah so not the Panda but the Pandina. How much smaller is it than the Panda?"
• "No, it's a Panda".

The Fiat Panda in Pandina trim

Fiat Grande Panda

And so on.

Joking aside, there is no doubt that sometimes marketing choices can be perfect - initially the Fiat Panda should have been called the 141, a decidedly less sympathetic and catchy name - while sometimes, in the desire to respect tradition, they can cause confusion and misunderstanding. Not to mention the fact that the Grande Panda family is set to expand in the future with the arrival of new models. One could be called the Giga Panda. Just for fun.

Perhaps a choice that included a 'Top' or 'Icon' for the best-equipped Fiat Panda would have reduced the risk of confusion in the price lists, or renaming the whole range 'Pandina', leaving the Panda to the newcomer. Mysteries that those of us who do not study advertising will never understand.

The Fiat Panda glossary 

Read also:

The Fiat Grande Panda is ready for production

The Fiat Panda we want: Compact, non-electrified and cheap

Fiat Panda vs Kia Picanto: Citycar challenge

Stellantis to suspend production of the Fiat Panda