Fiat Panda Hybrid 2020: the road to electrification

The content of the article:

• External appearance
• Salon
• Specifications
• Price and level of equipment

In January 2020, Fiat launched the e-Mobility strategy, which was marked by the presentation of a hybrid modification of the Fiat Panda compact hatchback. By the way, the car was shown along with the updated Fiat 500, which also got a mild hybrid power plant.

It is curious that the manufacturer began its path to the electrification of the model range with the installation of "mild hybrids" on the oldest models. So, the current generation of Fiat Panda has been produced by the company for 9 years without fundamental changes, and the iconic Fiat 500 has been produced for 13 years. Earlier we have already talked about the "five hundredth" hybrid, this time we propose to take a closer look at the new Fiat Panda Hybrid.

External appearance

The featured Fiat Panda Hybrid is exactly the same look as a regular Fiat Panda of the latest generation. True, at the presentation, the manufacturer presented the Cross modification, which has a more "combat" appearance. Let's talk about her.

The front part of the body demonstrates stylish head optics, round headlights of daytime running lights and a powerful front bumper with built-in fog lights, an original designed air intake and "bare" towing eyes.

The taut profile sports a short bonnet, massive wheel arches, roof rails, plastic overlays with the “Cross” lettering and original rims.

The neat stern is represented by a compact luggage compartment lid, a monumental rear bumper with square fog lights and parking lights located on the rear pillars, which are partially covered with plastic overlays. The manufacturer placed the Hybrid nameplate right there. Special attention should be paid to the massive plastic body kit that envelops the body around its entire perimeter.

External dimensions Fiat Panda Hybrid 2020:

The car rises above the road by 150-160 mm, which allows you to comfortably move around the city and boldly move onto a country road. Like other models of the company, Fiat Panda Hybrid will offer its customers a wide range of body colors.

Salon Fiat Panda Hybrid 2020

The salon of the novelty has not changed either. In front of the driver is a stylish multifunction steering wheel with a slightly cut lower rim and an original dashboard, represented by three square wells.

In the central part of the front panel there is a multimedia system, represented by a small display and two blocks of function buttons. Slightly below - the originally designed air conditioning control unit, and even lower on a special "beard" the manufacturer has placed a gearbox selector and buttons for activating the front power windows.

The build quality, ergonomics and finishing materials do not give rise to any complaints (considering the class and cost of the car).

For the front passengers, the manufacturer has prepared comfortable seats with an unusual shape of the head restraints. The chairs have a wide range of adjustments, high-quality finishing and stamping with the model name.

The rear sofa is designed to accommodate two adult riders, although a third passenger can also fit in if you want to.

The trunk volume is standardly equal to 225 liters, and with the backs of the second row seats folded it reaches 870 liters. It is also worth noting the presence of a stowaway and a small repair kit located in a niche under the raised floor of the luggage compartment.

Specifications Fiat Panda Hybrid 2020

The new Fiat Panda Hybrid is built on the same platform as the Fiat 500 Hybrid and is equipped with a similar power plant. It is a 70 horsepower 3-cylinder 3-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 12-volt electric motor powered by a small lithium-ion battery.

The electric motor helps the petrol installation during acceleration, is responsible for the operation of the start-stop system and stores energy during braking.

The partner of the hybrid power plant is a 6-speed manual transmission without an alternative. The manufacturer emphasizes that the "mild hybrid" is noticeably more economical and more environmentally friendly than its gasoline "counterparts", which are equipped with civilian versions of Fiat Panda.

The car's suspension is represented by classic MacPherson struts on the front and semi-independent on the rear axle. Rack and pinion steering is equipped with variable electric power steering, and the braking system is equipped with disc mechanisms "in a circle".

2020 Fiat Panda Hybrid price and equipment level

Official sales of the Fiat Panda Hybrid in Europe should start in spring 2020, while the cost of the new product remains a mystery. The unpleasant news for Russian fans of the model is that the car will not be officially presented on our market.

The list of basic equipment will include:

• halogen head optics;
• fog lights;
• front and side airbags;
• climatic installation;
• EBD, ABS, ASR and ESC systems;
• Brake Assist complex;
• audio system with 6 speakers;
• power windows for all doors;
• assistant when starting down the hill;
• start-stop system;
• multi-wheel;
• manual gearbox;
• combined interior trim;
• immobilizer;
• seat belts with pretensioners;
• ISOFIX fasteners, etc.

Conclusion

Fiat Panda Hybrid is a bright, moderately brutal and memorable city car that will certainly find its buyer not only in its homeland, but also far beyond its borders. The main stumbling block for potential buyers may be the price, which promises to be higher than that of the already not the most affordable civilian version of Fiat Panda.