FIAT AND ALFA ROMEO INSIGHT
2 1 AUGUST 2019 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 59
Interior will be basic
but have lots of
modular options
a r ou nd t he f a c t t h at Fi at ’s dom i n a nc e
in the city car segment (it sells one in
three of the breed in Europe with the
500 and Panda) stems from offering
two very different products – the
500 being premium, the Panda
more functional. Broadly, the plan
is to once again offer a range of
500-inspired models, replacing the
500X SUV and the 500L, although
almost certainly not with an MPV.
The more functional range of
family cars will include the new
Panda, a new supermini inspired
by the 500 Giardinera estate and a
Tipo replacement that’s likely to be
a n SU V, w it h it s de si g n i n for me d
b y t he C e nt ov e nt i. T he y w i l l b e“cool, affordable, stylish and have
clever solutions”, says François.
“ T he y w on’t h av e t on s of t e c h.
What really matters is a sustainable
pr ic e , r o om i ne s s , go o d de si g n , k e y
equipment and safety.”
The shifting market won’t be the
only trigger to launch the new Panda
because the need to comply with
t i g ht e n i n g EU e m i s sion s t a nd a rd s
will be another driver.
François says: “Let’s say it’s given
the green light. Then it needs to be
the next defining moment for Fiat – a
s o c i a l l y r e le v a nt c a r, l i k e t he 1957 5 0 0
and the 1980 Panda. I say that not
because of my ego, but because that’s
my a mbit ion. We w a nt t o do a s o c i a l l y
relevant car, a city car that’s electric
and affordable. And that’s currently
an oxymoron.”
Will an electric Panda come? “Yes.
Before 2025, perhaps around 2023.” ◊
SMART
TAILGATE
Tailgate contains an
optional electronic message
board. It’s one of six dealer-
fit items that also include
batteries, body panels and an
extended instrument pack.
The other 114 options are
owner-installed.
Bodywork will be
grey. Bumpers can
be a chosen colour
Centoventi lays the
groundwork for a
new Panda, due 2021
INTERIOR
Holes in the
dashboard allow a
va r i e t y of fe a tu r e s to b e
added, from tablet to bottle
box to cupholder. Seats are
made from lightweight, self-
coloured materials. Front
seat doubles as load-
carrying platform.