PANDA-ING TO THE LEISURE MARKET

Since 1980, the name ‘Panda’ has been synonymous with Fiat’s smallest car, with over eight million produced. Now, Fiat has unveiled a family of Panda-inspired concepts for the future. These will be followed by production models from next July, with the launch of a new version every year until 2027. The new models have been designed to ‘conquer the streets of the world and complete the brand’s line-up’ and, thanks to being a part of Stellantis, Fiat has access to a new global platform, on which it has added its distinctive brand of Italian creativity.

Olivier François, Fiat CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, says, “Fiat is a global brand with 1.3 million cars sold last year and solid leadership in many parts of the world. We are excited to share this glimpse into our future; a very near future, actually, since the first car will be presented in four months during the brand’s 125th anniversary celebration.”

The new cars will share the same philosophy – functionality should never exist without fun, Fiat says – and use a single global platform where new models can be manufactured on the basis of local requirements. The unique multi-energy platform will also allow the next Fiat models to be equipped with all types of powertrain (electric, hybrid and internal combustion engine).

But what relevance has all this in a motorhome magazine?

Well, in addition to a city car, pick-up, fastback and SUV, the Panda concept has been shown as a camper. Described as the ‘ultimate do-it-all vehicle’, it pays homage to the Panda from the 1980s, recalling the versatility of a car that was made for the city with the features of an SUV and which has become a design classic. Some readers may remember that, in the original Panda hatchback, the seats could all be folded down to make a double bed, so perhaps we could see a production Panda campervan in the future.