Eight years after Fiat stopped selling the Panda in Israel, importer Samle is launching the new Grande Panda, a larger, modern successor and a sibling model to the new Citroën C3 already on sale locally. The car measures 3.999 meters long, 1.76 meters wide, 1.59 meters high, with a 2.54-meter wheelbase, 17 cm ground clearance and a 350-liter trunk. Fiat will sell it in several colors, including black, white, bronze, yellow, red, blue and light green.
The Grande Panda comes with the same powertrain as the Citroën, a 1.2-liter turbo gasoline mild-hybrid engine producing 110 hp and 20.9 kgm of torque, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Fiat says it does 0 to 100 kph in 10 seconds, reaches 160 kph, and averages 18.5 km per liter. An electric version is sold in Europe, but it will not be imported to Israel.
Two trim levels will be offered. The ICON starts at NIS 119,000 and includes 16-inch steel wheels with covers, front and rear LED lights, a digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, wireless phone mirroring, six speakers, climate control, wireless charging, rain and light sensors, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and keyless entry and start. The LA PRIMA starts at NIS 126,000 and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, tinted rear windows, different upholstery, interior LED lighting, a center armrest, height adjustment for the passenger seat, and electrically folding mirrors.
Safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, active lane keeping, cruise control with speed limiter, traffic sign recognition, driver fatigue warning, a driver distraction camera, high beam assist, parking sensors and a factory reverse camera. The model has not yet been tested by Euro NCAP, and Fiat gives it a 3-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty. It will be among the cheapest superminis in Israel, though about NIS 4,000 more expensive than the related Citroën C3, while the upcoming BYD Dolphin G plug-in, due in the coming months, is expected to match the pricier Panda trim.
