First drive: The Fiat Grande Panda is a funky and fresh B-segment vehicle

Fiat knows how to make fun and affordable small cars and the Panda has been one of its most successful models in this area.

The new ‘Grande’ Panda is the latest addition to the Fiat family and rivals the likes of the Citroen e-C3 and Hyundai Inster.

The Italian firm is labelling the vehicle as its ‘World Car’ as it’s expected to be sold in more than 60 countries across the globe.

However, Fiat is committed to expanding its product portfolio and will continue to produce the outgoing Panda – which competes in the smaller A-segment class.

Everything about the car is new. The exterior design has had a complete makeover and its interior has been built around sustainability. The plastics used throughout the cabin are made from recycled materials. Meanwhile, the flagship model in the range boasts a dashboard wrapped in real bamboo fibres.

The Grande Panda is the first Fiat to sit on the Stellantis ‘Smart Car Platform’. This allows the car to be powered by multiple powertrains. Also, the electric version is one of the first vehicles in the world to feature an in-built charging cable, located behind the Fiat logo at the front.

A choice of hybrid and electric powertrains will be available.

We’re driving the latter, which features a 44kWh battery pack and electric motor that produces 114bhp. Fiat claims the car can travel up to 199 miles on a single charge. Plus, 100kW DC rapid charging is compatible, which takes the car from 20 to an 80 per cent in 33 minutes.

In terms of performance, the Grande Panda goes from 0-60mph in 11.3 seconds and tops out at 82mph.

The hybrid model features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor that generates 129bhp – it’ll join the Panda line-up later.

Out on the road, the Grande Panda impresses. Around town, all the controls are light and parking is a doddle due to the car’s small dimensions.

The handling is sharp and responsive and its acceleration is brisk, too. Visibility is good due to the large side windows and door mirrors.

Its refinement is surprisingly good for a car at this size and price with very little wind and road noise entering the cabin.

Turn into a corner and there is sufficient grip, but the car does suffer with a lot of body roll.

But, overall the Grande Panda will put a smile on your face as it feels light, nimble and agile.

Fiats are all about style and this little car comes with bucketloads. At the front, there are pixelated LED daytime running lights and headlights. And, the built-in charging cable is hidden behind the front Fiat badge.

The side profile is tall and slab-sided, but the plastic wheel arch mouldings give the car a rugged presence. The engraved ‘Panda’ logo on the doors is bold, and no other vehicle on the market offers such a unique feature.

At the back, the pixel theme continues onto the LED tail lights. The brand and model-specific lettering on the tailgate completes the car’s charismatic design.

The funky exterior design has been carried through to the interior of the vehicle. Its look has been inspired by the firm’s famous Lingotto test circuit which can be seen from the cylindrical dashboard layout.

There is blue plastic interior trim which is made from recycled drink cartons though higher-specced cars get a wooden dashboard wrap, which is made from real bamboo fibres.

Fiat claims that there is a total of 13 litres of interior storage with a glovebox and a dashboard compartment being key areas for stowing away loose items. Also, there is a centre armrest that doubles up as a cubby hole and large front door bins.

Space in the back isn’t bad. The car’s boxy design means that there is plenty of headroom, but legroom is tight. However, you do get handy phone pockets on the back of the front seats.

Sadly, the car misses out on a frunk, for added storage. Its boot capacity stands at 361 litres and all versions come with a 60:40 split configuration. The low load lip helps when fitting larger items and the overall space is a usable shape.

If you go for the hybrid model, its boot space is larger with a total of 412 litres of capacity.

The Grande Panda is all about affordability. Prices start at £18,975 for the hybrid model – making it one of the cheapest cars in its class.

We’re driving the electric version which bumps the price tag up to £20,975 for the ‘Red’ trim level.

It features 16-inch white steel wheels, air conditioning, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

We’re driving the flagship La Prima, which costs £23,975. It adds in 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, front parking sensors, heated seats and a rear-view camera.

Fiat has struck gold with the Grande Panda. Not only does it look great, but it offers affordable running costs with a rock-bottom price tag attached.

There is plenty of storage space inside, and its boot space is sufficient, too. Plus, with the EV model’s clever in-built charging cable, this new ‘World Car’ for the Italian firm will be a strong contender in the market of affordable electric vehicles.