The Fiat Grande Panda, announced with great fanfare as the first model in Fiat's new global range, was initially expected to arrive on the market by the end of 2024. However, according to unofficial information relayed by Fiat dealers, the first deliveries would now only be expected in January 2025. A report that raises many questions.
A strategic car for Fiat
The Fiat Grande Panda, unveiled five months ago, represents a major development for the Italian manufacturer. With its dimensions of 4 meters and its design inspired by the Panda of the 1980s, it is positioned as a compact family city car, adapted to the needs of European and international markets. Available in electric and hybrid versions, The Grande Panda is based on Stellantis' STLA Smart multi-energy platform, shared in particular with the Citroën ë-C3.
Its competitive price, with an electric version offered from €15,900 in France (ecological bonus deducted), makes it a serious competitor to the Dacia Spring and Renault 5 electric. However, despite its potential, the Fiat Grande Panda seems to suffer from the same pitfalls as its cousin technical, the Citroën ë-C3.
Delays linked to the same software problems of the Citroën ë-C3?
The first deliveries of the Citroën ë-C3 in France revealed numerous technical problems which quickly made the rounds on forums and social networks. Among the dysfunctions identified:
- Overspeed alert impossible to deactivate
- Reading of traffic signs faulty
- Inoperative automatic windshield wipers and centralization
- Broken window regulator
- Indications of exterior temperature, autonomy and consumption absent from the dashboard
- Lane keeping assist and automatic switching of faulty lights
- Central locking and passenger airbag problems
- Unavailability of connected services
These defects, related to software issuesrequire a manual update in the workshop, as vehicles cannot be updated remotely. Stellantis would therefore have decided to prioritize the correction of these problems on the Citroën ë-C3 before launching the Fiat Grande Panda, in order to avoid a chaotic start.
A prudent strategy to ensure quality
Fiat, aware of the expectations aroused by the Grande Panda, seems to want take the time necessary to offer a vehicle without major bugs. This choice could prove wise, even if postponing deliveries risks frustrating French customers who have already placed orders.
The Stellantis group, which has not yet officially communicated about these delays, could also be influenced by internal priorities. Production of the Citroën ë-C3, intended for programs such as “social leasing” in France, would have required an increased allocation of resources, thus postponing the start of lines for the Grande Panda.
An arrival planned for January 2025
According to Fiat dealers, the Grande Panda should finally be delivered in January 2025. This wait could allow Fiat to correct the defects observed on the Citroën ë-C3 and ensure an optimal user experience. In addition, this period would coincide with a more favorable calendar to capture the interest of consumers post-end of year holidays.
Despite this slight delay, the Fiat Grande Panda remains a strategic model for Fiat. With an electric engine, a range of 320 km and a competitive price, it has every chance of attracting a wide audience, while waiting for the launch of the hybrid thermal version! And for the most impatient, there is always the Fiat Panda thermal hybrid 2025, which will not have software bugs.
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