For many, the Panda was the first car, the one on which one learned to drive, the one on vacations with friends, the indestructible traveling companion. Perfect for parking in the city, great for a weekend at the beach and if necessary also 4x4 for those who wanted to climb the mountains without fear of snow or white roads. Numbers alone would be enough to tell the story of the Fiat Panda's success, as more than 8 million have been purchased since 1980, and the recipe for its success is made up of three ingredients: design simplicity, maximum use of space, and prices to suit all budgets. It is a philosophy that is also found in full in the new Grand Panda, a hatchback that has grown about 30 centimeters in length to 3.9 meters and wears boxy shapes with obvious references to the original designed 44 years ago by Giorgetto Giugiaro. A choice dictated by economy and practicality because, Giugiaro recalls, "printing flat surfaces cost much less and would have allowed Fiat to sell it at an even more competitive price". The Grand Panda will focus everything on space and practicality and will accommodate up to five people, as announced by Olivier Francois, CEO of Fiat and head of marketing for the Stellantis group: "It was designed in Turin by our Style Center and embodies all the values of the original Panda: it is the best way to celebrate Fiat's 125th anniversary". The Grand Panda will hit the road in 2025. The model's strong lines and bold volumes make it resemble a small SUV.
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