Fiat Grizzly: The affordable and larger sibling of the Grande Panda unveiled
Fiat has unveiled its new Grizzly crossover for the first time. This model is a larger version of the Grande Panda and serves to strengthen the brand's position in Europe's key C-segment. The Grizzly will be sold as both a fastback and a classic SUV. According to Fiat CEO Olivier François, this family vehicle is designed for the three main regions where the brand operates: Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. This is reported by Autocar.co.uk .
The Grizzly model is built on Stellantis group's Smart Car platform for affordable vehicles, the same base used for the Grande Panda, Citroën C3, and Vauxhall Frontera models. Speaking about this novelty, Olivier François emphasized that it will take not only market share but also the company's profitability and brand prestige to a new level. The official premiere of the car is expected to take place at the Paris Motor Show in October.
The new crossover will compete with models like the Dacia Duster and Skoda Kamiq in terms of size and price. The Grizzly will be offered to customers with gasoline, hybrid, and fully electric engine variants. This is part of Fiat's strategy to expand its reach in the affordable car market.
Fiat also revealed other future plans. Among them are four-seater microcars positioned above the Citroën Ami-based Topolino model and a new city electric car inspired by the original 1980s Panda. This compact electric car, expected to be priced under £15,000, will be produced at the Pomigliano plant in Italy.
