FIAT El Djazair factory: the next model on the way

Quietly, the kit of the future model, which will be assembled at the FIAT Algeria plant, has just arrived in Algeria via the port of Oran. The fourth model to roll off the Tafraoui assembly line is the Grande Panda (after the FIAT 500, Doblò Van, and Doblò Panorama). FIAT's all-new flagship model made its official debut on July 11, 2024, to mark the brand's 125th anniversary.

Arrival of FIAT Grande Panda kits at the port of Oran - Algeria

Along with the 500, the Panda is surely one of Fiat's most iconic models. Just like the original 500, the Panda has grown, and grown a lot, to the point where we no longer talk about the Panda but the Grande Panda, it grows 34cm in length to measure 399cm and 7cm in height. The Grande Panda is based on the economical STLA-Smart Cars modular technical platform like its cousins ​​the 4th generation Citroën C3 and the Opel-Vauxhall Frontera.

The Grande Panda is considered a versatile city car despite its small SUV appearance, which is more reminiscent of the successor to the FIAT Punto than the Panda, thus allowing Fiat to be present in the B segment. The wedge-shaped attitude of the body and cabin is accentuated by the roof rails that move the highest point of view towards the rear. In homage to the classic Panda 4x4, the Fiat Grande Panda features 3D-printed bas-relief letters on the doors that reflect the surroundings and animate the lower part of the side. In addition, the robust "C" pillar faithfully reproduces the incomparable angle ratio with the vertical volume of the rear. Even the cabin is full of references to Giugiaro's Panda, from the square air vents to the legendary "pocket" reinterpreted in a large glove box on the dashboard (13 liters). Contemporaneity has also brought technology: the instrumentation and infotainment are controlled from two screens of 10 and 10.25 inches.

Production of the Grande Panda has been launched in Kragujevac, Serbia (in the former Zastava factory), and the vehicles are destined to conquer the world, including the North African and Latin American markets. The Grande Panda will be making numerous international appearances. By the end of 2024, it is being discussed in Brazil, signaling a future launch on the South American continent. Now, this small SUV-like city car is making waves in Algeria.

As for the engine, it features a 113 hp electric version powered by a 44 kW battery, allowing it to boast a range of 320 km. A 48-volt, 100 hp micro-hybrid version with an automatic transmission will also be available. However, everything indicates that the Algerian version will adopt the 1.2L Puretech EB2 engine, revised and made more reliable after these numerous setbacks. As for the South American version, it should receive the Firefly engine, specifically adapted to the needs of this market.

These first production kits are intended for assembly tests, and commercialization is expected by the end of 2025.