10:33 04-06-2026

Fiat Grizzly: bigger Grande Panda heading into the family crossover segment, fastback included

Fiat reveals the Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback, scaled-up versions of the Grande Panda built to push the brand into Europe's C-segment with petrol, hybrid and EV options.

Fiat has unveiled the new Grizzly — a scaled-up version of the Grande Panda. The model is meant to push the brand into Europe's important C-segment and become an affordable family crossover rather than just another Panda spin-off.

The Grizzly is set to arrive in the second half of 2026 in two body styles at once: a classic SUV with straighter edges and a more dynamic fastback. According to Fiat boss Olivier François, the model is aimed at the brand's three key regions — Europe, Latin America and the combined Middle East and Africa. It should round out the Panda and Grande Panda family while still being “a different animal.”

The technical foundation is the Stellantis Smart Car platform. It already underpins conceptually similar models like the Citroen C3 Aircross and Vauxhall Frontera, but the Grizzly will be slightly larger: Fiat talks about a length of just under 4.5 m, while its siblings stay around 4.4 m.

The powertrain lineup will mirror the Grande Panda. Buyers will get a petrol version with a 6-speed manual, a hybrid and a fully electric variant. That mix matters for Fiat: in the affordable segment, you can't bet on EVs alone, especially in markets where charging infrastructure varies widely.

The Grizzly is part of a new wave of Fiat models. The brand is also preparing a four-seat microcar to sit above the Topolino and a new urban electric car priced under £15,000. Fiat is clearly trying to return to where it has historically been strong: simple, affordable, mass-market cars.