Fiat has shocked motorists by announcing plans to introduce a new ultra-affordable hatchback which still features a petrol engine.
With the Government bringing the ban on new petrol and diesel models forward to 2035, more manufacturers are focusing on developing electric models. However, Fiat have highlighted that they will introduce a compact Panda model that runs on petrol.
Speaking to the motoring publication Auto Express, Olivier Francois, CEO of Fiat, stated that the new model is likely due to be released in 2027 and will use a different platform to the upcoming Grande Panda.
He explained: “We will do an A-segment Panda, maybe not this year, or next, but after that.
“The Smart Car platform was perfect for Fiat, but I can’t go any smaller than four metres, which is Grande Panda.”
Whilst buyers still have a particularly long time to wait for the new model, it is expected that it will accompany the upcoming Grande Panda city car – likely sharing a lot of retro design cues as a result.
However, unlike its bigger sibling, the small Fiat, which some have nicknamed ‘Pandina’, will use the same platform as the popular 500 city car. This platform will make the Fiat Pandina around 30cm shorter than the Grande Panda.
It is also very likely that the upcoming Fiat will also use the same hybrid powertrain as the 500 Ibrida, which will feature a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Fiat’s decision to begin development on a non-electric model comes after the company decided to re-engineer the latest version of the 500 supermini – fitting a hybrid powertrain after sales of the all-electric 500e softened.
The company has previously claimed that selling models with a wide variety of powertrains can help boost customer interest, which is of particular importance to smaller city cars and superminis, which are mostly sold in Europe and parts of Asia.
However, Fiat’s decision to introduce non-electric models is similar to Porsche, who recently announced intentions to expand their range of petrol-powered cars after sales of the Taycan EV fell by nearly 50 percent.
No matter how many petrol-powered vehicles are due to be produced, UK car buyers are set to only be able to buy new electric and plug-in hybrid models from 2035, with the Government planning to bring the date forward to 2030.
Nevertheless, drivers will still be able to drive or buy pre-owned petrol or diesel cars and vans after this date.
Various other countries around the world have proposed similar bans on the vehicles in a bid to improve air quality, with Ethiopia becoming the first country to introduce the restriction in January 2024.
