Power is transmitted to the front axle exclusively via a six-speed manual gearbox.
The Fiat Grande Panda was introduced last year as a subcompact hatchback with fully electric and mild-hybrid powertrain options. However, apparently not all buyers are willing to embrace electrification just yet, so Stellantis is now offering an ICE-only version of the model with a manual gearbox.
The first non-electrified Grande Panda is fitted with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine which already powers multiple Stellantis products, including the closely-related Citroen C3. The mill generates 99 hp (74 kW / 100 PS) and 205 Nm (151.2 lb-ft) of torque and is equipped with Start&Stop technology. These specs make it the least powerful option of the Grande Panda, below the 109-hp mild hybrid and the 111-hp EV.
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More importantly, the gasoline engine is exclusively mated to a "refined" six-speed manual gearbox, leaving the dual-clutch automatic for the mild-hybrid variant. As with the rest of the range, power is transmitted to the front wheels. Fiat has confirmed that an AWD version is under development, but this will likely feature an electrified rear axle (mild hybrid or electric).
Visually, the gasoline-powered Grande Panda looks identical to its electrified stablemates, minus the lack of hybrid or EV badges. The exhaust pipe is tucked underneath the rear bumper, just like in the Grande Panda Hybrid. However, the interior is different, as the island-like center console houses the stick for the manual gearbox which is obviously missing from the other two.
Irrespective of the powertrain type, the Grande Panda is available in three trims - the entry-level Pop, the mid-spec Icon, and the flagship La Prima.
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The base model rides on black 16-inch steelies and has no infotainment display, combining the standard 10-inch digital instrument cluster with a smartphone dock. The Icon adds full LED headlights and taillights, more modern hubcaps, six speakers, and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Finally, the La Prima sports 17-inch wheels and gains auto climate control, a Bambox dashboard, and a rearview camera, among other standard kit. The color palette includes seven shades, namely Gelato White, Cinema Black, Passione Red, Acqua Azure, Limone Yellow, Lago Blue and Luna Bronze.
Fiat has yet to announce pricing for the Grande Panda Petrol. However, the new variant is expected to be cheaper than the Hybrid that currently starts at €16,950 ($19,700) in Italy (promo price). For comparison, the Citroen C3 starts at €15,900 ($18,500) with the gasoline engine and at €20,950 ($24,300) with the mild hybrid.