Does Fiat's Next-Gen Panda Preview Chrysler's Coming Small Cars?

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Based on spyshots and patent drawings obtained from Al Volante, Auto Motor und Sport was able to commission what is probably an accurate depiction of the next-gen Fiat Panda from Schulte Design, giving us an early look at a small car that will provide the basis for Chrysler’s long-awaited foray into subcompact cars. Chrysler’s product plan [ PDF] calls for 2013 model year subcompact (B-Segment) vehicles for the Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler brands, based on Fiat platforms. The Chrysler-branded model was supposed to be a rebadge of the Lancia Ypsilon (itself very similar to the Fiat 500), but that model is reportedly on hold. The Dodge and Jeep B-Segment offerings are still on though, and the Jeep has long been thought to be a lightly-facelifted version of the Panda 4X4, meaning this model could be an early look at the smallest-ever Jeep.

Since the plan seems to be to keep Fiat’s 500 alone in the A-Segment, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see this model go to Jeep with AWD, body cladding and a seven-slot grille, and to Dodge in standard front-drive form. In any case, given the plaudits that the previous Fiat Panda received in Europe and the gaping hole on the small, efficient end of Chrysler’s product portfolio, expect this Panda to come to the US in some form or another. So do the strong reputation, cheerful looks and funky interior leave you anticipating this baby Panda, or does it leave you cold?


Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

More by Edward Niedermeyer

Comments
Join the conversation
8 of 51 comments
  • Joeveto3 Joeveto3 on Jul 19, 2011

    My wife and I spent two weeks last summer driving a dark blue 5-speed Panda through Italy. We cruised the country roads, the cities, and the Autostrada (even the mountainous portions). The Panda handled it all with aplomb. By the end of the trip, we were both in love with the car and wished they'd bring one to the states. The Panda has a purity to it few other cars offered here have. I'd love to see the Panda show up as a real Fiat. But if they bring it over only as a Dodge...well...ok. I guess. Maybe. I'd have to think about it.

    • Patz Patz on Jul 21, 2011

      Your statement on the Panda is perfect - you expressed in a much better way what I also tried to tell. I remind an 'Autocar' (UK) comment when they first tested that car. It was something like this: 'There is one thing Fiat is able to do so good like no others - the small cars'.

  • The Luigiian The Luigiian on Jul 20, 2011

    I like it. It looks a little nicer than the current Panda, and I think I can see this as a Jeep more than the current-generation Panda. Its hood, for example, is a little blockier and it looks a little more SUV. Thing is, though, if you are going to make it a Jeep it has to be better than the current-gen Patriot off-road. Good luck on this one, though, I'm somewhat interested (as in, if I had to buy a new car I could seriously consider this one-at least, based on what I've yet seen.)

    • See 2 previous
    • Th009 Th009 on Jul 21, 2011

      @ciddyguy 1.2L gas, 1.3L diesel, 1.4L gas and 1.2L LPG are all available on the 2011 model.

  • Italian99 Italian99 on Jul 20, 2011

    Sorry for my english! The design will be little different! link1: http://www.autontheweb.it/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Nuova-Panda-2012-21.jpg link2: http://www.autontheweb.it/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Nuova-Panda-2012-1.jpg link3 http://immagini.alvolante.it/sites/default/files/images/panda_interni_spy.jpg About the motor: 0.9 bicilindric without turbo 65cv, 1.2 4cil 69cv, 0.9 bic turbo 85cv (also Gpl and metano), 1.3 turbo diesel 95cv!

  • Volt 230 Volt 230 on Jul 20, 2011

    To the person who commented about the American roads, if your theory was correct, VW would have never built or sold the anemic old Beetle for the ultra fast Autobahn.

Next