Fiat Grande Panda wins Best Small Car in the RAC New Car Awards 2026
- The Fiat Grande Panda has won the Best Small Car title at the RAC New Car Awards 2026.
- Pricing for the hybrid model starts from £19,995 on-the-road.
- The fully electric model is available from £20,995 on-the-road.
- The electric version features a 44kWh battery and an 83kW electric motor (113 HP), delivering a WLTP range of 199 miles.
- The hybrid variant combines a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
- A petrol powertrain is scheduled to join the line-up later this year, with order books opening in the autumn.
- Judging criteria included value, running costs, safety, practicality, ride and handling, interior and technology, and performance.
Overview
The Fiat Grande Panda has achieved the Best Small Car award in the RAC New Car Awards 2026. Evaluated by the RAC editorial team, the vehicle was assessed against competitors across seven core categories. Designed at FIAT's Centro Stile in Turin, the model draws inspiration from the original 1980s Panda while offering modern electrified powertrains and practical packaging.
Award Assessment and Criteria
The RAC editorial team evaluated the Grande Panda against competitors using seven core criteria. These criteria comprised value, running costs, safety, practicality, ride and handling, interior and technology, and performance. The judging panel holds more than 35 years of collective automotive experience.
Design and Heritage
Designed at FIAT's Centro Stile in Turin, the Grande Panda references the design language of the original 1980s Panda. Key design elements include pixel-style LED lighting, specific proportions and a packaged interior designed for urban and family use.
Powertrains and Technical Specifications
The Grande Panda offers a choice of two electrified powertrains at launch, with a third option arriving later.
The fully electric version features a 44kWh battery paired with an 83kW electric motor that produces 113 HP. This configuration delivers a WLTP range of 199 miles.
The hybrid version utilizes a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine producing 110 HP. This engine is paired with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and an easy drive 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (eDCT).
A petrol powertrain is planned to join the line-up later in 2026, with full details expected before order books open in the autumn.
UK Pricing and Availability
Pricing for the Grande Panda range starts from £19,995 on-the-road for the hybrid model. The fully electric version is available from £20,995 on-the-road. Order books for the upcoming petrol model are scheduled to open in the autumn of 2026.
Technical Specifications Comparison
Specification |
Grande Panda Hybrid |
Grande Panda Electric |
Starting Price (OTR) |
From £19,995 |
From £20,995 |
Engine / Motor Power |
110 HP |
83kW (113 HP) |
Battery Capacity |
48-volt |
44kWh |
Transmission |
6-speed dual clutch automatic (eDCT) |
[TO CONFIRM — not in source material] |
WLTP Range |
N/A |
199 miles |
Positioning Context
The Fiat Grande Panda occupies the small car segment, designed for modern urban environments and family use. It competes in a category defined by compact dimensions, efficiency and everyday practicality. The model is positioned as an accessible entry point to electrified motoring, offering both mild-hybrid and fully electric options within the B-segment.
FIAT is an Italian automotive brand with design operations centred at its Centro Stile in Turin. The Grande Panda draws direct historical inspiration from the original Fiat Panda introduced in the 1980s.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Fiat Grande Panda won Best Small Car in the RAC New Car Awards 2026.
Vehicles are evaluated across seven criteria: value, running costs, safety, practicality, ride and handling, interior and technology, and performance.
The hybrid model starts from £19,995 on-the-road.
The fully electric model is available from £20,995 on-the-road.
The fully electric version delivers a WLTP range of 199 miles.
The electric model features a 44kWh battery paired with an 83kW electric motor producing 113 HP.
The hybrid version features an easy drive 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (eDCT).
Yes, a petrol powertrain will join the line-up later this year, with full details announced before order books open in the autumn.
The vehicle was designed at FIAT's Centro Stile in Turin.
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