FIAT shows the future range of smart and international

In Ginevra but not Geneva.

Not long ago it was one of the highlights of the year, the Geneva Motor Show (also at AutoEdizione). Now it’s a small show that goes by quietly, especially with some electric car builders, most of them from China. Like many others, FIAT (and other Stellantis) draw a big bow around it and make a pun while showing us some virtual examples. It’s about the smart range that we’re now really looking forward to. The years we’ve been patiently waiting for the successors to the Panda and Tipo are starting to count, but FIAT says we’re on the eve of a new launch. No less than 4 new models on the standard platform (‘Smart Car platform’/STLA Small) until 2027. Olivier François takes us (see the bottom of this post) as he enters the Lombardy suburb of Ginevra south of Brescia. You probably already feel it coming; Ginevra is what the Italians also call Geneva. He holds a press conference by dancing in a local restaurant. By the way, François says he drives ‘Pandina’. That’s almost true… From now on, the existing Panda will be called that. It will be presented on Thursday, February 29.

International frequency.

The virtual models you see here and the absence of FIAT in the real saloon may be a bit much, but what we see here is good news. The launch of the Panda is just around the corner and thus FIAT will be launching 3 more models every year in the near future. Moreover, the confusion that almost every European FIAT fan felt when he saw the many Brazilian market introductions of recent years is coming to an end. Meanwhile, there was quite a bit to celebrate with us. FIAT now wants Europe to benefit. FIAT that works with 2 speeds is nearing the end. Foreigners will soon take on a more international role. It is not an irrational choice because FIAT is an important brand within the Stellantis group.

FIAT’s concept of a smart city car goes back to the original Panda. A little Spartan but modern and above all practical.

A new smart style.

The designs we see here are a glimpse of the future with a very clear identity. The original panda is an important source of inspiration, but also a futuristic building in the Torinese district of Lingotto with an experimental oval-shaped track on the roof and checkered windows. So the DNA of the wise branch of FIAT is clearly defined and it convinces us. Now the hope is that much of it remains intact on the final product. After all, LED lighting in the form of rectangles will be great! In any case, the new Panda will give an important indication. We will see this for the first time in July. FIAT itself calls it a real game changer.

From pick up to camp.

Brazil’s number 1 has been the small Strada pickup for years. Once it also appeared on the Italian market and even the Netherlands, but not again for years. FIAT will also prepare the introduction of the European market once a key strategic successor is found. FIAT has not yet told us in what order the introduction of the market will take place until 2027, but anyone who thinks logically can take a shot. For example, Multipla, the successor to Tipo, is expected to arrive next year. This will be the largest 7-seater Panda and shares a lot with the upcoming Citroën ë-C3 Aircross which will be released this year. The camper version you see here could be a 4×4 Cross variant for those who want something more rugged. A Strada takeover of the same length could follow in 2026. Finally, there is the Fastback, which will finally replace the current Brazilian model in 2027. FIAT has also confirmed that it will come to Europe. So there is a lot to look forward to! Most of these models will be EVs, but FIAT is not saying goodbye to the hybrid variant (and ICE) for now (depending on which market it is concerned with).