Fiat has already defined what will be one of its most important projects for the close of the decade. The Italian brand confirmed that the Panda will return in 2028 with a completely renewed concept, although without losing the essence that made the original model a benchmark for urban mobility.

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The company's intention is to develop a vehicle adapted to the future E-Car category being prepared by the European Union. However, while these regulations finish being defined, Fiat is also analyzing different alternatives so that the project does not depend exclusively on that regulatory framework.

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This new Panda will share development with the future Citroën 2 CV, another of the models with which Stellantis intends to promote a new generation of compact, simple vehicles with more accessible prices.

A design that recovers the essence of the classic Panda

Everything indicates that the Panda 2028 will maintain a square-shaped silhouette, a characteristic that identified the original model and that would now return with a modern interpretation.

Part of that inspiration comes from the IPPO concept, a prototype presented during Milan Design Week 2026 by students Luca Di Tonto and Alessio Vasta. Its proposal recovers historical elements such as high ground clearance, a closed grille and rectangular headlights that also appear on the back to simplify manufacturing.

The interior would follow the same philosophy of simplicity. The priority would be to offer a practical and functional cabin, reducing unnecessary elements to a minimum and opting for an intuitive user experience.

Fiat does not rule out other mechanics

The initial idea is to homologate the Panda under the future European M1E regulations, created for the so-called E-Car. This category includes exclusively electric vehicles, although it is still in the development phase.

Precisely because of this uncertainty, Fiat is also studying the possibility of launching the model under the traditional M1 homologation if the new regulation is not yet ready when the time comes to market the vehicle. Furthermore, the brand does not close the door to offering other mechanical alternatives.

Fiat CEO Olivier François left that possibility open, noting that "it's an interesting question. In France, maybe not. In Italy, it's a good question. It will depend on the type of engine we can fit in this class of car. Will it be a hybrid? A pure combustion engine? An electric one with a range extender? We'll see."

One of Fiat's main objectives will be to maintain the affordable character that has always distinguished the Panda. The brand expects the entry price to be around $17,600, a figure that would also fit within the limit provided by future European regulation for E-Cars.