We’ve already spent a fair bit of time behind the wheel of the electric version of the Fiat Grande Panda, and reckon it’s the most desirable small EV this side of Renault’s all-conquering 5 E-Tech.

So we figured that we needed to spend more time in the Mild Hybrid (MHEV), and Fiat kindly agreed.

Oddly, even though the ‘Red’ trim was replaced by the ‘Pop’ before the Grande Panda had reached UK shores, our car seems to have made it through, as it arrived with us with less than 500 miles on the clock! Closest in spec is the (even) more basic Pop, priced at £18,995.

Design and interior

The Red by (RED) paintwork of our test car perhaps doesn’t show up the Grande Panda’s unique design features, such as the way the word ‘Panda’ is pressed into the front and rear doors, and the unusual ‘Fiat’ hologram on the C-pillar.

The use of the Stellantis ‘Smart Car’ BEV-native platform, shared with the Citroën C3/e-C3 and the Vauxhall Frontera, gives the Grande Panda its tall, slim, and boxy styling, which in our opinion is one of the most obvious nods to the original.

The most distinctive design feature at the front are the unusual LED daytime running lights, which lead into the flush front grille. It is a car that makes you smile with its design.

Inside, like the outside, the delights are in the details. The oval dashboard design can’t be missed, and is a highlight. Inspired by Fiat’s iconic rooftop test track, we found a good game with our kids was to get them to find the image of the original in the design! Eyes are also drawn to the rectangular air vents and green details. Other dashboard features include the long under tray, which gives useful stowage.

Instruments are taken care of via a 10in display, with their own attractive typeface. Plus, there’s a 10.25in infotainment screen, which is easy to use but better when used with Apple CarPlay. We’re also fans of the physical controls for the heating, and the standard air-conditioning in this recent heat.

The standard seats are supportive, and even though the ‘Red’ was the entry-level trim, they were cheerfully trimmed. The Grande Panda also has a comfortable driving position — even for the tallest.

Where we prefer the Grande Panda over the Renault 5 E-Tech is in the rear. Despite having the same 2.54m wheelbase, the Fiat’s boxier shape means it feels more spacious, with extra knee and headroom, plus a bigger boot — with 35 litres of additional space.

The Grande Panda’s interior is made up of many plastics, and it was disappointing how scratched some of the piano black inserts looked in our car after less than 500 miles. Our car’s driver’s electric window also didn’t always like going up, leaving question marks over the durability. However, its execution feels far more special than its Stellantis sister cars.

Performance and drive

Choose the mild hybrid (MHEV) Grande Panda, and a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol turbo engine lives under the bonnet. This is combined with a 48V lithium-ion battery, totalling 110hp, with 115g/km CO2 emissions.

We’ve driven a couple of MHEV Pandas, and think that because of its low mileage, the driving experience of this one isn’t representative. This car never felt as responsive, and was clunky in its transitions between petrol and electric power. The ride, too, isn’t as supple and forgiving as the EV version — probably as a result of the change in weighting with the engine and hybrid system. However, brake feel is still fine. We just wish the steering had more finesse and feel.

Although, as a counterpoint, the Grande Panda can’t quite match the polish of the Renault 5’s drive. We still prefer the Panda EV to drive, but were told by a Fiat representative that MHEV petrol versions are expected to be the strongest sellers in the UK.

Whichever Grande Panda is chosen, this Fiat remains an impressively practical, attractive, affordable, and fun B-segment package. Fiat does its best work with small cars, and in our opinion, it’s their best car since the original 500 remake in 2007.

Positive: Design and attention to detail inside and out, spacious and practical interior, impressive value for money.

Negative: Less fun to drive than the Renault 5 E-Tech, basic infotainment.

Standard equipment: 16in wheels, EcoLED headlamps, manual air-conditioning, 60/40 foldable rear seat, 7kW integrated charging cable, 10.25in touchscreen with mirror screen, cruise control, rear parking sensors, six-airbags, lane keep assist, active safety brake.

Engines: Mild hybrid: 110hp 1.2

Equipment grades: Pop, Icon, La Prima

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (mild hybrid), single-speed automatic (EV).