The Renault 5 E-Tech seems unstoppable - even after a year on sale, and Corporate Car thoroughly concurs, after spending three-months in one. However, although impressively affordable, what can fleet bean counters do if £21,495 for the entry-level 120hp Evolution, is still too much?

Well, if you’re after another funky, B-Sector EV, at an even more affordable price (£20,995 for the entry-level Pop), the Fiat Grande Panda, that’s finally available in the UK, might just be the solution.

Design and interior

Whereas the ‘5’ is a retro-modern remake of the iconic original, Fiat’s Grande Panda is designed to take on modern rivals, while capturing the look, feel, and spirit of the Giugiaro original.

Built on the Stellantis ‘Smart Car’ BEV-native platform, shared with the Citroen C3/e-C3, and the Vauxhall Frontera. The use of this platform, has resulted in the Grande Panda’s tall, slim, and boxy styling, which is one of the most obvious nods to the original.

Most distinctive design feature at the front, are the unusual LED daytime running lights, which lead into the flush front grille. On the electric version, there’s a hidden flap housing a hidden cable, enabling charging at up to 7kW.

 The way the word ‘Panda’ is pressed into the front and rear doors raises a smile. There are also chunky, off-road-like wheel arches, and the unusual ‘Fiat’ hologram on the C-pillar. At the back, the vertical rear lights are almost bursting out of the body, with the ‘Fiat’ logo embossed into the boot. Overall, it’s a fun design that suits bold, bright colours. Our favourite is optional ‘Limone Yellow,’ priced at £650.

Inside, the oval dashboard design is a highlight. Inspired by Fiat’s iconic rooftop test track, points are earned for finding the model of the original driving around its edge. Eyes are also drawn to rectangular air vents and green details. Other dashboard features, are the long under tray, that gives useful stowage, and the ‘Bambox’ fitted on the passenger of range-topping ‘La Prima’ models, made from Bamboo fibre - a favourite food of real Pandas.

Instruments are taken care of via a 10in display for the instruments, with their own attractive typeface. Plus, a 10.25in infotainment screen, which is easy to use. We’re also fans of the physical controls for the heating.

The standard seats are supportive, and were cheerfully trimmed on the range-topping La Prima models that we drove. The Grande Panda also has a comfortable driving position - even for the tallest.

Where the Grande Panda scores 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, equaling extra knee and headroom, plus a bigger boot - with 35-litres additional space.

The Grande Panda’s interior is made up of many plastics, and after seeing how scratched some of the piano black inserts looked after such a short time, there are question marks over the durability. However, its execution feels far more special than its sister cars.

Performance and drive

At launch, Fiat’s B-segment challenger can be ordered with a choice of electric and mild hybrid powertrains. With a bigger battery EV version, rumoured for release later this year. Choose EV power, and your Grande Panda will be fitted with a 44kWh battery, with the motor producing 111hp and 122Nm of torque. This equals a modest 199 mile range, with 20-80% rapid charging possible in just 33 minutes.

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 49V lithium-ion battery, totalling 110hp, with 115g/km CO2 emissions.

The steering wheel is on the right now, but the EV driving experience we remember is the same. Performance feels perky from the off, although the ‘Comfort’ mode retards the throttle - making acceleration feel much more laboured.

Even on the biggest 17in alloy wheels (16in on Pop and Icon trims), the ride is impressively refined, and the brakes are progressive. In fact, the only disappointment is the steering which lacks feel.

The MHEV version of the Grande Panda, again feels quick off of the mark. However, the EV is quieter, with noticeable engine transmission noise, right from low speeds. The MHEV version also has a slightly harder edge to the ride. Although, as a counterpoint, neither Fiat can quite match the polish of the Renault 5’s drive. Brake feel is still fine, and the steering, like the EV, lacks feel.

We 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 is a surprisingly practical, attractive, affordable, and fun B-Sector package. In our opinion, it’s their best car since the original 500 remake in 2007, and the electric version will make its mark in what is a rapidly growing EV sector.

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: 100hp 1.2; Electric: 111hp

Equipment grades: Pop, Red, La Prima

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