This is a momentous occasion – remember where you were – is when you saw the first official picture released of the new Panda Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback models. 

We’ve already got the Panda in Grande size, but instead of calling the new car the Panda Venti, Fiat is going for a larger class of bear entirely. 

And we’re getting a mix of conventional upright SUV and something with a sportier look – the Fastback model has a rakish sloping roof that might even help boost electric range thanks to the slipperier aerodynamics. 

Fiat says the new cars will come with a range of powertrains, though that likely means a 1.2-litre petrol with mild-hybrid tech and a couple of battery sizes. 

The cars are going to be based on the same platform as the Citroen e-C3 Aircross and Vauxhall Frontera, but could stretch out a little larger than those cars. 

The Grande Panda is itself on the same platform but comes in at a smidge under 4.0 metres long, while the Citroen and Vauxhall are both around 4.4 metres long. The new Fiats are promised to come in under 4.5 metres long according to the latest information from Fiat, but a slightly longer car would bookend the family range nicely. 

The Italian carmaker reckons that despite what it calls a ‘compact’ footprint the Grizzlies offer “exceptional” interior space and “best in class” boot capacity. Some big talk coming from the green, white and red corner. 

We like what we've seen so far of the Panda-esque design, but we're intrigued by what awaits us inside the cars... 

Fiat says that the new cars are set to launch in Europe in the second half of 2026, which by my reckoning is in a few weeks, so let’s get a move on shall we?