Hybrid and electric, they are based on the same platform, but have different philosophies. Let us analyse them in detail
They are both hybrid and electric, have their own style and are offered at quite attractive prices. The Fiat Grande Panda and Citroën C3 are two of the most competitive models in the B-segment and share much of their DNA.
In fact, the compact crossovers are based on the Stellantis Smart Car platform, designed to keep production costs down and position the two models competitively. There are certainly many similarities between Fiat and Citroën, but there are also significant differences. Let’s discover them in our head-to-head comparison.
Starting with the dimensions, there are some slight differences between the models. The Grande Panda is 3.99 m long, 1.75 m wide and 1.57 m high, while the C3 measures 4.02 m, 1.76 m and 1.58 m respectively.
The two models focus on square styling, but the design is very different. Simpler in the case of the Citroën and more detailed in the case of the Grande Panda. While the C3 is a completely new design compared to the past, the Grande Panda takes a leap back in time by incorporating many elements from the original Panda of the 1980s and 1990s.
Fiat Grande Panda
Citroen C3
The C3 has a slim grille and LED boomerang headlights in line with the French manufacturer’s new family feel, and is available with a contrasting roof on some trim levels. On the Grande Panda, the grille features pixelated light clusters, while at the rear squared-off headlamps recall the shape of the old Panda. There are also embossed ‘Panda’ badges on the side.
Even on board, Fiat has gone back to the past with a modern take on the Panda of yesteryear. The two-spoke steering wheel, the polygonal air conditioning vents and the passenger-side storage compartment inspired by the historic model’s “pocket” are just some of the Granda Panda’s homages to its ancestor.
In the Citroën, the cabin is a little more minimalist and simpler, at least in terms of trim and upholstery. The dashboard is very low, almost to the windscreen, while the Grande Panda has a standard 10-inch digital dashboard in front of the driver.
The interior of the Grande Panda
The C3 dashboard
In the base models, the infotainment system is replaced by a smartphone cradle, while in the higher trim levels there is a 10.25-inch screen with simple and intuitive Fiat and Citroën software, which differs only in the graphics and layout of some controls.
The boot of the Grande Panda
The luggage compartment of the Citroen C3
Moving on to the boot, the Grande Panda wins the comparison with a minimum capacity of 412 litres, even using the space under the floor mat for the spare wheel. The electric car has a maximum of 361 litres, again under the roof and under the floor mat.
All versions of the Citroën C3 have a load capacity of 310 litres. Both models do not have a front boot or frunk, a feature that is common in many electric cars.
Folding down the rear seat backrests increases the Grande Panda’s load capacity to 1,366 litres (1,315 litres EV), also taking advantage of the lack of a spare wheel, while the C3’s maximum capacity has not yet been announced.
The two models also have a lot in common in terms of engines. Both the Grande Panda and the C3 are, in fact, both petrol and electric mild hybrids. In the first case, we find a 100 PS 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine equipped with a 0.9 kWh 48 volt lithium-ion battery, which is recharged during the journey and powers a 28.5 PS electric motor. The electric motor is mated to the 6-speed eDCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, the only transmission available on the Grande Panda and C3 Hybrid.
It should be noted that this mild hybrid system can be described as a “middle-hybrid”, as it allows the car to start from a standstill and drive at low speeds (up to around 18 mph) using only the electric motor, with significant benefits in terms of fuel consumption.
Fiat Grande Panda
Citroën C3
The electric models have a 113 PS electric motor at the front, powered by a 44 kWh battery. The powertrain gives both models a top speed of 82 mph and a 0-62 mph sprint time of 11 seconds. The declared range is 199 miles for the Grande Panda and 203 miles for the C3 in You and You with Pack Plus trim (199 miles if you choose the top-of-the-range Max trim, which has 17-inch wheels instead of 16-inch).
Charging in AC is up to 7 kW (20 to 80 per cent in about 4 hours and 20 minutes), while an optional 11 kW on-board charger reduces recharging time to 2 hours and 50 minutes. On the other hand, the DC charger can deliver up to 100 kW for a full charge in 27 minutes.
Both cars are suitable for beginners in all engines, but the Grande Panda has a special feature. It has an integrated 4.5 metre long charging cable at the front (the only one of its kind in the world), which makes it easier to connect to a charging station.
The integrated, removable charging cable in the faceplate of the Grande Panda Elettrica
If you prefer traditional engines, however, bear in mind that only the C3 can also be had with a non-electrified 100 hp 1.2 petrol engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which saves you a little something on the purchase.
If you prefer traditional engines, however, only the C3 is available with a non-electrified 100 PS 1.2 petrol engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which saves you a little money.
In the UK, pricing has yet to be announced for Grande Panda, and the C3 is only offered with the 100 PS petrol engine in Plus trim which starts at £17,990.
As a reference, here are the prices in Italy: The Grande Panda starts at €18,900 (approx. £15,800) for the mild hybrid in Pop trim, while the electric starts at €24,900 (£20,800) for the RED version. The C3 starts at €15,240 (£12,700) for the non-electric 1.2 petrol, €20,550 (£17,200) for the hybrid and €23,900 (£20,000) for the electric.
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