Italy Returns to Affordable Motoring: Pandina and Quattrolino Get the Green Light

FIAT reveals its product plan through 2030, betting again on affordable cars: the Grizzly SUV, the four-seat Quattrolino, an EV Pandina under €15,000 and a new 500.

FIAT has revealed its new-model timeline through 2030, and the brand is once again betting on affordable cars. Under the latest Stellantis plan, the marque has been elevated to one of four global brands alongside Jeep, Peugeot and RAM, so the Italians have a prominent role to play in the group's relaunch.

First out will be the FIAT Grizzly — a compact SUV roughly 4.4 m long. It will share its underpinnings with the Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera, ride on the Smart Car platform and come in two body styles: a conventional SUV and a fastback. Production will be set up in Morocco, at the Kenitra plant, with the launch expected this year. The model will be offered with both petrol and electric powertrains. For the EV versions, two range figures are anticipated: around 300 km WLTP for city use and roughly 400 km for a more all-round scenario.

The second key newcomer is the Quattrolino. It is a four-seat electric quadricycle — effectively a more practical, stretched take on the Topolino. Its design draws on the 1950s FIAT 600 Multipla, so the emphasis is not on aggression but on a compact family format with a retro mood.

Another pivotal project is the new Pandina. It will be a sibling of the upcoming Citroën 2CV under the E-Car programme, will be fully electric and will be built in Italy at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant. The target is a price below €15,000 — roughly $17,600.

FIAT has also confirmed a new generation of the 500. Before it arrives, the current 500e will be updated and most likely switched to cheaper LFP batteries. It seems FIAT has grasped the essentials: Europe once again needs not only pricey electric crossovers but also small cars that people can actually afford to buy.