Fiat Grande Panda wins Best Small Car in the RAC New Car Awards 2026

Fiat Grande Panda has won Best Small Car in the RAC New Car Awards 2026. 

Judged by the RAC’s in-house editorial team, which collectively brings more than 35 years of automotive experience, Grande Panda was evaluated against its rivals across seven key criteria: value, running costs, safety, practicality, ride and handling, interior and technology, and performance. Following comparative testing and evaluation, Grande Panda emerged as the winner in the highly competitive small car category.

Designed at FIAT’s Centro Stile in Turin, Grande Panda draws inspiration from the iconic Panda of the 1980s, combining the brand’s heritage with practical solutions for modern urban and family life. Its distinctive pixel-style LED lighting, bold proportions and cleverly packaged interior have been widely praised as key factors in its appeal.

Grande Panda is available with a choice of electrified powertrains. The fully electric version combines a 44kWh battery with an 83kW electric motor (113 HP), delivering a WLTP range of 199 miles. The hybrid version features a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine producing 110 HP, paired with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and an ‘easy drive’ 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (eDCT)

RAC Drive editor Dan Powell said: “The Fiat Grande Panda is a stylish small car that's packed with character and value. We love its funky cabin design, while low running costs and easy-going driving dynamics add plenty of substance. Factor in the Grande Panda's sensible pricing, and it's easy to see why this FIAT is such a compelling package.” Kris Cholmondeley, managing director of FIAT UK, said: “We are delighted to see the Grande Panda recognised as Best Small Car in the RAC New Car Awards 2026. This latest accolade reflects its strong appeal, combining distinctive design, joyful character and everyday practicality in a package that resonates strongly with modern families and offers exceptional value.

“The award is particularly meaningful given the breadth of assessment undertaken by the RAC’s editorial team, and we’re proud to see it recognised by one of the UK’s most trusted automotive brands.”

Pricing for the Grande Panda range is designed to maximise accessibility across the line-up, with the hybrid model starting from £19,995 on-the-road and the fully electric Grande Panda available from £20,995 on-the-road. A petrol powertrain will join the line-up later this year, with full details to be announced ahead of order books opening in the autumn.

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