Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid Pop Ditches the Infotainment Screen
A Simpler, More Affordable Option for Drivers Who Prefer Minimalism
Fiat’s new entry-level Grande Panda Hybrid Pop model takes a bold step back from the screen-obsessed world of modern vehicles. Instead of the usual infotainment touchscreen, the Grande Panda Hybrid Pop features a built-in mount for your phone, allowing you to use your smartphone as the central control system. It’s a choice that reflects a growing trend of simplicity in the car industry, catering to those who don’t need complex screens and prefer to keep things low-tech.
The design may not be for everyone. Instead of a sleek infotainment screen, the dashboard features a plain slab of plastic, offering a more minimalist approach. While this might appeal to older drivers who are tired of complicated tech interfaces, it’s not long before you realize that the phone mount can’t replace the convenience of a full touchscreen. That being said, Fiat has installed a USB port next to the mount, ensuring that your phone can be charged while it acts as your infotainment system.
The rest of the Grande Panda Hybrid Pop model continues the theme of simplicity. The entry-level trim features a fully digital 10-inch instrument cluster, marking a departure from the analog dials that were once standard in budget cars. However, the car also sticks to basics elsewhere, with manually adjustable mirrors, manual air conditioning, and even crank rear windows. Even the wheels are basic 16-inch steel.
With a price tag of €18,900 (or about $19,600 USD), the Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid Pop is affordable by European standards, though that price includes Italy’s 22% VAT. For those who want a more advanced experience, the next trim level (Hybrid Icon) adds a screen and other features like LED headlights and cruise control, priced at an extra €1,500 (or about $1,600 USD).
For now, the Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid Pop offers a unique and simple driving experience for those who want a no-frills car that’s easy on the wallet. However, it’s clear that the absence of a touchscreen is a decision that will make some drivers miss the convenience of modern infotainment systems.
