The facelifted Fiat Panda has been spied testing on the streets of Torino, Italy. The refresh is expected to bring styling upgrades, and improvements to efficiency akin to those seen in the Fiat 500.
Despite being heavily disguised for a facelift, the test mule's styling appears similar to the current-generation Fiat Panda, with a subtle refresh around the front lights and bumper is expected.
The characteristic window line of the Panda remains, as does the car’s upright stance, split front grille and rear light clusters.
Although Fiat remains tight-lipped on how the facelifted Panda will differ from the current model, in terms of specification and powerplant options, the Panda is likely to adopt the same tweaked engine range from the 500, with emissions and performance both improved. A revised suspension set-up is also likely to be implemented on the new Panda, after being improved for the 500, with which it shares many of its mechanical components.
Improvements to the car’s infotainment system are also expected, again mirroring the tweaks of the closely related 500.
The introduction of the Tipo hatchback and estate and 124 convertible preview a new direction for Fiat’s styling, although the test mule doesn’t appear to have adopted the new Fiat family face. This may come around 2020, when the Panda’s replacement is due.
The facelifted Panda will go up against rivals such as the Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10 and Skoda Citigo when on sale, and will continue its current five-door-only setup.
