The coupe-SUV variant of the Grizzly, as previewed by the Fiat Fastback concept, combines a swooping coupe-inspired roofline with the chunky, upright charm of the Grande Panda. Like the latest Panda models, the Grizzly sports a pixelated headlight signature, though the lights themselves are wider than the Panda’s and extend into the upper grille section. Bulky, squared-off wheel arches are influenced by the Grande Panda too and there’s a visibly more rakish rear roofline on the coupe – as we’ve seen on prototype models testing.
At the Investor Day, Olivier François built up the importance of the new Grizzly models allowing Fiat to compete in larger segments; “it [Grizzly] will elevate everything, the market share, the revenue, the margins and the brand.”
François previously told Auto Express the Grizzly would be “affordable, spacious and desirable”. Fiat will use these to mount an assault on best-selling family cars such as the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Dacia Bigster. With a focus on affordability in the Grizzly’s reveal, we expect pricing to sit around £25,000 when it goes on sale – possibly before the end of the year.
The Grizzly’s underpinnings have proved impressive in its smaller Grande Panda already. Not only is the Grande Panda the reigning Auto Express Supermini of the Year, but it is also now available from less than £19,000 through the Auto Express Buy A Car service.
Interior and practicality
As you’d hope for with family SUVs, the cars’ interiors will focus on spaciousness and versatility, with rugged finishes designed to be practical and hard-wearing. Fiat will attempt, however, to set its offerings apart from the likes of the value-focused Dacia Duster (another key rival) by emphasising its heritage and having a greater sense of fun, not just usability.
