Electric Fiat Panda previewed as one of five shock new concepts

Confirming that it has a larger footprint than the current car, Fiat refers to the City Car concept as "a sort of mega-Panda", but it's still expected to be among the smaller full-sized cars available in Europe. 

The Panda is expected to morph into an ultra-compact crossover, like the Citroën to which it is related, riding higher and with a greater focus on cabin space.

The concept's upright stature, chunky proportions and contrasting lower bodywork suggest the Panda will lean into the rugged, utilitarian cues that have defined its namesake since it arrived, three generations ago, in 1980.

Fiat explained that raising the Panda up off the ground for its next generation will broaden its appeal: "The high driving position and robust design make this city car the perfect ally for customers all over the world, especially in crowded urban environments. But at the same time, it offers roominess and versatility for family weekend trips and holidays."

Fiat hasn't gone so far as to hint at the new Panda's technical specifications, but like the C3, it's set to be offered with a choice of ICE and EV powertrains as Fiat strives to ensure its products remain accessible to as wide a demographic as possible and to cater to differing needs in different markets. 

Citroën hasn't yet fully detailed the C3's combustion offering, but the EV produces 111bhp and is available with two batteries, giving ranges of 124 and 199 miles. 

Crucially, the ë-C3 is expected to be one of the cheapest full-sized electric cars on sale, with a starting price of less than €20,000, and the electric Panda is expected to roughly match that.

The petrol version of the Panda could cost as little as £15,000. 

The City Car's design departs radically from the Centoventi concept that Fiat unveiled in 2019 as a preview of the Panda's future. Not only does it sit further from the ground, but it also adopts a raft of 1980s-inspired design cues, including a pixel-style front light bar, chunky flared wheel arches and even a new interpretation of Fiat's classic slatted badge. 

Fiat's historic factory in Lingotto, Turin – no longer in use – is said to have been a driving influence on the concept's design, with designers drawing on the building's "structural lightness, space optimisation and brightness" as they created the interior.

Notably, the factory's famous rooftop test track is referenced in the oval steering wheel and dashboard design. 

The cabin majors on sustainability, with materials including bamboo and recycled plastics used for the main structures - features that will come to be common to all Fiat products in the new era. 

Fiat also hinted at one unique feature that could appear on the production version: a self-winding charging cable that retracts into the bodywork when not in use.  

The City Car's retro cues and chunky form are carried over to each of the other concept cars that Fiat has unveiled, suggesting a ground-up rethink for its electrified line-up following the launch of the 500 supermini and 600 crossover. 

The Pick-Up concept, for example, previews a striking new pick-up truck that will replace the Strada - Brazil's best-selling vehicle. 

Intriguingly, Fiat said it's "certain that this type of vehicle can replicate its success at a global level, even in Europe", all but confirming plans to bring its next small truck here. 

Said to "put the fun into functionality", the Pick-Up is clearly more overtly aimed at the lifestyle market than the commercial vehicle sector, and indeed Fiat says it blends "the concept of a pick-up with the functionality of an LCV and the comfort of an SUV in a size that is suitable to urban environments all over the world". 

There's also the Fastback concept, a rakish compact crossover "with a sporty flair" that aims to prove "Fiat can improve its sustainable commitment without giving up on performance".

Fiat noted that it would be a successor to the Fastback and Tipo model lines but, unlike the existing coupé-SUV, could come to Europe. 

The more straight-backed SUV concept is presented as a "giga-Panda" that would no doubt be pitched against the likes of the Dacia Duster when it makes production.

It is, Fiat said, "another confirmation of the special emphasis the brand is putting on the needs of family transport".