For several months now, the future Fiat Grizzly is no longer really a mystery. Spotted without camouflage in Morocco, then caught in the middle of a commercial shoot in Italy, and later photographed in its family version—which can seat up to seven passengers—the new SUV from Fiat has already revealed many of its secrets. One detail, however, remains a closely guarded secret: its price. And Fiat has just raised expectations a notch.
In an interview with Coach, Gaetano Thorel, head of Fiat in Europe, made a brief remark that is likely to generate a lot of buzz: «We’re going to shock the market when we reveal the price. » This is a particularly interesting statement since, according to our information, Fiat has been working for several months toward a very aggressive goal: to offer its new family SUV starting at around €20,000 for the base model.
A 4.5-meter «Grizzly» for the price of a much smaller car?
That’s exactly where Fiat could spring a surprise. The Grizzly will be positioned at the top end of the manufacturer’s lineup, which now aims to cover vehicles ranging from 2 to 4.5 meters in length. At nearly 4.5 meters long, this newcomer will compete in the C-segment and will go head-to-head with the Dacia Bigster, among others.
However, Fiat does not seem willing to follow the price increases seen across much of the European auto market. Gaetano Thorel confirms that the Grizzly will be based on the same platform Smart Car that the Fiat Grande Panda. This architecture, which is widely shared within Stellantis, is specifically designed to keep costs under control. The SUV will also be a global model: its development costs are to be spread across several regions, including Europe, North Africa, and Latin America.
The €20,000 figure that has been mentioned for several months is now looking plausible
Last April, we had already revealed that Fiat was aiming for a price of €20,000 or less for its new SUV. A month later, our news continued to point to that same introductory price. Fiat still hasn't officially confirmed this figure. But a statement from the brand's European head seems to confirm this goal. To «shock the market» with a family SUV measuring nearly 4.5 meters, the company will indeed need to set a particularly aggressive price.
The Fiat Grizzly won’t just be relying on its Grande Panda-inspired design to win over buyers. Its balance of size, interior space, and price could become its main selling point. And Fiat will have several tricks up its sleeve. The Grizzly is set to be offered with hybrid and electric powertrains, while the prototypes already spotted have confirmed the existence of a very spacious family-oriented body style. Not to mention the more dynamic Fastback version.
This pricing strategy aligns perfectly with Fiat’s current positioning. The brand wants to return to what it considers its traditional niche: relatively simple, affordable cars produced on a large scale. This is the largest member of this new family, and its name was not chosen at random. Gaetano Thorel explains it with a touch of humor: after the Panda and the Grande Panda, what’s the bear bigger than a panda? The grizzly.
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If I understand correctly, the Grizzly is the equivalent of the C3AC or the Frontera. But those two are also already priced at 20,000 as an introductory offer. Nothing new at Stellantis.
Unless you're only paying attention to what's happening in Italy!
I've got to see it in person, because while the Citroën C3 Aircross looks small on the road, this Grizzly looks big. Could it be somewhere between the C3 and the C5?
That's the equivalent of the C3 Aircross, if I'm not mistaken
The length of the latest Citroën C3 Aircross (new generation) is 4.39 meters (4,395 mm)
The Grizzly will be the same length; it's the Fastback that's a little longer.
At the same time, with a subpar PureTech that doesn't even pass crash tests, it's a good thing it doesn't cost as much as a real car.
How sad to see such an eyesore come out of the Land of Car Designers… ☹️😢
The official Fiat website lists the official dimensions: 4.39 m for the standard version and 4.5 m for the Fastback. It also mentions the gasoline, hybrid, and electric versions.
In Brazil, they will be called the Pulse and Fastback and are expected to retain the 1.0-liter Firefly turbo engine with 116 CV and the 1.3-liter turbo engine with 185 CV.
Brazilians are lucky to have the Firefly
I'm interested!!!
You're right, it's important to destroy the Italian auto industry 😉
That third photo, the rear three-quarter view, shows just how ridiculous the rear pillar and tailgate design is. Not only is it unattractive and likely quite dark inside, but I can only imagine that it will have terrible visibility, making it hard to maneuver—entirely reliant on cameras. Do better, Fiat.
Why don't you mention in your article that the platform is used by Citroën for the C3 and C3 Aircross, as well as the Opel Frontera?
You’re right—it’s the STLA Smart platform used by: the Fiat Grande Panda, Citroën C3, Citroën C3 Aircross, Opel Frontera, and likely the future Chrysler Arrow and Chrysler Arrow Cross models. But then again, anyone who reads Italpassion every day already knows that 🙂
I've had a Fiat Tipo 1.4 gasoline model for 11 years. It has never given me any significant problems. As soon as possible, I will buy the Fiat Fastback with confidence and conviction.
I've been driving Fiats for 30 years—finally, a car that looks original. I love it…