00:55 21-01-2026

Fiat's new Argo: Grande Panda rebranded for South America

Fiat has officially confirmed that the new Grande Panda will be sold under a different name in Brazil. The hatchback will hit the market as the new Argo, marking a step in the brand's strategy to move toward a global model lineup without region-specific vehicles.

Why Panda Becomes Argo

According to Fiat CEO Olivier François, the brand is moving away from fully local developments. The new Argo will be technically and structurally similar to the European Grande Panda, but tailored to the tastes and expectations of the South American market. This includes design, color palette, and interior materials, which will be more subdued compared to the European version.

Technology and Platform

The upcoming Argo is built on the Smart Car platform, already used in the Peugeot 208 and Citroen C3. Its dimensions will closely match those of the French hatchback and the current Argo. The powertrain lineup will retain the naturally aspirated 1.0 Firefly engine, with new options featuring mild hybridization based on the turbocharged 1.0 T200.

A Growing Family and Future Plans

The Grande Panda will serve as the foundation for a whole family of models. A new Fastback with a longer wheelbase and improved practicality is already being tested, and the next-generation Strada is in the works. This compact pickup platform will gain global status and could expand beyond South America, potentially including the European market.