Dolce vita and functionality to define future Fiat families

Fiat will create new 500 and Panda derivatives that represent brand's “two souls"

- FELIX PAGE

Fiat is working towards offering two distinct families of small cars, inspired by the 500 and the original Panda.

The Italian brand recently revealed five Panda-inspired concepts, which are due to evolve into production cars in the next three years. However, there remains room in its line-up for the 500 to evolve and spawn new derivatives, as its "vintage" appeal "will never die", according to Fiat design boss François Leboine.

Leboine explained that he perceives Fiat as having two "souls": the "dolce vita" ethos embodied by the 500 and its derivatives and the "more practical, functional" design language that defined Giorgetto Giugiaro's Panda.