We Drove the Fiat Grande Panda and 5 Different Cool Euro-Market Cars

Whenever we fly throughout the large blue pond to Europe, whether or not for work or pleasure, we admire the issues we do not have right here within the United States. Quaint cobblestone streets lined with historical buildings and patisseries brimming with handmade baked desserts are good, however we’re primarily speaking in regards to the vehicles, from dinky metropolis commuters just like the Citroën Ami to svelte sports activities vehicles just like the Alpine A110.

So we leapt on the alternative to pattern a few of Stellantis’s European lineup at a latest occasion on our house turf. While the Ami and A110 weren’t current, we have been nonetheless capable of get behind the wheel of six autos from 4 totally different manufacturers. Our expertise with every was temporary, consisting of a brief loop on a closed monitor that included a sequence of esses at metropolis speeds earlier than launching onto a protracted straight the place we reached freeway tempo. We want we had extra time in every automotive, however it was an insightful look into what persons are driving within the Old World.

Fiat Grande Panda

Our favourite by far was the Fiat Grande Panda. Just have a look at it! Its retro-tinged design oozes allure, from the “PANDA” lettering stamped into the aspect of the doorways to the squared-off pixel lighting parts and the boxy and upright silhouette. The enjoyable continues inside, with a mixture of brilliant yellow trim and a storage container on the dashboard that is lined with a textile constructed from 33 % actual bamboo fibers that opens as much as reveal an incredibly deep cubby. And there are many cute easter eggs too, from a small plastic mannequin of the unique Panda subsequent to the display to a slogan emblazoned on the seats studying “Panda Made With Love In Fiat.”

The instance we drove had hybrid help, though Fiat additionally sells it with pure-gas and absolutely electrical powertrains. A turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three pairs with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and an electrified dual-clutch transmission. While the system produces simply 110 horsepower, the Grande Panda felt zippy at metropolis speeds, squirting between corners on electrical energy. Commitment was required to surpass 70 mph, however we have been pleasantly shocked by the compliant experience and comparatively flat cornering, so long as you do not push too laborious. We’re undecided the Grande Panda could be successful in a lot of the U.S., however we may see it discovering success in metropolises like New York.

Opel Astra Sports Tourer

Although SUVs have additionally taken over the European market, a stable variety of station wagons stay on sale there, and we have been instantly drawn to this inexperienced Astra Sports Tourer. Opel’s newest design language is good-looking, with the headlights integrated into the black “vizor” stretching throughout the entrance finish. While the cabin had some low-cost plastics, there have been additionally supple suede inserts on the doorways and seats, and the general vibe felt extra refined than the Fiat.

We drove the plug-in hybrid variant, which makes use of a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder mated to a single electrical motor and a 12-kWh battery. That gives a helpful 37 miles of WLTP electrical vary and 178 hp. Still, the powertrain felt responsive, and the automotive was quiet and refined. Roughly the scale of a Honda Civic, the Astra would make a neat challenger within the compact phase if it have been rebadged as a Chrysler for the U.S.

Citroën C5 Aircross

Related to the third-generation Jeep Compass that we do not but have within the U.S., the Citroën C5 Aircross entered its second technology in 2025. The styling is modern and pretty reserved till you see the taillights that includes fins protruding from the D-pillar, which Citroën claims improves the aerodynamics. Inside, we discovered an attention-grabbing combine of material and leatherette surfacing, and the cabin was comfy and pretty spacious.

Citroën gives a gentle hybrid, a full EV, and a PHEV; we drove the latter. The 1.6-liter turbo makes one other look right here, paired with a punchier e-motor and a bigger 21-kWh battery, bringing 192 hp and a WLTP vary of 53 miles. The powertrain felt potent sufficient to deal with American freeway driving, however we have been much less impressed by the substantial physique roll, which made this Honda CR-V-sized SUV really feel uncomposed within the corners, though it rode comfortably over bumps.

Citroën e-C3 Aircross

The e-C3 Aircross is smaller than the C5, because the identify would counsel, measuring about 4 inches shorter than a Toyota Corolla Cross from nostril to tail. The C3 Aircross is obtainable with a pure-gas engine or one with a 48-volt hybrid system, however we drove the electrical model. The e-C3 Aircross has a single front-mounted motor producing a mere 113 horsepower, and it felt extraordinarily torpid below acceleration in contrast with the EVs we’re used to right here within the States. With a prime pace of simply 89 mph, it is best suited as an city runabout. Like the C5 Aircross, there was additionally loads of physique roll and intensely mild steering. The e-C3 Aircross appears respectable as fundamental transport, a automotive to get you from A to B with out frivolities, however not one we may ever see discovering success within the U.S.

Opel Grandland Electric

Despite falling seven inches in need of a Chevy Equinox EV, the Grandland is the most important car in Opel’s lineup, apart from its vans. The clear exterior styling appears trendy if not a bit nameless, although we did just like the Golden Sunstone paint and the backbone that runs down the middle of the hood. The cabin felt extra upscale than the opposite vehicles right here, with nicer plastics and metallic trim. Sharing its platform with the C5 Aircross, we thought the Grandland felt a bit extra composed within the corners, however the experience was positively on the flinty aspect. The electrical mannequin we drove produces 321 horsepower and felt fairly zippy in contrast with the opposite vehicles we drove. Plus, it is rated at a wholesome 311 miles of vary on the WLTP check cycle.

Peugeot e-3008

The Peugeot e-3008, just like the Grandland and the C5 Aircross, relies on the STLA Medium platform and feels pretty just like the Opel behind the wheel. The dual-motor powertrain is clean and responsive, however the experience was a letdown, even on the pretty well-paved check course at Stellantis’s proving grounds. We dig the flashy exterior design, notably the three slashes within the headlights and the intricately patterned grille. But we have been annoyed by the inside configuration, with the digital gauge cluster mounted excessive up on the dashboard, requiring you to regulate the steering wheel to be nearly in your lap, creating a clumsy driving place, just like the newest Toyota Prius. Still, the eye-catching design goes a great distance.

Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak

Stellantis, in fact, introduced alongside some American merchandise, and after stepping out of the European vehicles, the Durango SRT Hellcat felt like a breath of contemporary air. Sure, this technology of Durango could also be effectively over a decade outdated, however you may’t beat the roar of a 710-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8.

---

➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver assist you to discover your subsequent automotive.