CarPlay head unit for the Fiat Panda 2013-2020 and an adapter for 2021 on

Which CarPlay head unit for a Fiat Panda?

The choice depends on the model year of your car. If you have a third-generation Fiat Panda from 2013-2020, the factory system does not support smartphones, so the best choice is a head unit with a dedicated fascia fitted to the dashboard or an external display. If your Panda left the showroom in model year 2021 or later and has a factory 7-inch touchscreen, you already have CarPlay onboard and all you need is a small wireless adapter plugged into the USB port.

This guide applies exclusively to the third-generation Fiat Panda, designated by codes 312 and 319, produced since 2012. The older second-generation Panda with code 169, manufactured from 2003 to 2012, has a completely different dashboard design and different connectors, which means the radios described here will not fit it.

How to check what you have in your car

Start with a look at the factory radio and the registration certificate. Models manufactured between 2012 and 2020 left the factory with a traditional head unit without a touchscreen, which does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto interfaces.

Along with the refresh for the 2021 model year, Stellantis introduced a factory infotainment unit with a 7-inch touchscreen and DAB digital radio to the Panda. This system was fitted to higher trim levels, such as City Life, Sport, and Cross. If you have such a screen, connect your phone via cable to the USB port in the car. When the display shows your phone's maps and apps, your car already has factory CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Fun fact: The third generation of the Fiat Panda earned the nickname "squircle" because stylists based the entire design of its interior and exterior on a geometric shape combining a square with rounded corners, which can be seen, among other things, in the shape of the factory radio recesses.

Below you will find an overview of proven solutions tailored to specific model years of the third-generation Panda. We have selected devices dedicated for in-dash installation, wireless adapters, and universal portable screens.

Recommended head units and adapters for the Fiat Panda

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Radio replacement in Panda 2013-2020

The factory radio in the third-generation Panda has a very unusual, rounded shape. A standard 2 DIN radio will not fit into this slot without visible gaps, which is why you need to look for devices designed specifically for this model, featuring a fascia that perfectly fills the factory opening.

You typically have two types of devices to choose from: Linux-based head units and full Android stations. Linux models boot up almost immediately after turning the key and focus on smooth phone connectivity. An example is the dedicated Motorsi head unit for Panda 2013-2020, which lets you use wireless CarPlay without waiting for the system to load.

If you prefer installing apps directly onto the radio's memory, an Android head unit like the KTTCORLP 7 cali will be a better choice. Keep in mind that dedicated head units are tailored for the Panda's factory wiring, making it easy to retain steering wheel controls.

Panda from model year 2021 and USB adapter

Owners of newer models with a 7-inch touchscreen are in a much simpler situation. According to manufacturer specifications, the factory system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but requires connecting your phone via a USB cable plugged into the dashboard.

Constantly plugging in the cable on short trips can be tedious, and the wire easily gets tangled around the gear stick. The solution is a miniature wireless adapter plugged permanently into the car's USB port. The device replaces the cable by connecting to your smartphone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Plug-and-play adapters work great for such cars, for example the AAWireless Two+ compatible with both systems or the Carlinkit Mini Ultra 3. After the initial setup, your phone connects to the car automatically as soon as you get in and turn on the ignition.

Portable screen without dashboard modifications

If you drive a 2013-2020 Panda but do not want to dismantle the factory dashboard or tamper with wiring, an external portable screen is an alternative. This solution is especially useful for company cars, leased vehicles, or whenever you simply want a quick installation.

Devices like the Carpuride C3 7 cali mount to the windshield with a suction cup or stick to the top of the dashboard. Power is drawn directly from the car cigarette lighter socket, so installation takes literally just a few minutes.

You can send navigation audio and music to the factory Fiat speakers in three ways: via the AUX port, the built-in FM transmitter, or Bluetooth connectivity. The phone itself connects to such a screen wirelessly, giving you full access to maps and notifications.

Frequently asked questions about CarPlay in the Panda

Does the Fiat Panda have CarPlay?

Factory Apple CarPlay was only introduced to the Fiat Panda starting from the 2021 model year, on models equipped with the optional 7-inch screen. Older models from 2012-2020 lacked this feature, so they require replacing the radio or installing an external screen.

Which model year Panda has Android Auto?

Android Auto has been available from the factory in the Panda since the 2021 model year. It came with the 7-inch touchscreen and DAB radio, which were fitted to versions including City Life, Sport, and Cross.

Does CarPlay work wirelessly in the 2021 Panda?

The factory system installed by Fiat supports CarPlay and Android Auto exclusively via a wired USB connection. To use a wireless connection, you need to plug an external wireless adapter into that port.

Does a radio for the 2015 Panda fit the 2019 Panda?

Yes, because both cars belong to the same third generation of the Panda, produced with an unchanged interior design from 2012 to 2020. The shape of the radio slot and the electrical wiring are identical in both.

Does a radio for the Panda 169 fit the new Panda?

No, the radio from the older second-generation Panda (code 169) does not fit the third-generation Panda. Both models have a completely different dashboard shape, different mountings, and different wiring harness connectors.

Sources

• Stellantis Infotainment: Fiat Panda 7-inch display CarPlay / Android Auto multimedia system - manufacturer page (stellantisinfotainment.com)
• Motor1: 2021 Fiat Panda revealed with Sport version and other updates - industry article (motor1.com)
• Car Division: The Fiat Panda gets an update - industry article (cardivision.com)
• Pocket-lint: How to upgrade your car's old audio system to work with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay - industry article (pocket-lint.com)