Regular recent sightings of prototypes pounding the roads around Turin confirm that a production version of Fiat's Simba concept will be hitting the urban jungle sooner rather than later.
The little 4x4 will make its much-awaited production debut alongside the new Fiat Punto at the
Frankfurt IAA in September. This new 'baby' SUV is also scheduled in to play a role in Fiat's involvement in the upcoming Torino 2006 Olympics.
Spy photographs present a cute utility-styled 4x4, which is a direct derivative of the styling concept that served as a preview to the standard Fiat Panda back at the
Geneva Motor Show in 2003. The Fiat Simba design made a second appearance as a fully functioning concept at the
2003 Frankfurt IAA with mildly revised styling. This second concept car saw the exclusion of the front 'bull bar', extra driving lamps, roof-mounted spare tyre and central exhaust. Differences between this second concept car and the black pre-production prototype are outwardly limited. As on the concepts, the production Simba will feature large round headlights complimented by cheeky rally raid inspired spotlights. Chunky plastic side-trim will also be implemented, extending the wheel arches and covering the doors with what appears to be a ribbed effect finish.
The taillights also feature twin-rounded units. The rear lighting treatment will exclude the long vertical reflectors in favour of plastic trim as used for the front headlight surrounds and the side cladding. This plastic trim will most likely be of light grey finish, with the roof featuring a stylish roof rack also finished in the same material. Unlike on the concepts, the rear side windows appear to remain untouched to retain that Panda's optimal all-round visibility. Front fog lights and 5-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/65 R15 tyres will also distinguish the Simba.
The new 5-door SUV will be 3590mm long, 1600mm wide, 1630mm tall and have a wheelbase of 2300mm. The ground clearance is around 169mm. The Fiat Simba has permanent 4-wheel drive (4x4 with a viscous joint and 2 differentials) and can negotiate inclines up to 51%. Engines destined to be offered in the Simba 4x4 are the 60bhp 1.2 petrol unit, and the 70bhp 1.3 Mutlijet diesel.
We should have pictures of the Simba from Frankfurt in September, and assuming the car comes to the UK alongside the Panda 4x4 then we will drive it early in 2006. Keep an eye on the main
Motor Shows and
Road Tests pages for more information.
James Granger - ItaliaSpeed - 9 Jun 2005
