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Regular recent
sightings of prototypes pounding the roads around Turin confirms 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.
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The Fiat Simba has
permanent 4-wheel drive (4x4 with a viscous joint and 2
differentials) and can negotiate inclines up to 51
pct, while engines destined to be
offered are the 60bhp 1.2 petrol unit, and
the 70bhp 1.3 Mutlijet diesel, seen here (above) in the
Simba concept at the 2003
Frankfurt IAA |
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Fiat Simba
design made a second public appearance, as a fully
functioning concept, at the 2003
Frankfurt IAA (above) |
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The taillights also feature twin rounded units, as befits
many serious off-roading
legends such as Fiat’s own Campagnola 4x4 (produced from
1951 to 1987). 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 roof featuring a stylish roof rack also finished in the
same material. Unlike on the concepts, the rear C-post
windows appear to remain untouched to retain that Panda’s
optimal all-round visibility. Front foglights and stylish
5-spoke 15” alloy wheels with 185/65 R15 tyres will also
distinguish this affordable 4x4.
The new 5-door SUV will be 3590mm long, 1600mm
wide, 1630mm tall and have a wheelbase of 2300mm. The
ground clearance is around 169 mm.
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.
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