In these photos the C-pillar glass windows are still blanked out, but more apparent is the Stilo-style 'step' that runs along the top of the side doors, athough blanks attempt to disguise this feature.

Insiders comment that the interior is neat and well styled with controls carefully laid out and easy to use. While this model shows manual heater controls, the top of the range versions offer well designed heating controls as well as a cd player.

Pre-production at the Polish Tichy factory will commence in January, with final production versions rolling from May. By the end of the year 70,000 are expected to have been built. 200,000 units will come out of the factory in 2004 ( 80% will be exported ) while 2005 will see production hit capacity of 250,000 units per year. By this point, the "New Small", initially to be produced in a 5-door version, will have been joined by a 3-door option along with a 4x4, performance "Sporting" and minivan. A number of options are also being evaluated including a "mini-pick up", as well as environmental and themed "fun" versions. 

The Fiat Simba, a "New Small" dressed up as an off roader, gave strong clues to the new mini-car's styling on its appearance at last December's Bologna Motor Show.