The first image of new Iveco Massif 4x4 has appeared just ahead of the full public debut of the new Santa Motor-built SUV, expected before the end of next month, which will feature Iveco engines and powertrains.

The Iveco Massif will be a re-badged version of Santana Motor's PS-10 'Anibal' model which itself can trace its lineage back through the decades to the Land Rover Defender, which the firm (then known as Metalurgica de Santa Ana) first started assembling from CKD kit form in 1958; although over the intervening years the Spanish off-road vehicle manufacturer has constantly re-engineered the basic package to the point where it now has 100 percent local content. The new model, which will be known as the 'Massif', will be marketed and sold by Iveco globally, adding a further niche product to their widening portfolio; however in the major South American markets, including Brazil and Argentina, the Massif is expected to be marketed under the Fiat brand name.

Iveco see the Massif as a logical extension to their burgeoning product range, providing a ready-made solution that they have been able to realise in a very short space of time since a formal letter of intent was signed late last May with Santana. This letter of intent said that "provided preliminary analysis of the project feasibility is positive, the agreement between the two companies will envisage the development of a new product, an off-road 4x4 vehicle for professional usage, derived from today’s PS10 Santana, which would be built by Santana using Iveco engine and transmission technologies."

With its toughness and durability well proven, the PS-10 Anibal has been widely respected by the specialist off-road media, and its low cost base, the Massif will slot into Iveco's professional, affordable product range. Iveco are also embarking on a long-term strategy to expand their niche product range - they are global market leaders in a string of specialist vehicle areas - and the PS-10 has already been converted by Santana for a number of specialist uses such as fire, ambulance and army applications, allowing Iveco to instantly slot the new addition into its widening niche product portfolio. The army use version for example is fully air transportable and includes special features such as a reinforced front bumper and fold flat windows.
 

The Iveco Massif will be closely based on the Santana PS-10 Anibal 4x4 which was introduced to the markets four years ago. The PS-10 was in turn a new development of the long-running 2500 series which chases its lineage back to the Land Rover Defender. The Defender-based model was phased out by Santana in 1992 and a decade later, with the option of continuing to assemble Defenders not being an option, Santana turned to their previous model to form the basis of their new SUV. A three year development programme ensued and the PS-10 was the tough, capable and cost-effective result.

It was also significant in that it was the first time that Santana chose Iveco engines to power its vehicles, with the new 4x4's incumbent heavy 6-cylinder engine being replaced by the Italian truck maker's lighter and more fuel efficient 2.8-litre common-rail diesel. The engine is fed to the wheels by the Leyland (Land Rover) LT85 5 speed gearbox and LT230 4x2/4x4 transfer box, while power steering became a standard feature. The options list includes central locking, alarm, tinted windows, sunroof, leather, GPS Navigation, custom roof racks, side and underbody protection, acoustic mats, winch and ABS. Retail sale production versions available include short wheelbase, camper, soft-top and pick-up.

When introduced the Santana PS-10 Anibal retained the proven leaf springs used by the old model, keeping in place the well-regarded, straightforward and robust suspension. The chassis frame was fitted with a revised body, which featured greater use of aluminium panels on the steel cage, while the whole body was attached the the chassis through 'silent blocs'. Inside the interior was changed with a better and more comfortable driving position introduced, use was made of improved materials, and the addition of air-conditioning. The Defender's long-running 'seat box' arrangement was discarded, the resulting new flat floor increasing cabin volume and allowing greater seat travel, meaning that taller drivers much could be better accommodated.

Iveco are initially targeting annual sales volumes of 5,000-6,000 Massif vehicles, with the focus being on professional use, widening their niche portfolio. Amongst the targets will forestry use. The Massif will benefit from being sold through Iveco's wide-reaching global marketing network, and will also slot into the Fiat retail operation in selected countries. It is expected to be more competitively priced that the Land Rover Defender.