The Simba is an all wheel drive mini off road vehicle, which reintroduces Fiat to four wheel drive and opens up a whole new market segment. In Fiat's own words the Simba is designed to be "equally at home in the Savannah or a city traffic jam" and builds on the tradition of the highly successfull 1980's Panda 4x4. It is the first of many variants expected to be based on the "New Small" in order to maximise the ranges' application and build a modern, youthful and fun image for this vital new model.

In Bologna the single red and yellow painted prototype sits on a stand, placed in a prime location on the Fiat display, designed to convey an off road landscape, under a huge banner reading "4x4 concept".

The Simba will be powered by Fiat's second generation diesel engine, the 4-cyl 16v 1.3JTD developed by Powertrain, the joint GM-Fiat parts development program. The Fiat Simba offers a four wheel drive system (4x4 with viscous coupling) and neat size (3680 mm long, 1730 mm high and 1630 mm wide).

Of probably more interest is the fact that the debut of the Simba, represents an almost unofficial preview of the "New Small" which replaces the ageing Seicento and the 22-year old Panda mid next year. The Simba's off road clothing, including built in fog lamps, more powerful headlamps, larger and strong bumpers, roof bars and roof mounted spare wheel fail to hide the shape of Fiat's new mini car. The high flat sides, designed to maximise interior space can be clearly seen, while on the Simba the rear quarterlight windows are blanked off, the right hand side providing space for the petrol filler cap.

Interestingly the Simba carries an Abarth badge at the base of the A-pillar.

28.11.2002  27TH BOLOGNA MOTOR SHOW: FULL PREVIEW
26.11.2002  FIAT TO LAUNCH MINI OFF ROADER AT BOLOGNA MOTOR SHOW