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As an update to our Fiat at the 27th Bologna Motor Show story we can now feature more details on the new Fiat Simba.
Fiat Spa issued the following release:
A name redolent of the Savannah and a vehicle with a shape that speaks of journeys and adventure despite its ability to slip through traffic jams with equal ease. These are the distinguishing traits of the Fiat Simba, a concept car that will certainly arouse the curiosity of more sports-minded, energetic visitors. — 27th Bologna Motor Show.
The Fiat Simba is a revolutionary concept due to its original styling and versatility, a prototype that will open up new horizons in the minicar segment. It is the first example in Europe of an off-roader that is small yet able to combine the idea of roughing it with the comfort and performance of a conventional car.
Its designers called on the great technical and design heritage they have built up over the years and the skills of a company that has led the compact vehicle market for more than seventy years. — Car of the Year 2004: Fiat Panda.
With an eye on changing customer profiles within the sector and the good potential growth prospects, we came up with the Simba. This is, in essence, a car with a dual personality that conveys an immediate impression of freshness and fun backed by solidity and sturdiness. The Fiat Simba, created to entertain yet also to surprise the most sceptical young customer, may be envisaged (and experienced) as an authentic off-road vehicle you could take on a desert rally or drive through dense jungle vegetation. Or it could be a fun car capable of navigating intricate city centre streets and slaloming through traffic with ease. No obstacles could possibly stand in the way of the Fiat Simba’s four wheel drive system (4×4 with viscous coupling) and neat size (3680 mm long, 1730 mm high and 1630 mm wide). — Fiat 500 Car of the Year 2008.
Externally, the prototype is distinguished by crisp body lines and typical off-road equipment: big headlights, spare wheel on the roof, broad windscreen for the best visibility and straight sides for ease of manoeuvring.
