And engineers at the...
And engineers at the firm have paid particular attention to the handling to ensure the newcomer is as rewarding to drive as its key German rivals.
The mag"s spies caught...
The mag"s spies caught what appeared to be a road-ready version testing on the streets of Turin, and a Fiat spokesman told us: "The Simba will definitely go into production, and be barely distinguishable from the concept."
Fiat"s original prototype (image) had chunkier roofbars, which came down the A-pillar, and lamps at the base of the windscreen. A subsequent version, also called Simba, featured toned-down extras - and it"s this car which previews the showroom model.
The bigger side mouldings and extended wheelarches of the initial show-stopper remain, as do the chunky spotlights either side of the grille. Revised rear light clusters also appear, along with new alloy wheels.
The cabin is unchanged from the existing Panda 4x4, and the new model uses that car"s all-wheel-drive technology, too. Revamped bumpers, which incorporate the Simba"s protective cladding, are also on the cards, although the original prototype"s bull bar is unlikely to make it to the dealer forecourt. A launch date has yet to be announced, but judging by our pictures, Fiat fans won"t have long to wait. When the Simba does hit showrooms, it will be fitted with the firm"s 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine, although the 1.2-litre petrol unit could also feature.
Expect it to cost more than the Panda 4x4, so a price tag of around í‚á£10,000 is likely. And if you"re concerned about that garish red and yellow paintwork, don"t worry - it"s expected to give way to something more restrained! The Italian company has also exhibited a dark green version of the go-anywhere supermini.