Mazda2 to spawn all-road Ford Fiesta in Europe
Auto Express is reporting that Ford plans to take the new Mazda2-derived Ford Fiesta into uncharted waters. They are apparently going to produce a baby ute off the platform, somewhat like the Suzuki SX-4. Ford already announced in Paris that it would be producing the Focus 4x4, which would mean practically the entire Euro lineup would have a CUV or "offroad" version.
Based on the same B2 platform that underpins the new Mazda 2, the new Fiesta is intended to be a true global car, and will likely see sales in the U.S. eventually. High fuel prices, registration fees, environmental concerns and the like have led the shift towards smaller vehicles, but adding the practicality and versatility of these mini CUVs offers buyers a choice.
Expect 1.3, 1.6 and 1.8-litre Duratec SCi direct injection gas engines, as well as 1.4 and 1.6 TDCi diesels. Traction and stability control and lots of airbags should be offered, as well. Look for the new Fiesta SUV some time in 2009. Follow the Read link for a rear shot.
[Source: Auto Express]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
mr.b 6:30PM (4/02/2007)
Calling Ford USA: PLEASE bring this vehicle to the U.S. STAT.
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Deezee 6:33PM (4/02/2007)
This will be a great vehicle for teenage girls.
Seriously it looks good. But I think too small for the average US driver.
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incognito 6:34PM (4/02/2007)
I would SO buy a diesel mini car with AWD. Prefer Mazda badge (Mazda3 owner already) but I'd suck it up and go Ford if they brought it.
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warren11050 6:47PM (4/02/2007)
I do not feel sorry for Ford's woes in the US. Those idiots keep making fantastic cars for everyone else except us. How to fix Ford??? Give us what you are giving Europe you stupid Jack-Asses!!!
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Rakesh 6:52PM (4/02/2007)
I think the editor of Autoblog likes to mess with us thats why he keeps showing us these Euro and Aussie Fords.
Hey so i heard that Mexico is getting the New Focus ST and Mondeo........... now who lives in a Third World Country!
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doglet 6:58PM (4/02/2007)
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/204824/ford_fiesta.html
thats the real news, the new b2 fiesta looks fantastic. another great european ford product. just fire all the north american management and hand over the reins to the europeans.
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Reuben 7:02PM (4/02/2007)
Well Rakesh if that's true I'll be buying by next car in mexico. Seriously Ford bring these here!
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naggs 7:03PM (4/02/2007)
how is it that ford of north america has more in common with volvo and mazda than it does with ford of europe?
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Rick Lyon 7:37PM (4/02/2007)
I knew they'd find a way to screw it up. What's with the 4x4 under body and the stupid plastic fender trim?!! Leave it to a US car maker to take a perfectly sweet car and screw it up with unnecessary modifications.
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Daniel 7:32PM (4/02/2007)
Europe get this and they get the Mondeo.
Maybe Ford will bring back the 1973 Pinto for the U.S.
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Aprime 7:56PM (4/02/2007)
Oh come on Rick, that's just one version.
Don't tell me you like the Ford Escort Wagon. :V
... Or any wagon for that matter.
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John Metcalf 8:44PM (4/02/2007)
Fantastic! just right for us folks in snow country who want practicality and fun. My list of possible future cars just got longer - if they sell it here, that is.
I remember seeing a lot of the small (kei and A-class) Japanese market cars available with all-wheel drive and thought it was really cool.
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Yago Bal 9:07PM (4/02/2007)
Why they insist on these Mazda 2 renders, when the cars obviously will not share body panels?
The current Fiesta is based too on the Mazda 2 platform, and they don't share a single body panel.
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NoNameDenton 8:55PM (4/02/2007)
As much as I love and support the Blue Oval, I wonder about the marketing strategy that allows Europe to get wonderful cars like the Mondeo (Though rumor has it the Mazda 6 gets the platform with a 3.5 liter V6) and small cars that should be here to compete against the Yaris, Versa, Aveo and such, especially with gas prices the way they are. The only smal thing Ford has done was decide to bring the Fiesta and Mazda 2 here evntually, and offer a 6 speed auto and eventually a 4.4 liter V8 diesel for the F-150. Other then that, all Ford has done was shaft the American consumers, thanks a lot Bill Ford, lets hope Mulally shows more aptitude even though his name is not on the company building ;)
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SherbornSean 10:02PM (4/02/2007)
This would so kick ass over the Justy, Echo and Swift. Bring it on!
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Don 11:58PM (4/02/2007)
WHEN WILL FORD FINALLY MAKE A CAR OF THEIR OWN? THAT'S WHY THEY CAN'T MAKE CUTTING EDGE PRODUCT.
ALL THEY DO IS RE-BARGE MAZDAS.
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR WAY FORWARD.
MULLALY SHOULD GIVE UP HIS SIT FOR MAZDA CEO.
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GOT 12:16AM (4/03/2007)
WTH! Why don't we get those cool looking cars like that here!!! Damn Ford. They may take us for fools and or bondsmen, but they'll never take my money... what, with the crap they dump on us here!?
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Anthony Albertus 2:05AM (4/03/2007)
I need AWD like I need another tax bill, but I have to say, when you look at this Fiesta concept then you look at the 'new' American Focus, you have to wonder exactly what the execs are smoking over at Ford. That new Focus astonishingly nasty.
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C. McFeeny 8:06AM (4/03/2007)
16 - You don't get it. Mazda=Ford, Ford=Mazda
One does not exist without the other. They are tied in a symbiotic relationship that is inexorable. The only reason that Ford doesn't outright own Mazda is because of Japanese law that forbids complete foreign ownership. By the way, I'm not saying anything that isn't common knowledge here at autoblog.com. You can find out all of this information on you own.
All of you call for Ford, GM and others to share global platforms, parts, design & engineering? Well, welcome to the future. The Mazda/Volvo platform sharing? It's just the beginning.
Ford is leveraging PLM (product life-cycle management) software to manage product data from concept, to design to manufacturing now more than ever before and the results will be stunning.
That being said, this design is f-ing fantastic and I can't wait to buy one here in the U-S-of-A.
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don 8:15PM (4/03/2007)
@ 17. Fordm deosn't own mazda and they can't afford them even if the law allows them! We all know they 've sold everything they own except for Mullaly's Suit and Tie. they own 33% share and that's it. Toyota owns 50% stake in truck making Hino in Japan and they don't rebarge Hino's Trucks in the USA.
Ford is a sorry company. Believe it or not Mazda is their only life line. I guess that's why they've not sold them yet!
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