Paris Preview: Ford Fiesta Panel Van?
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The new Ford Fiesta isn't just good for going fast and looking good – apparently you can also make a panel van out of it. Details are scant before its supposed appearance at the Paris Motor Show, but this little guy is aimed at small businesses that might want something even more economical than the Ford Transit. The passenger compartment is separated from the cargo by a bulkhead and the latter can hold 1,000 liters, which quadruples the storage space of the 5-seater car. As long as buyers aren't hauling lead, they should be all right -- the car is supposed to get motors ranging from 60 to 90 horsepower. We'll bring more details and pics from the Paris show, as all we know right now is that the Ford Feista Panel Van will start at €11,070 in Germany.
Gallery: 2009 Ford Fiesta
[Source: Autoblog Spanish]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Torrent 3:35PM (9/08/2008)
OH NO!
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The Luigiian 4:25PM (9/08/2008)
What's so OH NOES about it?
Torrent 5:55PM (9/08/2008)
Doesn't look right to me. What did they bring the Ford Transit To America For?
C.W. 3:39PM (9/08/2008)
absolutely brilliant.
my neighbor owns a flower shop and delivers using a Sprinter van with custom racks. She is extremely dissapointed in fuel economy and how its just too big... she wants the new Transit more than anything and even talks about an even smaller solution for their local small delivery orders... this is PERFECT for people like this....
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TJ 4:22PM (9/08/2008)
Why doesn't she look at the HHR panel, the Caravan panel, etc?
There are plenty of options on the market already, she doesn't have to wait.
C.W. 8:47AM (9/09/2008)
have you seen the HHR panel or caravan? I would say "ugly" best describes them....
this is a very trendy flower shop chick... this is perfect.
the transit is perfect.
she only has a sprinter because it is big enough for nursery pick-ups and the superduty E-series and Ram vans were just too much.
Jugomugo 3:44PM (9/08/2008)
I would totally use something like this as a daily driver. I have no need for more seating than two, and a defined cargo space would be great. Limo tint the back windows and no one could see in.
Too bad I can't get one in the 'States.
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jjpg2000 3:48PM (9/08/2008)
They've been doing this kinda thing in the EU for quite a while. Autoblog had a post on a similar vehicle some time back, but I can't find it right now.
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SPG 3:53PM (9/08/2008)
A great idea, a perfect way to cut down on fuel costs and emissions in an urban setting.
This vehicle would be perfect for many messenger companies, smaller catering businesses, and many many others.
I would love to see this on the road in place of some of the sedans and vans with one tiny package in the back.
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jkendall 3:58PM (9/08/2008)
Reminds me of the Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon of the mid to late 1970s. At least this time Ford left off the graphics. Good idea. Wish someone like Subaru would make something similar (but better).
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gbernardi 3:59PM (9/08/2008)
Does it cost a lot to have removable seats like many minivans used to have? Then buyers wouldn't really need to make a choice like this. I know nothing of production costs, though.
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Dave 4:14PM (9/08/2008)
Hmmm reminds me of the old Courier in Europe....but I guess that was replaced by the Transit Connect.
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JN 4:19PM (9/08/2008)
This would be an ideal vehicle for so many small businesses; our local pharmacy still has home delivery, and for that purpose, a car of this size would be ideal. Particularly so if the price was reasonable.
They are using a Prius that the owner bought as a test; the drivers all seem to like it, but I understand the maintenance costs are high. I didn't ask for details ... the expression on the face of the driver who told me that spoke volumes.
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Dazza 4:25PM (9/08/2008)
In Europe, van versions of hatchbacks with the side-windows panelled out have been around for several decades. In order to reclaim VAT on the purchase as a commercial vehicle, the side window must be a steel panel and the rear seats must be removed. Every single generation of Fiesta has been offered with this format, as well a Courier-type high-top van.
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BOB 6:05PM (9/08/2008)
"The passenger compartment is separated from the cargo by a bulkhead and the latter can hold 1,000 liters, which quadruples the storage space of the 5-seater car."
THE PURPOSE OF DIAGRAMMING SENTENCES IN ENGLISH CLASS IN THE 7TH GRADE
Is not so old jerks like me can pick at you --- it is to help you write clearly, and not make the reader have to read it twice to get it.
--- run on sentence -- 2 sentences with an "and"
--- "latter" refers to the bulkhead, not the cargo area
-- "which" refers to the 1000 liters, not "can hold"
-- adding the bulkhead does not quadruple the storage space (the car is the same size), it walls off 1000 liters of the space.
TRY
"The passenger compartment is separated from the cargo by a bulkhead, allowing a 1000 liter storage space. The 4-seater has a quarter of that"
--- BUT that would not be true anyhow, as the seats fold in the regular model
Geez -- it takes time to be accurate and to think to make sure what i write is clear --- TRY IT!!!!!
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Ken Stamper 7:55PM (9/08/2008)
Man, I understood what he meant and I bet everyone else did too. This is a blog typed quickly to get new info out there, not your 7th grade English class. Relax!
Doofy 10:08AM (9/09/2008)
"it takes time to be accurate and to think to make sure what i write is clear"
..you are trying to give a grammar lesson and write garbage like this? I am thinking your 7th grade English class was your last English class.
MrRoadrage 7:47PM (9/08/2008)
"THE PURPOSE OF DIAGRAMMING SENTENCES IN ENGLISH CLASS IN THE 7TH GRADE
Is not so old jerks like me can pick at you --- it is to help you write clearly, and not make the reader have to read it twice to get it."
I had to read your post three times to unravel it. If you are going to come over all sanctimonious about others' writing, at least tidy up your own before posting it. And by the way, two independent clauses connected by "and" is a compound sentence. Perhaps you'll learn that in grade 8.
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k.w.a 8:38PM (9/08/2008)
still looks better than an american ford
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Stan 2:23AM (9/09/2008)
Dear Ford,
My old Ranger has just about had it. Its replacement will be more soulful, more fuel efficient but must have an immodest cargo capacity.
In other words: Where do I sign?
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