Here in the U.S. we think of commercial transport in terms of package delivery trucks from companies like UPS, Federal Express and DHL. In Europe, the commercial transport market is populated not only by tall vans, but a wide array of vehicle types that can carry cargo from point A to point B.
At the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, England yesterday Ford unveiled the Fiesta SportVan, a dual use domestic/business commercial transport vehicle that combines the styling of a sport compact with a dash of cargo carrying functionality. Powered by a 1.6L Duratorq diesel producing 89 hp and 150 ft-lbs of torque, the Fiesta SportVan features a 5-speed manual cog swapper, 16-inch 12-spoke alloys, color keyed body molding, larger front air intake, fog lamps and a rear spoiler.
The interior also gets the sport treatment with heavily bolstered seats and various “sport” trim. The Fiesta SportVan was designed for the small business owner who might use the vehicle for personal as well as business use, and it’s available as either a window or panel van. Though it’s considered a “van” in Europe, the SportVan looks like a compelling sport compact in its own right.
Check out Ford's full press release after the jump ...
[Source: Ford of Europe]
NEW FORD FIESTA SPORTVAN COMBINES PERFORMANCE WITH STYLE
2006 Fiesta SportVan
Birmingham, 25 April 2006: With sporty hot-hatch looks, sparkling road performance and impressive load carrying capacity, the Fiesta SportVan is ideal for dual-use customers who require a van for both business and domestic purposes.
Like all Ford Fiestas, the SportVan combines driving quality with functionality and practicality. Powered by Ford's lively 1.6-litre 90PS 204Nm Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, it boasts the acclaimed Durashift 5-speed manual transmission, power-assisted steering and anti-lock brakes.
Making its public debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham and available as either a window van or panel van (availability varies by market), the Fiesta SportVan comes in one of four colours: Colorado Red, Panther Black, Moondust Silver and Diamond White – all with a dark Pewter and ebony Gun Metal interior.
Externally, distinctive styling elements communicate the vehicle's on-road prowess. These include body-coloured front and rear sport bumpers, 16-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels with 195/45 R16 tyres, tapered body-side mouldings and a rear spoiler. The front end is distinguished by a high intake front grille, sports fog lamps and a rear spoiler.
The style continues inside, with sports front seats, a sports leather gear knob and leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver spokes. An available option pack includes air-conditioning, MP3 connectivity, a heated front windscreen, and electrically-operated and heated door mirrors.
"The small delivery van market is buoyant, thanks to a growing trend toward customers who require a stylish dual-use van for both domestic and business purposes." said Phil Collareno, Vehicle Line Director, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.
"The new Fiesta SportVan has been developed to meet the needs of drivers who want more car-like performance, style and fun in combination with the practicality and durability of the Fiesta van."
The Fiesta SportVan will go on sale in markets across Europe towards the end of the year.
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