Friday 24th August 2007

Ford Verve Concept Enters Fray

Ford Fiesta to follow. Maybe.

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Conceptual insanity

In about three weeks manufacturers will be proudly unveiling their latest and greatest automotive creations to the world at the Frankfurt Motor Show. But some want us to see what they’ve got now.

Ford, for their sins, has decided to reveal their new ‘Verve’ concept. It’s not a collaboration album with Richard Ashcroft; it’s a hint of the design direction for future small cars.

Let’s translate that for you: It’s a bit like the new Fiesta. 

The press release says that it looks striking wearing its magenta paint job, and we agree. It certainly stands out…

However – take a closer look at the design. See that b-pillar? No, neither do we. The panoramic windscreen and 18” wheels are nice touches, too. Ford’s claim that it is almost coupe like might be a little far fetched, but it isn’t half slinky.

Is that a Nokia? NO! It's a Ford!

The interior is said to have been inspired by the latest mobile phone designs.

It incorporates the new Ford Convers+ system, which features a large centre screen which displays all essential information and “every surrounding button and switch has been crafted with the kind of minute attention typically associated with larger, upmarket vehicles”.

Now, if the new Fiesta does look like this, we’ll be very happy. We’ll also eat our collective hat.

[havoc]

Modern car designs are really looking 'heavy' now.

I bet that concept (small car, remember) is running on at least 18" wheels...and who in their right mind wants a cheap supermini with extortionately expensive, very-low profile tyres?!?


Yeah, sure, it looks great...but lets have some common sense and some utility back into the designs...function over form, FFS!!!

[jd5]

Looks fantastic for the type of car it is!

[Frimley111R]

Needs a bigger grille!

I never understand why so many manufacturers make great looking stylish cars and then give them dull interiors. You'd buy this car for its interior alone!

[bri_the_fly]

I like this quote:-


"Ford Verve Concept is clearly our most expressive form language yet," said Martin Smith, executive director, Design, Ford of Europe. "Bold, even radical, it demonstrates the dynamic possibilities for expressing Ford’s kinetic design philosophy in a small car that is a chic, modern and individualistic statement for a sophisticated, fashion-aware generation."



yeah, nice mowta mate!

(funny how the expression of the dynamic design reminds me somewhat of a Chrysler...!)

[simba1]

I am the only one thinking ford has nicked the 407 fish-mouth and grafted it to the front end of a a flattened, smoothened focus. Anyway, it's only a concept. Bet the production version will bear little resemblance.

[paulie-mafia]

simba1 said:

I am the only one thinking ford has nicked the 407 fish-mouth and grafted it to the front end of a a flattened, smoothened focus. Anyway, it's only a concept. Bet the production version will bear little resemblance.

Yeah it doesn't half look like a Peugeot! With Aston side windows...

[A1GOY]

havoc said:

I bet that concept (small car, remember) is running on at least 18" wheels

news story said:

The panoramic windscreen and 18” wheels are nice touches, too

ahem

[Hendry]

I have driven a number of new Corsas recently and they are competent cars. The new Fiesta is up against some stiff competition, even putting the Mini aside - safe and practical aren't sexy enough and even small car buyers want joy from ownership.

I think Ford has to buil something liek this just to stay still. They should drop the grill though.

[turbochrisgti]

Take one Peugeot 307 (probably a dodgy recalled one). Put in washing machine on a 60 wash. Then put in tumble dryer. Then you've got this! A shrunk peugeot.

[Mattygooner]

Same Designer as Seat?

looks ok.

[havoc]

Mattygooner said:

Same Designer as Seat?

looks ok.

Rear pillar and wing treatment.

[beasto]

More corporate c**k-teasing.

If it looks anything like as tasty I'll be very surprised indeed.

[Tunku]

Shouldn't "frey" be spelt "fray"?

[lanciaman]

Spellchecker strikes again! Yes, it should be fray.

[sprinter885]

I think interior is what they call "funky" ??
Externally I saw resemblance to Fiat from that angle. Trouble is these days you could look at most new cars & "see" so many other influences. Perhaps that's what is becoming known as the "Euro-box"?

[A1GOY]

Tunku said:

Shouldn't "frey" be spelt "fray"?

That little gremlin! It has been fixed. One day I'll remember that little er...

[pddmac]

it will look just as good in 12 months time when you can buy it...take it from me.

[DennisTheMenace]

The dash and door panels mouldings look production ready switchgear and a few odds and sods will change

[bencollins]

phwoarrr, designer twaddle aside, that's a pretty good job.

[michaelw3628]

The "New Fiesta" will surely be like the New Mazda 2 launched shortly....It certainly shares the same under pinnings. Another pairing of Ford Fiesta and Mazda 121 anyone? Also expect the "fiesta" badge to go too. It doesn't seem to match the modern "kinetic" design that Ford seems to be taking nowadays and therefore maybe they feel a new name is needed to bring the Fiesta up to date. (Escort or focus?)
Just keep your eyes peeled I suppose.

Put your hands together for the all new Ford Verve!