Motorshows are commonly used by car manufacturers as a foyer to introduce daring and innovative car design concepts to gauge a feel of the market’s opinion about them. Although we’ve had our share of shows bordering from the bad to the simply awful, at last, here’s one that makes a difference.
The Ford Centennial Motorshow, though small compared to those held at the SM Megatrade Hall, is home to four amazing and exciting new products probably destined for the ASEAN market. Though the Ford Lynx Centennial Edition with its 140-bhp, 2.0-liter inline-4 is the main attraction of the show, one can’t help but steal glances at three other products that may have the chance to make it to our roads: the Ford EcoSport, Ford Everest and the Ford Fiesta.
Ford EcoSport
Built primarily for where small cars rule, the Ford EcoSport has been on the drawing board as early as 1998. However, after years of research and development, it was only launched in its primary market, Brazil, in March of this year. Though its exterior shape and dimensions would make one think that it’s a modified Fusion, Ford personnel were quick to point out that they are only distantly related.
Looking like an 80th percentile scale model of the Escape, the EcoSport features good interior space in amazingly compact exterior dimensions. Powered by a choice of three powerplants in Brazil, it seems that the one displayed at the show, the 1.6-liter Zetec, would make the most sense. There are two drivetrains available, a 4×2 and a full-fledged 4×4.
Like the Fiesta, the EcoSport feature European Ford detailing elements such as the anodized headlamps, the highly geometric Edge Concept and even to the design of the alloys. Inside, the EcoSport benefits from numerous cubby holes that’s topped off with a front seat that flips up and turns itself into an underseat tray.
The EcoSport would probably be perceived primarily as a woman’s car as men would go for a bigger SUV—say the Escape. However, there’s nothing entirely wrong with the design of the EcoSport to make it a wonderful alternative to the boring 1.6-liter sedans out there. Although hatchbacks are considered as niche products and don’t sell volumes, if packaged same way as the EcoSport with its tall ride height and available all-wheel drive system it should work…if the price is right.
Displayed as a left-hand drive model at the show, it shows that the EcoSport can actually make it to Philippine roads (and we hope). It would be interesting to see if Ford can finally capitalize on their SUV-image by coming up with a small SUV that should correct all the mistakes of the Honda HR-V while beating the Japanese in their own game.
Ford Everest
Debuting at the Bangkok Autoshow a few months back, the Ford Everest is finally here in the flesh. After motioncars.com gave a sneak peak of this one-of-a-kind vehicle, [click here] the Ford Everest is a proof of the wonders the new excise tax system would present.
Throwing the 10-seater rule out the window, the Everest has three front-facing rows with a total seating capacity of seven adults. It is worth noting that this SUV offers the best headroom and legroom compared to its current AUV rivals. The second row feature Theatre seating offering excellent visibility for all passengers, reducing travel fatigue and sickness.
Based on the Ford Ranger pick-up (it actually shares 60 percent of its components), the Everest benefits from the same robust Double Wishbone and Two-stage Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring suspension, albeit softened up to increase comfort. Power comes from the same 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine, but has been massaged to produce a higher power output at 121 bhp (the Ranger has 117 bhp). The good news is that it will be available in both manual and automatic variants.
More than just a Ranger with an extra row of seats and a metal top, the Everest features well-thought features such as a new seating mechanism, which Ford dubs as SYNCHRO. This new folding mechanism allows easy assess to the third row seats. With a single lever operation, the second row folds up and tumbles, allowing the best possible ingress and egress. It features a light-effort side-opening tailgate with a unique locking system to prevent those nasty door accidents.
Ford Philippines is already releasing details about the Everest’s Philippine specifications. According to them, there will be a choice of two drivetrains: a rear-wheel drive 4×2 and an all-wheel drive 4×4. It is not yet known if both will carry the same level of equipment, but the range topper will definitely have a four-wheel anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual airbags and seat belts for all seven passengers.
AUVs should watch their backs for the entrance of the newest and best thought of package, the Ford Everest. Selected dealers have already started accepting reservations for the Ford Everest.
Ford Fiesta
Here’s something of an oddball. Among all the tough SUVs and pick-ups (the Ford Lynx Centennial Edition included) present at the show, the Fiesta is the only one that’s decisively cute and cheeky. Though not radical and segment busting like the EcoSport, the Fiesta is Ford’s much needed Global sub-compact fighter. This car represents the company’s European design direction: small, affordable cars with decent handling and a frugal engine.
Literally lifting its name from the Spanish equivalent of a street party, the Fiesta should have no problem making its home on our roads. The compact body is just perfect for zipping around Makati at even the deadliest of rush hours. Add to that the ability to park just about anywhere without a ‘No Parking’ sign tacked on.
In Europe, the Fiesta has already sold 10 million examples since its debut 25 years ago, and has always been on the British buyer’s favorite list. This generation’s no different: though not exactly radical like the Focus, the Fiesta is a safe gamble for Ford—who simply softened up the former while keeping a degree of modernity inside and out.
Like most sub-compact hatchbacks in Europe now, the Fiesta is powered by a modest choice of smaller powerplants topped off by a 1.6 Zetec which it shares with the EcoSport. They have enough frugality to take you to the moon and back and enough seating and loading configurations to shock even the hardcore interior decorator.
However, among the three concepts at the Ford Centennial Motorshow, the Fiesta would probably have the most difficult time gaining popularity and acceptance among the general Filipino populace. Don’t get it wrong—the Fiesta is a well-designed vehicle. Nonetheless, most still don’t get the practicality of a hatchback over a sedan, let alone its small size. Moreover, it’s compact size may relay the message of it being a ‘girl’s car’.
This is especially true with the emergence of the Ford EcoSport. Although Europeans don’t see the point of having a small vehicle with a raised ride height, this is just about perfect for Philippine roads which require tougher suspension settings coupled with some limited flood passing ability. More than that, the EcoSport presents itself as better niche vehicle, which Ford could very well exploit.
But, whatever vehicle or vehicles Ford would decide to localize for the ASEAN or probably even the Philippine market, the future looks bright. For a company that’s celebrating its 100th year anniversary, it seems that there’s no shortage when it comes to innovation. Here’s to the next one hundred!
By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Jason Ang and Ulysses Ang
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