You’re looking at the face of the next Ford Focus! This sensational new family car is unveiled at this week’s Geneva Motor Show – and it previews not only one, but a handful of future Fords – including the next-generation Focus, plus five and seven-seat versions of the C-Max compact MPV. Badged the Iosis MAX, it’s the third in a line of concepts stretching back to 2005, which have so far previewed the Kuga SUV and latest Mondeo.
The striking exterior is a fresh view of Ford’s design language. Most noticeable is the coupé-like side profile – created by the lack of B-pillars. Up front, Ford’s trapezoid grille receives a new look, with a trio of chrome bars. The headlights and taillight cluster get eye-like graphics and a one-piece windscreen flows back to the tailgate, revealing the skeletal roof structure underneath. This is one concept where styling is not only for show, either. The C-pillars ‘flying buttress’ design act as mini spoilers, channelling air as close as possible to the tailgate, while the active front cooling ducts are closed off when they’re not needed.
Ford’s thought up a clever two-piece tailgate so the rear screen and spoiler can be opened independently, even in tight and restricted spaces. But the entire hatch can be lifted to reveal the sizeable boot. The side doors make the most of the pillarless profile – the rears slide back for easy access. And even the bonnet slides back over the windscreen rather than lift upwards. In true concept-car style, the interior is as crazy as the body panels. Most remarkable of all, though, are the car’s wafer-thin seats – mounted on a central ‘spine’. It’s a design feature with an added benefit – loading space is created underneath the seats, which adds even more practicality to the package.
Under the bonnet, Ford has also given us a sign of things to come. Power is provided by a 178bhp 1.6-litre petrol unit from the EcoBoost range – the firm’s next generation of clean but powerful engines that will be introduced across Europe from early 2010. Using a turbocharger and direct-injection technology, the blue oval has managed to maximise efficiency, while maintaining power levels. Add this to Ford’s Auto-Start-Stop system and a six-speed ‘Powershift’ double-clutch gearbox, and early simulations have shown this concept could achieve CO2 emissions as low as 125g/km. For more details click here.
The striking exterior is a fresh view of Ford’s design language. Most noticeable is the coupé-like side profile – created by the lack of B-pillars. Up front, Ford’s trapezoid grille receives a new look, with a trio of chrome bars. The headlights and taillight cluster get eye-like graphics and a one-piece windscreen flows back to the tailgate, revealing the skeletal roof structure underneath. This is one concept where styling is not only for show, either. The C-pillars ‘flying buttress’ design act as mini spoilers, channelling air as close as possible to the tailgate, while the active front cooling ducts are closed off when they’re not needed.
Ford’s thought up a clever two-piece tailgate so the rear screen and spoiler can be opened independently, even in tight and restricted spaces. But the entire hatch can be lifted to reveal the sizeable boot. The side doors make the most of the pillarless profile – the rears slide back for easy access. And even the bonnet slides back over the windscreen rather than lift upwards. In true concept-car style, the interior is as crazy as the body panels. Most remarkable of all, though, are the car’s wafer-thin seats – mounted on a central ‘spine’. It’s a design feature with an added benefit – loading space is created underneath the seats, which adds even more practicality to the package.
Under the bonnet, Ford has also given us a sign of things to come. Power is provided by a 178bhp 1.6-litre petrol unit from the EcoBoost range – the firm’s next generation of clean but powerful engines that will be introduced across Europe from early 2010. Using a turbocharger and direct-injection technology, the blue oval has managed to maximise efficiency, while maintaining power levels. Add this to Ford’s Auto-Start-Stop system and a six-speed ‘Powershift’ double-clutch gearbox, and early simulations have shown this concept could achieve CO2 emissions as low as 125g/km. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
