Honda Fit is coming in late April, when and how should Ford answer?

Recently there's been a lot of talk of the upcoming Honda Fit, the new B-Segment model positioned below the Civic. I've read about it recently on Jalopnik, AutoBlog and Edmunds including pricing and driving impressions. Honda sees the Civic as moving slightly up in size and price, and saw the need to have a new entry level model positioned to compete with new Korean and Chinese models. Nissan has the new Versa coming, and much has been made of GM's imported Chevy Aveo. I don't know how big this new market segment is going to be, but I do know that Ford needs to be there too.
It's been reported that Ford intends to bring a new B-Segment model based on the Fiesta/Mazda2. Now look closely at this Fiesta and the Fit above, they're very close in size and style. Ford has it's B-Segment model in their overseas lineup. The Fiesta comes in 3 and 5 door models, with 2 petrol and 2 diesel engines.
There's even an ST version with 150 hp! Now just to remind you, ST is Ford of Europe's version of SVT. 150 hp may not sound like a lot, but consider this models lower weight and price. This is comparable to a Fit Sport, which Honda is rumored to be bringing in later this year or next. There is even a mini MPV or SUV version called the EcoSport/Fusion and a pickup version the Bantam/Courier.
So what ever it takes, Ford needs to answer Honda's challenge and have product for the US market as quickly as possible. Wouldn't you want a sporty hatch that gets 40 mpg for under $20K ? Fiesta mechanicals can underpin niche models like the Bronco and Reflex also. Rumors had been that Ford is going to build a new plant in Mexico to produce Fiesta based vehicles. Smart money would make it a flexible production facility, with the ability to build 3 and 5 door Fiestas, EcoSports, Broncos and the new Reflex. Even if Ford only sells 30-40,000 of each model, the shared platform and production facility will share costs. Make all versions E85 ready from the start, and bring at least one of the Diesel powerplants. A Hybrid in the future couldn't hurt, but may not be necessary considering the economy of both petrol and diesel models.

When I was in Ireland a few years ago, I was able to see the Fiesta and Fusion up close, and they're nice little cars, I've already said I would be first in line to buy the Reflex if it is built. Now is the time to "drive American Innovation" not sit back and watch from the sidelines.

Mazda 2 to be less ugly, facelift for Europe

These pictures are small, I'll try and post some larger ones when they are available. But the news is that the Mazda2, which shares a platform and powertrains with the Euro Ford Fiesta is getting a facelift.
You can see a familial look with the grill and tail lights. Looks like a Mazda3 that was left in the dryer too long.
A little improvement over the last 2, but still not as nice as the Fiesta.
This is the latest update on the Fiesta, and possibly the basis for a new US B-Segment model

Ford B-Segment possibilities

The Fiesta has been on the market in Europe and most of the world for 30 years now. And this little car, could be one of the best investments Ford ever made. It's first truely successful front wheel drive car, and the first "world car" being exported to all markets including the US in the mid 70's.
Fiesta mechanicals are found under diverse models world wide. Like the Ka in Europe.
The Sporty Puma, which had it's own racing series in Europe.
The Ikon, which is sold in Asia and Latin American markets.
The Bantam/Courier panel vans and small pickups.
The EcoSport mini SUV sold in Latin America. And the Fiesta mechanicals have so much more to give. This platform could be the base for some very interesting models from Ford.
How about the Faction? An easy competitor for the Dodge Hornet. Chrysler is shopping for a partner to produce the Hornet. Ford doesn't need one, they have a ready chassis and facilities already tooled for it. All they need are body stampings.
The Fiesta based EcoSport and it's Duratorq powertrain are under the Bronco concept and possible production model.
And what better chassis to utilize to bring the Reflex to market? It would be like a new Puma.

I think the Fiesta chassis could be a huge hit for Ford, including in the US, where multiple models could be built on this chassis and powerplants. Everything from a base economy car, to a sports car and an off road model. All from such humble beginings.

Which one do you like? Mazda2 or Fiesta ?

This is the current Mazda 2 subcompact.
Here is the European Ford Fiesta.

Which would you want as a new Ford subcompact in the US? Go to Ford's site and compare specs and styling, then come back here and let me know which you would buy. I checked the stats myself and it seems that they are using the same engines, and other specs are so close, that it seems that they are the same car under the skin. My question then is this, which came first? Is the Fiesta only a reskinned Mazda2 or vice versa?

Fiesta time?

Is it time for Ford to reintroduce the Fiesta to the US markte? Hell yes! Originally imported to the US in the late 70's and departing shortly before the arrival of the Escort was introduced, the Sub-Compact Fiesta remained in production overseas and is still sold worldwide, with the exception of the US and Canada.

The Fiesta is available with both Petrol (Gas) and Diesel engines in Europe and acheives 40 mpg or getter fuel economy. Available as either a 3 or 5 door hatch in Europe, it's also sold as a 4 door sedan in other markets (including Mexico) and it's chassis underpins the European Fusion MPV/Wagon and Courier/Bantam light trucks (pickup and panel van.) The Ford EcoSport from Mexico/Latin America is a mini SUV available with all wheel drive, based on Fiesta mechanicals. Some other vehicles based on the same dependable Fiesta platform are the Puma sport coupe (97-03) and the Ka 3 door and Cabrio as well as the Ikon 4 door sedan sold in some markets.

Future plans call for a redesigned Fiesta platform, with development of common chassis elements to be shared with Fiat. So this successful platform has paid off well for Ford on a global scheme, and with new Sub-Compacts due in the US from Honda, Nissan, Toyota and possibly VW (Polo) and various Chinese brands, not to mention Chevy's Aveo ( a rebadged Daewoo) it seems time for Ford to bring this platform here.

Rumors are that a Fiesta and possibly the EcoSport may come to the US by 2009. I'm hoping that's soon enough to catch a piece of this market, and that Ford doesn't just bring the base models, but recognizes that a version of the Euro Fiesta ST could be very competative in the future. I'd buy one with the 150 hp manual and either rollback soft sunroof or a more useful moonroof.

Mazda 2 to come to US in 2007?

According to Forbes, follow link to AutoBlog, then Forbes, the Mazda 2 may be coming to these shores in 2007. In answer to Honda, Toyota and Nissan's entry into the smaller car market in the US, Mazda may bring the Mazda 2 here to the US. Forbes speculates on whether Mazda will use one of their own plants or capacity at a Ford plant for production.

So here's a question, will Ford rebadge a version of this car for their own lineup or use the Euro Fiesta? The Fiesta is a great car and has a Diesel option that I don't believe the Mazda has. The closest we've come to a Mazda this small in the US was the Kia produced Ford Festiva, a rebadged Mazda 121.

The smaller car market is expected to grow in this country, based on rising fuel prices. Ford has options here that could let them at least keep up with the Japanese manufacturers. A new Fiesta or Mazda 2 based Ford, produced locally could help with a turn around at Ford. Time will tell.

I'll say it again, Ford can compete if they have the nerve

The AutoBlog post talks about Honda, Nissan and Toyota's plans to bring their super mini cars here in the very near future. It also mentions how GM is beating everyone to the punch with their Aveo, a rebadged Daewoo. And I'll say it again, Ford has the ability to not only compete, but cominate this class if they only try. The Fiesta, and a range of vehicles that are based on the same mechanicals, do better than many Japanese competitors. With a range of Gasoline and Diesel engines to cover every need, the Fiesta is very flexible. A 3 door and 5 door hatch are readilly available, and in certain markets there is a 4 door sedan.
This UK Ford Fusion, and it's Latin American brother the EcoSport mini suv are Fiesta based.
Fiestas are used in various forms of racing and compete well in the super mini hot hatch catagory of sales.
The little Ford Ka is Fiesta based.


The bottom line is this, if Ford wants to compete in this segment and fight off competition from the Chinese in the future, they need to work on getting the Fiesta and other smaller models here ASAP.

Could the Bantam/Courier be a new Brat? What is a Brat?

The Subaru Brat, sold in this country for about a decade. A trucklet, available with either front or all wheel drive. It's big claim to fame at the time was the bed mounted rear facing seats. Something that would never be allowed today, with safety concerns and regulations. Based on the Subaru GL sedan and wagon, it was a sort of cult classic, very 80's. Click the link above to see an enthusiast website.
Now in my previous post, I had mentioned the Bantam/Courier from Ford, and said it could be the next Brat. I then realized that's it's been about 15 years since they were sold here, hence the link above. Now you will notice the same theme here, a car based small utility truck. Rare in North America, but common around the globe. The only ones I can recall being sold in the US were the Subaru Brat and Volkswagen Rabit pickup. The closest American competitor was the Dodge Rampage trucklet based on the Omni O24.
Subarus were the only one available with the optional all wheel drive, and would often be seen with these little push bars and camper shells for the rear passengers. I never actually recall seeing anyone ride in those seats.
Subaru attempted to re-enter the "truck" market in 2003 with the Baja, again car based, this time only available with the all wheel drive and more upmarket than the Brat. Based on the Legacy Outback sedan/wagon.
Now, the Bantam/Courier is not available with all wheel drive, to the best of my knowledge, but since it shares lineage with the EcoSport, I assume it could be done. So this could be the new Brat for the 21st century.
As much as I'd like to see this little trucklet come to the US, I'm not sure. Although if Toyota does bring the Tb trucklet based on the Xb wagon/van (?) then Ford would have the ability if they chose to come out with an instant competitor. Even without the all wheel drive, this vehicle could be fun and economical. And it's available with the Diesel Dura Torq Engines.

BlueOvalNews Forums, rumors about small Fords

Over at BlueOvalNews Forums (click link above) there is speculation over rumors and an acrticle on HispanicBusiness.com, about Ford introducing lower priced Sub Compact cars from Mexico and Brazil. The Fiesta is obviously the car in question. This one's a no brainer. Honda is bringing their sub Civic hatch here and Nissan and Toyota are also bringing smaller lower cost cars. Then of course there's the Koreans and Chinese to contend with.
Readers of this blog will not be surprised that the sub Escape SUV is this Brazilian Ford EcoSport, a version of the European Fiesta based Fusion MPV. The Brazilian unit is available with all wheel drive.
But the article mentions a small truck too. This one has the guys at BlueOvalNews Forums stumped, they are speculating that it could be the Thai Ranger. Wrong, that truck which is a rebadged Japanese market Mazda B Series truck isn't built in South America, but this Ford Bantam/Courier is. Also based on Fiesta mechanicals, this trucklet is somewhere between a Ranchero and the old Subaru Brat.
Sold in Asia, South and Central America, Africa and the Middle East in truck form and in Europe in Panel Van version.
This is the panel version of the Courier/Bantam, don't expect to see this here ever.

From one platform, many flavors of Ford, none do we get here

Here, the humble Ford Fiesta, a staple of Ford's world product line up. The Fiesta once seen on these shores is a sub-compact front wheel drive platform available anywhere the Blue Oval can be seen, anywhere but North America that is (Mexico being an exception) For about 25 years Fiesta has meant reliable sometimes fun transportation for many around the world. Below are some of the many flavors of Fiesta, all built on Fiesta mechanicals.
The Street Ka is a small roadster, based on Fiesta mechanicals this is the drop top version of the Ka availalbe through most of Europe .
Alternately called the Bantam or Courier depending on where you are, this Fiesta based mini truck is sold in Europe, Asia and Africa. A little Ranchero type car based truck.
In the UK and most of Europe, if you say Ford Fusion, this is what they think of. Again, Fiesta based mini people mover is stylish and economical. Front wheel drive with either gas or Diesel engines, I've seen this up close and wonder why it couldn't be brought to the US, but I get ahead of myself.
This four door sedan is sold in South America and parts of Asia. Based on Fiesta mechanicals is the Ford Ikon.
In Europe, you're more likely to see the panel van version of the Bantam/Courier than the bakie or pick up version.
Here's the big gun in the Fiesta stable, the ST150. With 150 hp, upgrades to suspension and some sporty styling, the ST150 is the SVT style Fiesta.
This is the Ford Puma, sold in Europe from 1999-2003 a sporty 2 door coupe similar in style to the Mercury Cougar sold in the states at the same time. There was even a racing series for these exciting little cars.
Again the Ka, this time the hard top version, very popular in the UK. Loved for their low cost of operation and dependability the spirited handling is just gravy. Another car this is club raced in the UK.
The EcoSport from South America, an all wheel drive cousin to the UK's Fusion and possibly heading to the states as the new Bronco (concept below) available as are all Fiesta based models with both a gas and a dieslel engine.
Now as we're seing with the new Mazda6/Ford Fusion platform, its possible to take the same basic structure and develop many different vehicles for different markets. The Fiesta is truly a global vehicle, as Ford is truly a global company. With energy costs rising, I would like to see some of the Fiesta family here in the US.