The big production car news out of the Frankfurt motor show usually involves a small car we don't get in Canada, and that's the way it'll be this year as Ford reveals the all-new Fiesta subcompact for Europe.
While it's possible that some of the design or engineering features of Fiesta may make the transatlantic journey some day, that seems unlikely as North Americans continue to ignore small cars in such overwhelming volume. But who knows what the future will bring?
Perhaps it will include something that "incorporates acknowledged vehicle dynamics expertise while creating a new standard for small-car driving quality."
The primary objective with Fiesta, says Martin Leach, Ford of Europe's vice-president of product development, was to "provide more space and style, without sacrificing manoeuvrability and economy."
Leach reasons that, "It's difficult to enjoy a small car if you and your passengers aren't comfortable, so it was imperative to pack a lot of space into a shape that is still small on the outside — to create spaciousness for all five occupants and their cargo. We've packaged Fiesta for sharing with family and friends. That's where the spirit of sociability and fun really happens."
While the notion of getting five people in this car would seem preposterous to the average North American, there's no doubt Ford has done a solid job of getting a lot of room into a small exterior package. The key to this has been around since the arrival of the first Mini and continues to be true to this very day — put the wheels as close to the corners of the vehicle as you can.