Within the past 20 years Ford Motor Co. has embraced a number of design philosophies, the latest of which has been teased over the last few weeks and has now been unveiled ahead of the 64th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show taking place later this month.

Between the 90′s and into the early 2000′s, Vice President of Design, Jack Telnack, ushered in the ‘New Edge’ styling theme, the defining characteristics of which included the slim trapezoidal grille and pronounced wheel arches. Well known examples include the ’96 Mondeo, the ’98 Focus and the ’99 Fiesta.

Ford’s ‘Kinetic Design’ is the language we know and see today. Under the guidance of Martin Smith, the Executive Design Director for Ford of Europe, we were given the sassy ’08 Ford Fiesta and more recently, the new Ford Focus. A Eurocentric styling theme, Kinetic Design is characterised by a pronounced trapezoidal lower grille with headlights that ‘reach backwards’ towards the A-pillar.

In 2011, Ford is revealing its latest design direction for future models, which is not only centered around exciting looks, but also exciting technology.

The new design DNA will be instilled in Ford models over the next five years, with the first example expected to arrive as soon as four months away. The Evos is the first example of a global design language for Ford, which is part of the brand’s ‘One Ford’ strategy.

“The Ford Evos Concept unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development.

J Mays, Vice President of Design and Chief Creative Officer, says, “The new design DNA marks a bold evolution of the kinetic design language featured on existing global Ford products.”

While we won’t see the Evos Concept enter production in its entirety, the key styling cues that can be expected on future models include the ‘laser cut’ thin headlights, higher positioned trapezoidal grille and, potentially, the distinct visual effect created by the glazed roof section that bridges the front and rear screens. The Evos Concept in particular, draws further attention with its fast-back, four-door body style and eccentric gullwing doors.

Not simply a ‘pretty face’, the Evos Concept also serves as a showcase of Ford’s focus on technology, with the ultimate aim being “to create an experience that enhances the driver’s time behind the wheel,” says Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technical Officer and Vice President of Ford Reasearch and Innovation.

Ford see the key to this achievement being the integration of in-car software and associated functionality with that of ‘cloud computing’. A further development of Ford’s ‘Sync’ in-car communications platform, the addition of Internet connectivity will allow your future Ford to synchronise with your lifestyle and driving habits, to provide a tailored driving experience. “We’re researching how we can use patterns or preferences set by the driver to make life simpler,” said Mascarenas. It could automatically play the same music or news program that was just streaming at home, or automatically heat or cool the interior to an ideal temperature before the driver gets in by predicting departure time based on his/her calendar. Wirelessly communicating with devices in the home, the car could could close the garage door and switch off the lights automatically as it pulls away.

This technology extends even further though, with Ford suggesting the car’s entire driving character could be enhanced and adapted to driver habits and capabilities, supplemented by its online connectivity. For example, the technology could source real-time map and weather data online and, in response, adjust the car’s powertrain, steering, suspension and braking systems for optimum enjoyment, comfort and safety. In addition, the Evos Concept will serve as a test bed for Ford’s ‘driver wellness’ measures, the most recent of which includes development of an intelligent seat that can monitor the driver’s heart rate.

The Ford Evos Concept is powered by a sophisticated lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain based on that of the C-Max Energi – a range-extended plug-in hybrid MPV, expected to reach markets by 2013. Once again, connection to the cloud, or Internet, means the powertrain can be managed intelligently to maximise economy. Using information about the vehicle’s predicted travel route, any emission zone restrictions during the journey and current weather conditions, the advanced PHEV technology successfully manages power from the engine and battery to achieve a range of over 800 kilometres – more than any other plug-in or extended-range electric vehicle to-date.

The interior of the Evos Concept also shows how we can expect future Ford models to be more driver oriented in response to the increased technology being introduced. The Evos interior features uncluttered surfaces, with contours that impart an athletic character and trapezoidal cut-outs that draw in the exterior design elements.

The cockpit area sweeps down either side of the driver and provides secondary information about vehicle and infotainment systems. The two rear seat passengers have access to touch-screen displays that provide vehicle information and the ability to adjust the sports seats.

“Both the exterior and interior of the Ford Evos Concept clearly communicate that this is a driver’s car, so that as soon as people see the vehicle, they will immediately want to get in and drive,” said executive design director Moray Callum.

A glorious looking concept, we hope Ford will carry much of the strong contours and bold face of the Evos into its production models in future. In the meantime, lets hope broadband Internet connectivity continues to become faster and cheaper in South Africa, so we can take full advantage of the technology that’s coming our way.

The ‘new’ Ford Fiesta has been around for just over a year now and created quite a buzz with its edgy design when it arrived. Although the hype may have subsided, it’s still a supermini that’s lost none of its appeal, looks-wise at least. With the arrival of the newest VW Polo, Citroen C3 and Hyundai i20 we decided to take a closer look and see how it stacks up amongst the equally refreshed competition.

Firstly, it must be noted that the six generation Fiesta marks a revolution rather than evolution of the model it replaces. The Fiesta has been designed to perform on the world stage and not purely for select markets in Europe or the Africa/Asia regions. To this end the Fiesta has been a success in terms of its ‘world car‘ status, with over half-a-million units sold by January this year, around 8 000 of those being in South Africa.

The Fiesta is certainly one of the better looking compact hatchbacks on our roads and just as well, because the Fiesta will inspire the look of future Fords – as seen with the new Focus launched in Detroit last year. The top of the range Titanium model we sampled features chrome accents, 16-inch alloy wheels, halogen projector headlamps, front fog lamps with chrome bezel and a partial body kit that includes a bold front grille and rear spoiler. In three door body style the Titanium model benefits from the addition of a full body kit. If the rakish headlights and whale shark grille are too bland for you, there is always the choice of Fords ‘Vision’ blue or ‘Squeeze’ lime green colour options to guarantee you get noticed. Overall, the edgy design offers a fresh and sporty look that will appeal to the 20-somethings and young at heart.

The interior also features a brand new design and marks a significant jump over the previous generation Fiesta. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, although the backrests could prove a tad narrow for bigger South African’s. Unlike the Mk5 Fiesta before it, the latest model features a height adjustable drivers seat in addition to the reach and height adjustable steering wheel. Standard on all Titanium spec models is a leather wrapped steering wheel, including satellite controls for the sound system that also features bluetooth connectivity for your phone and voice command recognition. The centre stack houses controls linked to a 3.5-inch LCD display mounted on top of the dashboard.

Ford call this their Human Machine Interface (HMI), which may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but really all it does is provide easy access to the in-car entertainment functions, on-board computer information and settings such as the ambient lighting. The HMI has been designed with a mobile phone in mind, the idea being to achieve a globally recognised and intuitive way to access the functions mentioned. On the whole it proved easy to use, although we did find ourselves searching for the odd button on occasion. To the Fiesta’s credit, the bluetooth connectivity to our iPhone was the quickest and simplest we’ve ever used. Below the HMI reside the climate control dials – funky, but with a more traditional layout.

The rest of the dashboard has a fashionable soft touch to it and is characterised by a strong horizontal line with a soft edge, dividing the dash in two. Different textures feature above and below this design element, while ‘brightwork’ surrounds the centre stack and drivers instrumentation. A nice touch, although some may find it a bit garish, is the ambient lighting that emits a red glow over the centre stack, gear lever and glove box.

The Fiesta 3- and 5-door models are built upon the same chassis. This means that the rear of the 5-door may feel somewhat cramped in terms of legroom, but headroom won’t be a problem for the majority of adult passengers. Something we noticed that was missing from the current Fiesta were grab handles for front and rear passengers, not that we use them all that often, but nonetheless they were conspicuous in their absence. Behind the rear seats you’ll find a useful 284-litre boot, expandable by folding the rear seats flat.

On the road the Fiesta offers a quiet ride, with acceptable levels of wind and road noise. With a 5-speed manual gearbox the Fiesta’s engine is busy while cruising – just under 4 000 r/min at 120 km/h – and could do with a 6th cog to reduce consumption and engine noise. Having said that, fuel economy is already an agreeable 5.9 l/100 km overall and CO2 emissions are 139 g/km – figures which carry ever increasing importance as fuel prices increase and the emissions tax draws closer. Around town the Fiesta drives well. There’s enough visibility all around, the steering is light, the car has a good turning circle and the ride is comfortable if a little firm. Which brings us on to our next point, the handling.

Fiesta’s have always had good underpinnings and proved fun to drive. Admittedly our expectations were a bit low with the latest generation, because the idea of a Euro-centric hatch turned ‘world car’, aka now including America, brought visions of marshmallow like ride quality for highway cruising at 55 mph. After a few kilometers in the new Fiesta we can say that thankfully our assumptions were completely unwarranted. The Fiesta has a superb chassis – well balanced and plenty of perceived grip as a result. The Fiesta takes road imperfections in its stride. Where other similar sized cars may be ushered off line, the Fiesta remains planted. The car changes direction well and remains stable under heavy or emergency braking. All these attributes make for a safe and confidence inspiring drive. Best of all though is that with the 1,6-litre engine under the bonnet, the Fiesta 1.6 can be fun to drive when you want it to be.

The engine produces 88 kW at 6 000 r/min and peak torque of 149 N.m at 4 250 r/min – enough grunt to haul the Fiesta to a 193 km/h top speed and from zero to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds. On your computer screen these figures may not seem like much, but in the real-world the 1,6 engine offers adequate performance. And, with a free-revving nature, provides just enough verve to tickle the speed demon in you through a set of twisties. Mated to the 5-speed ‘box via a light action clutch and positive shifting gear stick, the Fiesta offers a comfortable and positive driving experience.

We Like…

• Fantastic chassis, which we expect will make the upcoming Fiesta ST a little firecracker.
• Ford’s new ‘Kinetic Design’ philosophy, which forms the basis for future models.
• The ‘vision blue’ colour of our press car!

We Would Like…

• A mute button for the radio – we couldn’t find one anywhere.