http://wot.motortrend.com/ford-to-la...pe-101877.html

The Ford Fiesta will spawn a small crossover model to go head to head with the Nissan Juke, according to Auto Express. Just as the European-Market Ford Kuga shares underpinnings with the Focus and C-Max, the new crossover will be based on the Fiesta platform. With test mules of the miniscule crossover popping up all over Europe, the Fiesta 4×4 is nearly ready for its expected world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. Styling inspiration will come from the Vertrek concept that bowed at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, with a unique hood and front end, bulging fenders, and headlights similar to those on the concept. Overall, the car will be larger, riding on a stretched Fiesta chassis with a wider track. Auto Express believes that ample ground clearance will give the crossover the off-road edge over the Juke, but believes the crossover Fiesta’s main competitor will be a small off-roader from Vauxhall set to hit the UK market next year.
Don’t expect the new crossover to stray too far from the current Fiesta in the design department, as Ford doesn’t plan to change course with its styling until the next-generation car launches. A Ford spokesperson told Auto Express, “Until an all-new Fiesta arrives, everything that comes out on that platform will share the same Kinetic design language.”
That new look may not be too far away though, as Auto Express says a new concept hinting at a future Fiesta design could make an appearance at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September. For the time being though, the crossover will get the Fiesta’s sharp styling, but also feature its own distinctive utilitarian bodywork.
Engines will include a range of gasoline and diesel power plants, most likely including a couple EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinders and possibly even the 1.6-liter turbo from the Euro-market Focus. A new 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with 90 hp could also make it into the new crossover, along with a hybrid drivetrain based on tech from the C-Max. Whether or not a hybrid version is on the way, Auto Express says all models are likely to come standard with start-stop tech.
As for pricing, Auto Express says the new crossover will start at 16,000 GBP (roughly $26,140). While that may sound like a lot, it’s right on the money for a UK-market Juke competitor. There’s currently no word on what name the vehicle will go by, or if it will make it across the pond, but you can expect more details to pour out once auto show season rolls around. They say that competition improves the breed, so adding another tiny crossover to the market can’t be a bad thing.

 

Love the styling!

 

Compete with the puke, joke, ****, whatever. On looks alone it crushes it. Bring that one here Ford!

 

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