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Aww, isn't it cute?
This is Ford's Start concept, unveiled in Beijing and previewing how a future affordable city car might look. A Ka for emerging markets, in other words.
Designed at Ford's California studio, the Start was apparently inspired by the Porsche 356 Speedster and Alfa Romeo Zagato SZ. Built of aluminium and steel, it's around 140kg lighter than conventional city cars and features far fewer parts.
See more pics of Ford's new Start
Its smooth surfaces mean a low drag coefficent, and that roof panel can be unclipped to create a targa-style opening.
All very nice, but the Start's engine is the most relevant bit for now: a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol with Ford's ‘EcoBoost' technology. This means it gets a turbocharger and direct injection, meaning CO2 emissions under 100g/km and, says Ford, comparable power to a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine - around 110bhp, we'd guess.
The three-cylinder engine is expected to debut in the third-generation Focus before finding its way into the Fiesta next year.
We like the Start. It looks fresh and it's packed with realistic, affordable technology. And hey, it might even drive as well as the original Ka...
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
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Kirbdawg commented on this article
at 12:20 pm on 23 April 2010
Does the bottom come off so you can turn it upside down and use it as a tea-cup?
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quick-nick commented on this article
at 12:23 pm on 23 April 2010
I like the interiour! Looks neat and sporty! But the looks from outside aren't my cup of tea...
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Kirbdawg commented on this article
at 12:35 pm on 23 April 2010
lol, nice pun
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Sparperetor commented on this article
at 01:22 pm on 23 April 2010
This is clearly a spin-off of the FIAT 500! look at the shape, it's exactly the same...
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StigsIrishCousn commented on this article
at 01:26 pm on 23 April 2010
Sounds like a fantastic engine but I can't see people buying a Focus with a one litre engine, the world isn't quite ready for that yet, but who knows maybe the Focus will be the one to change the collective mindset.
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