An interesting read between the lines about a 'concept' Ford, called Start, but the interesting news for US is the new small 1.0 litre 3 cylinder TURBO engine with emissions less than 100g/km, joint venture by Ford and Peugeot/Citroen, now that is progress
The article .......
Is this a fresh Start for the Ka? You’re looking at Ford’s vision of how the city car of tomorrow could look!
It’s called the Start Concept, and it made its debut at the Beijing Motor Show last week. Designed by Ford’s California-based styling studios, it boasts a striking body made from lightweight composite materials, and matches its good looks with a hi-tech 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.
Inside, cabin functions can be controlled by an iPhone – or any other smartphone. Add a fun driving experience, and the Start looks like the ideal city transport to take on the MINI and Fiat 500.
However, if you believe that this is the next-generation Ka, think again. Ford bosses are keen to point out that despite the short overhangs and curvy shape, this isn’t a new Ka. Instead, this concept points the way to how a future global model will look. And rather than Europe, the company says it has been designed for use in ever-expanding ‘mega cities’ – hence its debut in Beijing.
The big news for British drivers is the Start’s engine. It’s the latest example of Ford’s EcoBoost system, and is a direct-injection turbo powerplant that’s been jointly developed with PSA Peugeot-Citroen. Although power figures haven’t been revealed, Ford says it offers the same performance as a normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine – so expect up to 110bhp and 0-60mph in 10 seconds, but with emissions below 100g/km.
