Future Ford Small Cars

[ds91776]

It seems pretty clear that Ford will be redesigning its small car lineup for the 2017 and/or 2018 model years. The Fiesta has been on sale worldwide since calendar year 2009 and for the 2011 model year in North America, with a significant update for the 2014 MY. Likewise, we all know the Focus came out for the 2012 MY and gets an update for the 2015 MY. So it seems like the Fiesta and Focus will be fully redesigned for the 2017 and/or 2018 model years.

Both cars are still at the top ( or near the top ) of their respective classes so if Ford keeps its eye on the ball they will be great. My only significant complaint about both current cars are their relative lack of interior volume. The original Focus was significantly roomer ( particularly when it came to headroom ) than its peers and I'd like Ford to do that again. Even if leg room increased incrementally, I'd like to see headroom increased by an inch at least. That may be a tall order ( groan ) but I think it should be done.

But at least one other vehicle is joining the Fiesta and Focus in Ford's "First World" Small Car Stable. It has been rumored ( and in some ways pretty much confirmed ) that Ford will make a dedicated Hybrid/PHEV/EV vehicle to combat the Prius, Volt, Leaf, etc. I love this idea and I'm very excited about it. There were some other rumors that this car could come in several variants...which gets me thinking. What kind of cars could we get from this new C-Car platform?

Obviously we'll get:

1. Focus sedan/5dr
2. Escape
3. Transit Connect
4. C-Max ( Europe )
5. Grand C-Max ( Europe )
6. MKC
7. Dedicated Ford Hybrid/PHEV/EV Car

The reason I put ( Europe ) next to the C-Max is that with the introduction of Ford's "Prius fighter" I think it is less likely that North America will get the next-gen C-Max. However...there are other possibilities.

8. Hybrid Escape ( replacing Hybrid C-Max )
9. Hybrid MKC
10. Dedicated Ford Hybrid/PHEV/EV Crossover ( NOT a Hybrid version of the C-Max MPV )
11. Lincoln Small Premium Sedan ( this is practically a give...especially considering the Chinese market )
12. Lincoln Small Dedicated Hybrid/PHEV/EV ( Could Lincoln make their small premium car a Hybrid, etc only? I could see a small Lincoln car that came with traditional engines and alt-engine options...but I could also see it going the other way )

What do you guys think?

[03 LS]

B-segment CUV/MAV, namely revised EcoSport or B-Max?

Ford will enter this segment in NA.

[Biker16]

It seems pretty clear that Ford will be redesigning its small car lineup for the 2017 and/or 2018 model years. The Fiesta has been on sale worldwide since calendar year 2009 and for the 2011 model year in North America, with a significant update for the 2014 MY. Likewise, we all know the Focus came out for the 2012 MY and gets an update for the 2015 MY. So it seems like the Fiesta and Focus will be fully redesigned for the 2017 and/or 2018 model years.

 

Both cars are still at the top ( or near the top ) of their respective classes so if Ford keeps its eye on the ball they will be great. My only significant complaint about both current cars are their relative lack of interior volume. The original Focus was significantly roomer ( particularly when it came to headroom ) than its peers and I'd like Ford to do that again. Even if leg room increased incrementally, I'd like to see headroom increased by an inch at least. That may be a tall order ( groan ) but I think it should be done.

 

But at least one other vehicle is joining the Fiesta and Focus in Ford's "First World" Small Car Stable. It has been rumored ( and in some ways pretty much confirmed ) that Ford will make a dedicated Hybrid/PHEV/EV vehicle to combat the Prius, Volt, Leaf, etc. I love this idea and I'm very excited about it. There were some other rumors that this car could come in several variants...which gets me thinking. What kind of cars could we get from this new C-Car platform?

 

Obviously we'll get:

 

1. Focus sedan/5dr

2. Escape

3. Transit Connect

4. C-Max ( Europe )

5. Grand C-Max ( Europe )

6. MKC

7. Dedicated Ford Hybrid/PHEV/EV Car

 

The reason I put ( Europe ) next to the C-Max is that with the introduction of Ford's "Prius fighter" I think it is less likely that North America will get the next-gen C-Max. However...there are other possibilities.

 

8. Hybrid Escape ( replacing Hybrid C-Max )

9. Hybrid MKC

10. Dedicated Ford Hybrid/PHEV/EV Crossover ( NOT a Hybrid version of the C-Max MPV )

11. Lincoln Small Premium Sedan ( this is practically a give...especially considering the Chinese market )

12. Lincoln Small Dedicated Hybrid/PHEV/EV ( Could Lincoln make their small premium car a Hybrid, etc only? I could see a small Lincoln car that came with traditional engines and alt-engine options...but I could also see it going the other way )

 

What do you guys think?

 

 

 

 

 

Developed and fully trashed out platforms should lead to more Variants on both C and B architectures.

 

C-car

 

Focus

Focus Hatch

Focus Wagon

Focus Coupe

Focus Sedan

Focus Cabriolet

 

Available AWD with new 7 speed DCT and larger displacement EB I3.

 

C-max

 

5 and 7 passenger variants.

 

AWD available for the First Time.

 

Transit connect

 

carryover

 

Escape/Kuga

 

Introduction of new 7 speed DCT, 9 speed ATX and larger displacement EB I3.

 

Lincoln

 

Exclusive Eco-boost power trains, available AWD And Shared Fancy suspension system, common interior design theme.

 

Sedan

Hatch

Tall hatch/MPV

MKC CUV

 

B-car

 

Introduction of new 6spd DCT.

 

Fiesta

 

Coupe

Cabrio

Sedan

5 door hatch

 

Tall roof Fiestas

B-max

EcoSport

Transit courier

EcoSport Pickup

Edited February 4, 2015 by Biker16

[bzcat]

It seems pretty clear that Ford will be redesigning its small car lineup for the 2017 and/or 2018 model years. The Fiesta has been on sale worldwide since calendar year 2009 and for the 2011 model year in North America, with a significant update for the 2014 MY. Likewise, we all know the Focus came out for the 2012 MY and gets an update for the 2015 MY. So it seems like the Fiesta and Focus will be fully redesigned for the 2017 and/or 2018 model years.

 

Both cars are still at the top ( or near the top ) of their respective classes so if Ford keeps its eye on the ball they will be great. My only significant complaint about both current cars are their relative lack of interior volume. The original Focus was significantly roomer ( particularly when it came to headroom ) than its peers and I'd like Ford to do that again. Even if leg room increased incrementally, I'd like to see headroom increased by an inch at least. That may be a tall order ( groan ) but I think it should be done.

 

But at least one other vehicle is joining the Fiesta and Focus in Ford's "First World" Small Car Stable. It has been rumored ( and in some ways pretty much confirmed ) that Ford will make a dedicated Hybrid/PHEV/EV vehicle to combat the Prius, Volt, Leaf, etc. I love this idea and I'm very excited about it. There were some other rumors that this car could come in several variants...which gets me thinking. What kind of cars could we get from this new C-Car platform?

 

 

You are missing Transit Connect and the pickup version that Ford is working on. Also Focus wagon. I would also add a Focus X Road to the list.

 

 

 

1. Focus sedan/5dr

2. Escape

3. Transit Connect

4. C-Max ( Europe )

5. Grand C-Max ( Europe )

6. MKC

7. Dedicated Ford Hybrid/PHEV/EV Car

 

These are pretty much slam dunk. Plus Focus wagon, Transit Connect, and Transit Connect pickup. Focus X Road should get a serious evaluation from Ford this time.

 

 

 

8. Hybrid Escape ( replacing Hybrid C-Max )

9. Hybrid MKC

 

maybe... if C-Max doesn't come back as a hybrid in North America.

 

 

10. Dedicated Ford Hybrid/PHEV/EV Crossover ( NOT a Hybrid version of the C-Max MPV )

 

probably redundant.

 

 

 

11. Lincoln Small Premium Sedan ( this is practically a give...especially considering the Chinese market )

12. Lincoln Small Dedicated Hybrid/PHEV/EV ( Could Lincoln make their small premium car a Hybrid, etc only? I could see a small Lincoln car that came with traditional engines and alt-engine options...but I could also see it going the other way )

 

 

11 is yes for sure.

 

12 is definitely no. Not enough volume to justify unique design. Just do a PHEV version of #11.

Edited February 4, 2015 by bzcat

[fuzzymoomoo]

Lincoln small sedan is happening by all indications

[LincolnV]

I love wagons but the Focus wagon isn't going to come to North America.

 

I have doubts about the C-Max name in North America. I don't think it's resonates very well. I think Ford should change it to "Focus Max" to tie it into the rest of the Focus lineup.

[Hugh]

I love wagons but the Focus wagon isn't going to come to North America.

 

I have doubts about the C-Max name in North America. I don't think it's resonates very well. I think Ford should change it to "Focus Max" to tie it into the rest of the Focus lineup.

Focus Max sounds too close to Malibu Maxx. Like "Mr Brown is too close to Mr. S%&t". Funny I saw a Malibu Maxx SS this morning, still nothing to rave over. That generation of Malibu just plain stunk.

[fuzzymoomoo]

Focus Max sounds too close to Malibu Maxx. Like "Mr Brown is too close to Mr. S%&t". Funny I saw a Malibu Maxx SS this morning, still nothing to rave over. That generation of Malibu just plain stunk.

You saw one that wasn't falling apart? Kudos to that guy for pulling that off!

Edited February 4, 2015 by fuzzymoomoo

[Hugh]

You saw one that wasn't falling apart? Kudos to that guy for pulling that off!

We have a saying here on our island: "Canada's Senior Residence for cars." "Where cars go to die."

Edited February 4, 2015 by Hugh

[92merc]

I would say since Ford is developing a unique line of hybrids now, we won't be seeing anymore of the CMax. We may not even see anything called Focus Hybrid or Escape Hybrid. They may have all new unique names.

 

Not unless Ford decides to tack on a name similar to their use of the Eco-boost branding. Just don't tack on a single letter like Apple. iFocus, iEscape, etc. That's just over done.

 

I say we use a name the public is familiar with like Mercury. :-) (not a chance...)

[630land]

Wonder what model year will really see the MkIV Focus? Since the MkI, there were always rumors way off.

 

MkI was first called "1999 Escort" and would be "all Mazda".

 

For MkII, were tons of posts by users who "swore" that "C1 is coming to the USA soon". Then was like "how can I be wrong?", when Ford USA brought out the 2005 Focus with carry over C170 platform. Then more rumors that "C1 will be here by 2008, I swear", etc.

 

MKIII was supposed to be "V6 optional", "based on the Mazda 3 for sure this time", "a stretched Fiesta", "a shrunken Mondeo", "AWD standard", and "we are getting a diesel maunal trans wagon for sure this time!".

Edited February 4, 2015 by 630land

[bzcat]

I love wagons but the Focus wagon isn't going to come to North America.

 

I have doubts about the C-Max name in North America. I don't think it's resonates very well. I think Ford should change it to "Focus Max" to tie it into the rest of the Focus lineup.

 

Focus wagon will not be coming to North America but it will still be one of the most critical product on the C platform.

 

C-Max was originally called Focus C-Max. But it was divorced from Focus for reasons only Ford Europe knows.

[fuzzymoomoo]

Wonder what model year will really see the MkIV Focus? Since the MkI, there were always rumors way off.

 

MkI was first called "1999 Escort" and would be "all Mazda".

 

For MkII, were tons of posts by users who "swore" that "C1 is coming to the USA soon". Then was like "how can I be wrong?", when Ford USA brought out the 2005 Focus with carry over C170 platform. Then more rumors that "C1 will be here by 2008, I swear", etc.

 

MKIII was supposed to be "V6 optional", "based on the Mazda 3 for sure this time", "a stretched Fiesta", "a shrunken Mondeo", "AWD standard", and "we are getting a diesel maunal trans wagon for sure this time!".

MK IV Focus will debut for MY2017. You can take that one to the bank.

[630land]

That would mean only 18-24 months away? 2016's are being unveiled and Ford has now just gotten 2015 Focuses to dealers. So, I am betting 2018 MY for USA.

[fuzzymoomoo]

That would mean only 18-24 months away? 2016's are being unveiled and Ford has now just gotten 2015 Focuses to dealers. So, I am betting 2018 MY for USA.

That's not what engineers I've talked to have said. Or people on this very board who have family working on the next Focus

Edited February 5, 2015 by fuzzymoomoo

[Pioneer]

That would mean only 18-24 months away? 2016's are being unveiled and Ford has now just gotten 2015 Focuses to dealers. So, I am betting 2018 MY for USA.

2016 CY for 2017 MY.

[Pioneer]

Double post.

Edited February 5, 2015 by Pioneer

[ds91776]

Yeah...I didn't include the Focus wagon, oops. If the 2017 MY introduction of the 4th generation Focus are true, then Ford could easily be introducing a brand new Focus and Fiesta in the same year. That's pretty cool. Especially for Europe.

My comments/suggestions about a small Lincoln were an "either/or" option, not an "and" statement. Lincoln could introduce a Lincoln sedan ( or hatch ) that just had gasoline engines AND perhaps a hybrid model. OR Lincoln could base its small car on the Ford Prius Fighter, making it hybrid/PHEV/EV only. I'm not saying this is likely...but it is very possible.

 

Also, do we think that since the C-Max is likely to disappear from these shores...will the next-gen Escape/MKC get a hybrid version or do we think that Ford will try again with a Hybrid Only Crossover?

It also seems highly unlikely to me that the next-gen Fiesta will have a 3dr hatch version coming to North America. It did surprise me that Ford didn't make a 3rd generation Focus 3dr hatchback...at least in Europe. 3dr Hatchbacks still seem numerous in Europe. Anyone know why that version was skipped this time around? Was it canceled in 2008/9 during the Financial Crisis? If the 3dr Focus makes a comeback in Europe for the 4th Generation, I could see Ford bringing it over to North America again. As for a convertible version? I highly doubt it.

[silvrsvt]

Wonder what model year will really see the MkIV Focus? Since the MkI, there were always rumors way off.

 

MkI was first called "1999 Escort" and would be "all Mazda".

 

For MkII, were tons of posts by users who "swore" that "C1 is coming to the USA soon". Then was like "how can I be wrong?", when Ford USA brought out the 2005 Focus with carry over C170 platform. Then more rumors that "C1 will be here by 2008, I swear", etc.

 

MKIII was supposed to be "V6 optional", "based on the Mazda 3 for sure this time", "a stretched Fiesta", "a shrunken Mondeo", "AWD standard", and "we are getting a diesel maunal trans wagon for sure this time!".

 

 

I've never heard the V6 optional rumor. but most of what you posted is from uninformed fanbois

 

Given what Ford was going through from 2006-2010 or so, the reskined C170 Focus was a very smart thing to do and helped line up everything for where we are at today with candance with EU and NA products.

[LincolnV]

It also seems highly unlikely to me that the next-gen Fiesta will have a 3dr hatch version coming to North America. It did surprise me that Ford didn't make a 3rd generation Focus 3dr hatchback...at least in Europe. 3dr Hatchbacks still seem numerous in Europe. Anyone know why that version was skipped this time around? Was it canceled in 2008/9 during the Financial Crisis? If the 3dr Focus makes a comeback in Europe for the 4th Generation, I could see Ford bringing it over to North America again. As for a convertible version? I highly doubt it.

 

I don't think the 3 door was popular when it was available. I wanted to test one when I bought my wagon back in 2006 and the closest one they could find was 200 miles away. As for 2008, the 3-door was replaced by the 2 door sedan which also did not sell well.

 

I'd love to see Ford go back to the raised rear lights on the hatch version. It was one of the most defining features about the Focus.

[LincolnV]

Funny thing about the dwindling popularity of wagons, they seem to be a lot more popular with more expensive car brands. There are still loads of Volvo V50s around town and people are still buying Mercedes and Audi wagons as well.

 

Maybe the Lincoln version of the Focus could offer a premium wagon.

[akirby]

We bought my son a 3 door in 2005 and daughter a 5 door in 2011. The 5 door wins hands down. I wouldn't expect a 3 door here any time soon.

[akirby]

Funny thing about the dwindling popularity of wagons, they seem to be a lot more popular with more expensive car brands. There are still loads of Volvo V50s around town and people are still buying Mercedes and Audi wagons as well.

 

Maybe the Lincoln version of the Focus could offer a premium wagon.

 

That's just because those brands offer more wagons than most other mfrs. And that's due to their European roots where wagons are popular, although I think crossovers are beginning to take hold there.

[LincolnV]

 

That's just because those brands offer more wagons than most other mfrs. And that's due to their European roots where wagons are popular, although I think crossovers are beginning to take hold there.

 

Maybe there's a market. I see lots of new E-class wagons and those come from a manufacturer that has CUVs to offer at a cheaper price. Even BMW still offers a 3-series wagon on top of their selection of CUVs.

 

Speaking of Mercedes CUVs.....I saw a new GLA for the first time. My first look was from the rear. I wasn't expecting it to be as wide as it was. It was not attractive - kind of Pacer-ish.

[akirby]

Must be a regional thing. I've seen maybe one MB Wagon in the last year. Thousands of utilities though. They already make them for Europe so it's not hard to bring them over. The market is tiny and the folks that are already buying German or Swedish wagons would probably not buy a Ford or Lincoln wagon anyway.