Ford's new-generation global small car was first seen in concept form as the Verve at last year's Frankfurt motor show, but now Ford has taken the wraps of the production version and will stage its world debut at the Geneva Motor Salon. Ford has also found a name for the production car, ultimately deciding to release it as the Ford Fiesta - a name that's been long gone from our shores, but has lived on in Europe. In fact, it'll share this name with its global variants worldwide.
The Fiesta is based on the same architecture as the Mazda2 and is the first Ford to stem from the automaker's new global product-development process. The compact three-door hatchback shows remarkably few design changes in its transition from Verve Concept to Fiesta production car. While appearing not unlike a shrunken three-door Focus, the Fiesta has reasonably engaging lines, making for a fun, youthful image. The interior, a strong point of the Verve Concept, remains true to original designs as well, with a futuristic center stack that was inspired by mobile phones. A large-screen display and control panel houses buttons for audio, in-car phone, and vehicle settings; while an array of modern technological features are included, such as Bluetooth integration, auxiliary media player connectivity, and red-tinted ambient lighting.
The Fiesta will be powered by a range of five engines in Europe, ranging from a 67-horsepower diesel to a 113-horsepower, 1.6-liter gasoline motor. Transmission choices are limited to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, though the automatic is available only with a 90-horsepower, 1.4-liter gasoline engine. Ford says that despite remaining roughly the same size as the outgoing Fiesta, the new car is lighter and stronger than the version it replaces, bucking current weight-gaining trends.
European production of the Fiesta is scheduled to begin in fall 2008 at Ford's Cologne, Germany, plant, and sales will begin in Europe by year's end. Ford's assembly plant in Valencia will team up on production as the car is launched globally beginning in 2009. The Fiesta is slated for sales in Asia, South Africa, Australia, and North America by 2010 -- the U.S. version likely bearing strong resemblance to the Verve Sedan Concept shown at the Detroit auto show.
We'll be bringing you more information and photos live from the Geneva auto show March 5-6, so keep it tuned to Motor Trend Online for all your Geneva updates.