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Fiesta SUV spied

More spy shots of rugged Fiesta prototype prove Ford is developing a baby Kuga

Ford Fiesta SUV

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Automedia

22nd June 2011

The new B-MAX isn't the only small Ford on the way – our spies have shot up close shots of another Fiesta-based prototype. And it drops the strongest hints yet that the B-MAX will be joined by an SUV brother rivalling Nissan's Juke. 

Most obvious is the raised ride height and increased gap between the wheels and the wheelarches, hinting at greater ground clearance for rough roads. But look closely at the the tyres and you can just make out that this rugged-looking Fiesta rides on Pirelli Scorpion ATR rubber – the Italian manufacturer's on/off-road tyre.

They may only be 16-inches in size but with chunky tread, this prototype looks like it'll be very capable in a variety of terrains. In addition, the  wheels also protrude past each side of the car, showing the wider front and rear tracks.

Although this model wears a five-door Fiesta body, expect the finished article to get a stylish look simlar to that of the Kuga. Turbocharged Ecoboost engines will include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.6-litre four-cylinder, both with start-stop.

Developed under the One Ford strategy, the Fiesta SUV will be sold throughout the world, including the US and Far East. Expect to see a concept at a major motor show next year.

Follow Sam Hardy on Twitter @samhardyAE

For an alternative review of the latest Ford Fiesta visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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12 Comments

pointless

Wasn't the Ford Fusion supposed to do that, but................it failed.

only appeal to the elderly who wanted a small car and could easily get in and out of it.

can't exactly see mothers doing a school run in this.

this is more like a MPV for small people

By dan123 on 22 June, 2011, 4:24pm

I used to be dismissive of stuff like this too....

...but having kids made me realise there are benefits to small 'cross-overs'. The heightened ride makes getting kids in and out easier. You have a better view of the road. You usually get a better ride, and thanks to motorists being treated as public enemy number one, you can't exploit razor sharp handling on public roads anyway (where reasonable to do so).

You're safer in a crash too if you're higher up.

As long as the running costs, performance, price and refinement are comparable to the standard model, and it doesn't have too much naff 'bling' to make it look like it's been marketted for morons, I'd consider one.

By gavsmit on 22 June, 2011, 5:43pm

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!

Rover did something similar about 10 years ago with the Rover 25 and produced the Rover Streetwise, with bigger wheels and tyres, higher ground clearance, big bumpers etc. Most people laughed at that, led by Clarkson - maybe he'll laugh at this too!

By Classic0904 on 23 June, 2011, 8:40am

Another Fiesta

It just looks like another Fiesta with a bit smarter styling, not as chunky as the Juke, but then the Juke looks very cramped for room inside, anything smaller than the Cougar in this class is really a waste of time.

By Bobbybev on 23 June, 2011, 11:39am

????

Dont understand why? at least the Juke is a definitive design and model. Its not a Micra or Note on stilts? The Kuga is also a unique product in its own. Having a car which looks like a Fiesta on stilts is not a good direction for product and market.

By f1moh on 23 June, 2011, 5:52pm

Flawed Fiesta?

Looks like Ford are going to flog the Fiesta to death, like BMW with the Mini.

By toycollector on 23 June, 2011, 7:54pm

boak

this has to be the least creative car after the fiat "idea" haha absolutely rotten!

By vRSgordon on 24 June, 2011, 2:31am

Wow!

This car is really cool. Its got ease of access and I could drive it over a pavement. I will lose out on MPG and look like a twat driving it but.. Its easy to get in and out of and you can drive it over a pavement. Wow! Ace.

By conclusion on 24 June, 2011, 8:45am

Absolutely dreadful.

This is another example of the sheer Design Mediocrity that dominates the car industry!

By JTravolta77 on 24 June, 2011, 8:14pm

The only question is....why?

More style than substance, then, since the only different terrains this will have to negotiate will be car parks or the pavement outside schools and will be bought by people who feel soft-roaders, like the Range Rover Evoque, are out of their league.
Having said that, it'll be over-priced like every other Fiesta, until you factor in any discount, although that doesn't seem to deter people. The US will think it's a size zero Kuga, I presume.

By n50pap on 26 June, 2011, 10:25am

Wow? Not!

conclusion, do you work for Ford? You seem to be the only one with a good word to say about this pointless car. Pointless if the B-Max ever happens that is.

By dastardly01 on 5 July, 2011, 12:32pm

4x4?

Not for me, but looking closely at the photos I'm guessing it's a 4x4 Fiesta. The back box of the exhaust is a clue - mounted right at the back as I'd guess the propshaft is taking the route the exhaust normally takes.

By everton2004 on 29 July, 2011, 11:55pm

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