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Ford Plays Safe With Tough New Baby SUV

Many of Ford's recent cars have looked to previous legendary models for inspiration, but designers have played it 'safe' with this one - it's a bank vault on wheels! The boxy shape, narrow windows and solid vertical back end combine to give a truly imposing appearance.

By Chris Thorp

12th January 2005

But why does the Syn need to be so secure? The answer is in the fact it was unveiled at this week's Detroit Motor Show. The newcomer is designed to introduce American drivers to the idea of a safe supermini-sized SUV for urban use. Ford claims most of its US buyers will live in built-up areas by 2010, and that downsizing from currently popular regular SUVs is inevitable.

Based on the same platform as the Fiesta - a model that is not sold in American markets - the Syn also takes styling inspiration from the Bronco concept which was first displayed at the 2004 expo. When the car is parked, the driver can roll shutters down over the glass areas, while when on the move occupants can rest easy in the knowledge that the small windows at the rear are bulletproof. The finishing touch is a dial-operated combination lock to open the driver's door.

Inside, designers have deliberately introduced a sharp contrast to the exterior, with a soft, comfortable cabin. The steering wheel can be folded away under the dashboard, and the front seats swivel round to view an enormous widescreen LCD TV which is mounted in the rear door. This can be used to surf the Internet or display images from cameras showing what is going on outside the car.

Under the bonnet, the Syn is powered by the Mondeo's 2.0-litre TDCi oil-burning engine, which has been converted to run on environmentally friendly biodiesel. Emphasising the car's green credentials, the fuel is made from a number of biological sources, including recycled vegetable oil.

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