PARIS — Ford's new Fiesta subcompact may be small, but a panel van version it will reportedly unveil at the 2008 Paris Auto Show in October will prove that the car is capable of carrying a not-so-small load.
Panel vans are popular in Europe, where many companies use them to make deliveries, yet a panel van based on such a small car is a bit of an anomaly. The styling of the panel-van Fiesta appears nearly identical to that of the passenger car — except for the rear side windows, which have been replaced with body panels. Inside, the rear seat has been removed, increasing cargo capacity to just more than 35 cubic feet, while a bulkhead keeps cargo and front seat passengers separated.
Engine options, including at least one diesel, should range from 60-90 horsepower. Pricing in Germany will reportedly start at the equivalent of $15,600.
What this means to you: With the Fiesta headed to the States in 2009, it's interesting to consider these panel vans on our roads. — Eric Tingwall, Correspondent
Panel vans are popular in Europe, where many companies use them to make deliveries, yet a panel van based on such a small car is a bit of an anomaly. The styling of the panel-van Fiesta appears nearly identical to that of the passenger car — except for the rear side windows, which have been replaced with body panels. Inside, the rear seat has been removed, increasing cargo capacity to just more than 35 cubic feet, while a bulkhead keeps cargo and front seat passengers separated.
Engine options, including at least one diesel, should range from 60-90 horsepower. Pricing in Germany will reportedly start at the equivalent of $15,600.
What this means to you: With the Fiesta headed to the States in 2009, it's interesting to consider these panel vans on our roads. — Eric Tingwall, Correspondent
Add A Comment »