GENEVA — As head of Ford of Europe design, Martin Smith has been evolving a new styling theme for the brand under the "kinetic design" label. The latest concept to wear this particular set of clothes — and a forerunner of future production models — is the Ford Iosis Max, debuting at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.
The Iosis Max — the third Iosis concept in four years from Smith's design team — is based on the European Focus and is almost certainly headed for production without too many sheet metal modifications. Ford says the Iosis Max is its vision for a "next-generation compact multi-activity vehicle," while hinting at the future design direction of the Focus for Europe and North America.
The Iosis Max shares a number of design cues with the new Ford Fiesta, with such highlights as a two-piece tailgate, a panoramic glass roof, 19-inch alloy wheels and LED lighting strips in the rocker panels.
The showcar also features a member of Ford's EcoBoost engine family — a turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder gasoline unit displacing 1.6 liters and delivering 177 horsepower. To optimize performance and enhance fuel economy, the engine is fitted with a new auto start-stop system, as well as Ford's six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch transmission, both of which are slated for production in Europe in 2010.
The vehicle's interior has a ribbon-like center console with a smooth plexiglass surface that acts as a touchscreen display. The four seats are constructed of a lightweight carbon fiber skeleton with nylon mesh inserts.
Inside Line says: In Europe, the production version of the Iosis Max, due in 2010, will compete with such rivals as the Opel Meriva and the Renault Modus. A version could come to North America in 2011. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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