Topic: Verve coming to North America

[Mitlov]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/07/ford-verve-production-likely-headed-to-mexico/

If they're making it in Mexico, they certainly won't be selling it exclusively in Europe.  I think Mexican production would be great.  It'll keep the vehicle inexpensive.  As the Fusion has proven, Mexican production doesn't necessarily mean bad reliability.  As my car has proven, Mexican production doesn't necessarily mean cheap fit-and-finish.

Pictures of the US version of the Verve concept:

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-verve-sedan-concept-us-version/

[Scaerio]

HHRs and PT Cruisers are also made in Mexico, and both cars make CR's Recommended list.

[EV Dan]

the ford execs must've been reading the board then 

[siwash]

what a cheesy, ugly car...

[Sir Osis of Liver]

"That word you keep using. I do not think it means what you think it means."

[rrocket]

I saw it at the Autoshow...looked good...

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think it looks terrible, to be honest. Well, the sedan at least. The belt line just goes up and up and is very awkward in a side and 3/4 rear view. Looks like a beefed up more expensive previous gen Echo sedan, which is not a compliment. I'm all for world cars from Ford, but not digging this one.

[Dante]

I still like it. They didn't completely ruin the front with the big, chrome "three-bar" crap.

[MKII]

Its a concept, and I am sure the belt-line will be adjusted to have a higher roof on the retail version, plus add a B pillar.

[inco]

Its a concept, and I am sure the belt-line will be adjusted to have a higher roof on the retail version, plus add a B pillar.

But that lower grille - it's like a fish trap - you just know it's going to catch everything and anything that comes its way. I hate it. Not going to sit on the fence Ford. I HATE IT. Clear.

Now if you really cared Mr Mulligans - okay Mullaly or whatever, you would do that for me and him and her and him and him and her......

[tpl]

I can see nothing to like in those 35 images. 

[Cord]

What's going on here? I thought Ford's Euro products were acclaimed by default around here.

[gosteelerz]

I must have bad taste or something because I think that car looks amazing.

[Benhaze]

I too thought the exterior design looks fantastic. Ford went a little overboard for the interior design and fortunately will be more rational for production vehicles.

Seeing the new Focus after the Verve makes me want to either  or 

[Mitlov]

What's going on here? I thought Ford's Euro products were acclaimed by default around here.

It's classic wanting what you can't get.  It's just like how everyone was like "I wish GM would bring over Opels exactly like they're sold in Europe, with no changes whatsoever."  GM does just that with the Astra.  And you know what?  Turns out mass-market European cars are expensive, underpowered, and they don't have any cupholders

[tpl]

I would go to a Ford dealer to look at a Focus, a Mondeo and I'd certainly look at but not consider a Ka.

BUT I'd only want the unadulterated Euro version.  Small engines or diesels, tinfoil bumpers and all.

That Verve, to me, just looks fugly inside and out.

As for the Astra, I probably would not buy a Opel/Vauxhall product if I lived in Euland so I wouldn't buy one here either.   Aside: why would I buy a GM car if I could have a Renault, a Fiat or a Citroen let alone a VW R32 or a diesel BMW. MB or Audi. 

And I am only too happy to not have cupholders

[mmret]

Everyone wants an Audi grille now?

[Mitlov]

Aside: why would I buy a GM car if I could have a Renault, a Fiat or a Citroen let alone a VW R32 or a diesel BMW. MB or Audi. 

The Astra starts at half the price of an R32.  You could get a decently-equipped CTS for the price of an R32 or 3-Series.  Apples and oranges.

[tpl]

Mitlov,  the "if I lived in EUland"  phrase is important here!   Maybe an EU spec CTS would still be cheaper but it probably wouldn't fit in my Eu sized garage or parking space.