Fiesta replacement hint from 'Verve'

Far from some 'bittersweet symphony', Ford's 'Verve' concept is a bit funky, syncopated and up-tempo.

Due to debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month, the design study is a strong indication as to how the next generation Fiesta could look -- assuming Ford continues to name it 'Fiesta'.

Ford will sell a production version of the new car (however it ends up looking) throughout North America, Asia and Europe and, in keeping with the company's new-found spirit of regional cooperation, the production car will likely embody elements of design philosophy from all three continents.

Europe will be the first market to see the new light car. That is scheduled for next year, with the model being launched in North American and Asian markets subsequently.

As with the current Fiesta, the production version of the new car will sit on the same platform as the contemporary Mazda2 (more here). Whether the production version of the car will be as close in style to the concept will depend largely on the public reaction to the concept in Frankfurt.

'Verve' was a joint effort by Ford designers in Britain and Gemany and is the first of three concepts designed to gauge public opinion for the prospective small car. Concepts two and three will be launched at motor shows in China and the US over the next several months.

To comment on this article click here