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Ford’s Vertrek Concept Is The Future Of Compact SUVs
Ford isn’t calling their Vertrek concept a replacement for the aging Escape just yet, but the writing is on the wall. Ford’s published comparison charts showing the Vertrek against both the Escape and the E.U. market Kuga; if I were a betting man, I’d be comfortable putting money down on the Vertrek as a global platform replacement for both existing compact SUVs. It’s based on their C-Segment architecture, and it’s no secret that Ford has ambitious plans for the platform in the coming years. It’s an ideal fit for both the 1.6 and 2.0 liter EcoBoost engines (on this side of the pond), and Ford has stated that the 2.0 liter Duratorq diesel will fit under the hood in the EU (where 96% of Kugas are sold with diesel motors). I’m pretty sure it’s a matter of “when” we see it in dealer showrooms, not “if” like most concept vehicles.
Dimensionally, the Vertrek is longer, lower and wider than the Escape, and that’s a good thing for both handling and appearance. Like the redesigned Explorer, the Vertrek will offer a more car-like ride, more passenger legroom and improved cargo capacity. Better ride quality is something that the Escape replacement definitely needs, since the current Escape isn’t up to standards set by others in the class (including Toyota’s RAV4 or Honda’s CR-V). Fit and finish of the current Escape isn’t up to standards set by other Ford products, either.
Expect to see some of the Vertrek’s exterior styling toned back for production, but I hope they keep more than just the feel of the concept car’s lines. Compact SUVs, even the latest generation, tend to suffer from utterly bland styling, designed not to offend the masses. Ford deserves credit for adding some flair to an otherwise uninspired market segment, but don’t expect production vehicles to come with the Vertrek’s woven leather floor mats or lederhosen inspired velour leather upholstery. If we’re lucky, it won’t come to market with that name, either.
Dimensionally, the Vertrek is longer, lower and wider than the Escape, and that’s a good thing for both handling and appearance. Like the redesigned Explorer, the Vertrek will offer a more car-like ride, more passenger legroom and improved cargo capacity. Better ride quality is something that the Escape replacement definitely needs, since the current Escape isn’t up to standards set by others in the class (including Toyota’s RAV4 or Honda’s CR-V). Fit and finish of the current Escape isn’t up to standards set by other Ford products, either.
Expect to see some of the Vertrek’s exterior styling toned back for production, but I hope they keep more than just the feel of the concept car’s lines. Compact SUVs, even the latest generation, tend to suffer from utterly bland styling, designed not to offend the masses. Ford deserves credit for adding some flair to an otherwise uninspired market segment, but don’t expect production vehicles to come with the Vertrek’s woven leather floor mats or lederhosen inspired velour leather upholstery. If we’re lucky, it won’t come to market with that name, either.
KIA KV7 preview.
Kia is flexing its muscles with a new people carrier concept which will take centre stage on the firm’s stand at the Detroit Motor Show. Called the KV7, the large MPV blends the chunky looks of an off-roader with people carrier versatility like Ford’s US market Flex.
Kia concepts usually have a codename using alphabetical characters to denote the origin of the design – KCD: Kia California Design, KED: Kia Europe Design and KND: Kia Namyang (Korea) Design – followed by a dash and a number that denoted the chronological order of that concept design to come out of each studio.
The KV7 breaks from this mould as the name stands for Kia Van 7. It's designed more as a crossover, but 'Van' is US-speak for MPV, which gives you a hint as to where the car will end up on sale first.
The '7' refers to a high-end vehicle - such as the top-of-the-range Kia K7 saloon which isn’t sold in the UK.
The KV7 concept was designed by Joey Mo at Kia’s American design studio in Irvine, California, under the watchful eye of the firm’s design boss, Peter Schreyer. It features a bold, slab-sided look, LED lights and a minimalist interior.
But while features like the gullwing doors are pure fantasy, Kia is keen to point out that the Soul, Sportage and Sorento all bore a “very close resemblance to the original concept designs that preceded them.”
Although the KV7 is a large MPV, Kia is aware that the segment is in decline, with sales of cars like the Ford Galaxy, Renault Espace and VW Sharan falling as buyers opt for crossover 4x4s instead, particularly in the US market.
While Kia’s newcomer is still a large MPV, the firm hopes its unique looks and car-like efficiency will be enough to win back buyers. The KV7 is sized between Kia’s Carens and Sedona MPVs, and could replace both cars if it comes to the UK.
Kia concepts usually have a codename using alphabetical characters to denote the origin of the design – KCD: Kia California Design, KED: Kia Europe Design and KND: Kia Namyang (Korea) Design – followed by a dash and a number that denoted the chronological order of that concept design to come out of each studio.
The KV7 breaks from this mould as the name stands for Kia Van 7. It's designed more as a crossover, but 'Van' is US-speak for MPV, which gives you a hint as to where the car will end up on sale first.
The '7' refers to a high-end vehicle - such as the top-of-the-range Kia K7 saloon which isn’t sold in the UK.
The KV7 concept was designed by Joey Mo at Kia’s American design studio in Irvine, California, under the watchful eye of the firm’s design boss, Peter Schreyer. It features a bold, slab-sided look, LED lights and a minimalist interior.
But while features like the gullwing doors are pure fantasy, Kia is keen to point out that the Soul, Sportage and Sorento all bore a “very close resemblance to the original concept designs that preceded them.”
Although the KV7 is a large MPV, Kia is aware that the segment is in decline, with sales of cars like the Ford Galaxy, Renault Espace and VW Sharan falling as buyers opt for crossover 4x4s instead, particularly in the US market.
While Kia’s newcomer is still a large MPV, the firm hopes its unique looks and car-like efficiency will be enough to win back buyers. The KV7 is sized between Kia’s Carens and Sedona MPVs, and could replace both cars if it comes to the UK.
