How about this for a...
How about this for a mean but green machine? It’s Ford’s new alternative fuel land speed record car – the Fusion Hydrogen 999. As the name suggests, it’s powered by a bank of hydrogen fuel cells which, together with an electric motor, produce 770bhp.
But this week"s mag...
But this week"s mag has the proof that the maker has a genuine Ford Focus rival around the corner. Exclusive spy shots in the mag show the newcomer testing in the UK - and confirm that plans for a daring sporty coup탩 have been axed in favour of a traditional hatchback.
The model shown in the mag is known as the Tiida in Japan and throughout Asia - where it has been in showrooms for a year - and the Versa in the US, following its launch there last month.
Following approval from UK bosses, the five-door will go on sale alongside the Note compact MPV and Qashqai SUV. A spokesman said it "would be aimed at the older, more conservative buyer".
When Nissan examined its product portfolio, it realised customers in Europe - particularly growing markets such as Russia - would demand a Focus-sized car despite the leap in SUV and MPV sales. The firm also needed to retain a foothold in the bread-and-butter family market following its recent 4x4 launches.
"The design isn"t too European and doesn"t follow Nissan"s recent strategy of diversification, but it fills a certain need of our customer base," explained Chris Lee of Nissan Europe. Engines are likely to be borrowed from the Micra line-up, with diesels making up a large proportion of sales. The new hatch"s UK launch date remains secret, but it is tipped to debut at March"s Geneva Motor Show.