And they got their wish...
And they got their wish: battling one of the world"s choppiest waterways, the daring duo used two yellow Dutton sea cars in a trip which took seven hours, as opposed to the 90 minutes it normally takes by ferry. The first amphibious Channel crossing in 41 years, it was done to highlight the strength of the vehicles.
Thanks to exclusive...
Thanks to exclusive insider information, we can bring you the first images in this week"s mag of the newcomer, and the lowdown on the features which Ford hopes will keep the Fiesta at the top of the sales charts.
On sale in 2007, the sixth-generation car will go up against Vauxhall"s new Corsa - set to be unveiled in July - the Renault Clio, Fiat Grande Punto and Peugeot 207.
Because Ford wants to be known for head-turning styling as well as driver-focused handling, the MkVI will be the first small car in the range to get the company"s exciting new look, following on from the sporty S-MAX. As you can see from the pictures, the front end borrows its bold triangular headlights from the new people carrier and gains a honeycomb grille and large air intakes.
A sporty, dynamic profile results from chunky wheelarches, a plunging A-pillar - which is fitted with visibility-enhancing quarter-lights - and a coupé-like reverse-angled C-pillar. New alloy wheel designs will further sharpen the appearance, while at the back, S-MAX-inspired smoked glass tail-lights and a curved rear window complete the sweeping styling changes.
In addition to being better looking, the Fiesta will be much bigger than the current car. As with the Punto, Clio and 207, the supermini will grow to more than four metres long. Not only will that mean increased passenger space - especially for those in the rear - but better crash protection, too. Together with higher-quality interior materials for the dashboard and standard voice activation, MP3-playing capability and air-conditioning, the Fiesta should offer a class-leading package.
The increased dimensions will be the result of a totally new Ford platform in the shape of a modular layout, which will also form the basis of the next Mazda 2 and possibly a sub-C30 small Volvo. The supermini will also share technology with Ford"s joint venture partner, Fiat.
Sharp steering - thanks to a new electro-hydraulic set-up that also helps to save fuel - and tight body control will meana fun driving experience, but there willbe more emphasis on refinement and comfort than before. Under the bonnet, fine-tuned versions of the current car"s engines, providing more power and better economy, will underpin the range. The petrol line-up comprises 1.25, 1.4 and 1.6-litre motors with five-speed gearboxes, while 1.4 and 1.6-litre turbodiesel powerplants will be offered, mated to six-speed transmissions. A Durashift automatic box is to be available as an option.
Sporty models will arrive in 2008 with two Zetec-badged warm hatches featuring 115bhp 1.6-litre Ti-VCT petrol and 136bhp 2.0-litre diesel units from the current Focus. A range-topping ST will deliver around 180bhp from an uprated 2.0-litre petrol engine, and should complete the 0-60mph sprint in less than seven seconds. It will also have lowered suspension.
The current Fiesta will continue to be sold alongside the fresh model until 2010, holding a budget slot above the Ka. Prices for the new range will start at ÷£9,000.