02 Mar 05
The Ford SAV concept car, a crossover-style MPV designed to fit between the Mondeo and Galaxy model ranges, is billed as a concept, but a toned-down version without the motorshow glitz is destined to reach production. A Ford spokeswoman said that a production version is likely to go on sale in January 2006, and to expect a production car to be shown at the Frankfurt motorshow this September. The production car will be built on the next-generation Mondeo platform. The SAV previews a new design direction for Ford, and styling elements from the SAV are to feature on the new Mondeo and the Galaxy's replacement.
An new interior package makes its debut in the SAV. This features remote-controlled and motorised rear seats that can slide into a central location, integrated luggage trolleys with built-in armrests, and outer seats in the middle row which can move inwards slightly to give more elbowroom to the outside. The SAV concept has five seats, but production versions would be offered with the option of seven seats, the two rearmost being stored in the boot when not being used.
The SAV sharply-raked windscreen, large headlights, deep front grille and high-set fog lamps are striking, and complement its arched roof, two-piece taillights, twin exhaust pipes, massive show wheels and a spoilered tailgate. The driver and passenger sit in sports seats, and the cabin is finished off with plenty of brushed metallic trim and orange detailing. The grained leather and mesh fabrics have been inspired by sportswear, apparently.
