Ford Airstream concept (2007) CAR review

There’s plenty of room inside then…

Well yes and no. Climbing into the driver’s seat is actually quite awkward. While the door’s big, the aperture is pretty small because the designers wanted it to represent a spaceship’s escape hatch. And there’s a high sill so getting in involves standing on the step, putting one leg in and swinging yourself round while crouching down to slip into the seat and ensuring the door doesn’t slam on your trailing leg all in one carefully co-ordinated action. Once you’re in, the pod-like front chairs are actually quite comfortable. And that windscreen gives you a great view of the road and the sky. Along with the glass roof, it also turns the Airstream into a greenhouse when the sun shines, something Ford admits it’ll have to work on.

What about the other doors?

The rear is a curious arrangement. You open the tailgate and swing out a pair of barn doors. It seems a bit overly complicated but does mean you can get access to the storage bins under the rear seats. The long door on the passenger side makes it easier for the front passenger to get in than the driver. But then the driver comes a pretty dismal second in the Airstream scheme of things. That long wheelbase means it’s not the most manoeuvrable vehicle on the road. Combine this with its weight and you have a car with pretty leaden reactions. But while the body shape is a bit of a flight of fancy, the engine most certainly isn’t.