Ford Verve concept CAR review

Ford Verve? Isn’t that the Fiesta replacement?

It certainly is, although by the time it goes on sale in November 2008 it’ll probably be called Fiesta again. Whatever the name, the new car will have a radical new look that’s previewed by this concept model. Ford consulted female buyers and they wanted something that would stand out a bit more on the high street. Compared with the current Fiesta, which - let’s face it - is a bit dull to look at, the new model will sport a sharp new shape. It’s very much the current Ford look applied to a small car, particularly those Focus-style wheelarches. And the sculpted sides give it a lithe, powerful appearance.

Doesn’t sound that girly…

It’s not. Although they consulted the fairer sex over it, the car they’ve come up with is actually pretty androgynous. It won’t turn blokes off and the looks aren’t so butch they’ll dissuade women from driving it. That said, no red-blooded male will put up with the shocking pink interior armrests and seatbelts. And the pink stitching on the seats isn’t exactly macho. But they’re just details. The important thing is that the Verve is stylish, slinky and not in the slightest bit offensive.