While walking the floor of the 78th Geneva Motor Show, we noticed quite a few cars we would like to see here in the U.S. Ironically, a lot of the European offerings we thought would be a good fit for the U.S. are actually produced by American companies. So we decided to tally a list — this time consisting of Ford vehicles — and come up with some reasons why these European models would be a perfect fit for the U.S.
Between 1992 and 1996, the Ford Taurus was the best selling car in the United States. After that, the Taurus nameplate continued on a steady decline until it was discontinued in October of 2006. But, thanks to Ford CEO Alan Mulally, Taurus is back for the 2008 model year. However, the newest Taurus is a far cry from the original, and its extremely slow sales has Ford scrambling to create an entirely new vehicle for 2010.
But we have a much simpler answer for Ford. Instead of going back to the drawing board, import the Euro-spec Ford Mondeo and re-badge it as the Ford Taurus.
The Mondeo’s styling is light years ahead of the Taurus and the Mondeo’s kinetic design theme is much better suited for a sedan. That being said, Ford should not only bring over the Mondeo sedan, but also the five-door liftback. The liftback offers the room of a traditional hatchback but without the silhouette of a hatchback that most Americans despise.
And just as the Mondeo’s exterior trumps the Taurus’, so does the interior. The Mondeo actually has a proper sports sedan interior. Moreover, it can also be had with a third pedal and the ability to shift your own gears.
The only downside for the Mondeo in the U.S. is that it isn’t currently offered with a V6 — one of the most coveted engines in the mid-size sedan segment. However, the Mondeo is available with a range of four and five-cylinder engines — with four different diesel powerplants available. And rumor has it that a 240 horsepower gasoline unit and a 275 horsepower diesel are on the way, which should satisfy most drivers.
The Ford Kuga hasn’t even begun to roll off the assembly line yet, but we know we want it here. Ford’s U.S. crossover lineup is rapidly expanding, and the Kuga would be a perfect fit. Although the Kuga’s size might cut into some sales of the Ford Edge , the Kuga would do nicely as an Escape replacement.
Whereas the Escape’s boxy exterior says SUV more than crossover, the Kuga is extremely stylish and would once again give way to Europe’s more visually pleasing kinetic design theme. The Kuga’s diesel engine range would also be a welcome addition to Ford’s U.S. lineup.
Kuga, Edge, Flex. ‘Nuff said.
We just got an all-new Ford Focus here in the States and we’re already looking for another all-new model. The 2008 Focus has some questionable styling cues — both inside and out — and has left many Americans wanting the European Focus. We concur.
Once again, Ford Europe’s kinetic design language looks far better than the Red, White and Bold we get here. Not only that, but the Euro Focus’ fit and finish are far better than what we get in the U.S.
And unlike Ford’s U.S. arm, Ford Europe lets you decide what body style you want, whether it’d be a sedan, hatchback or even a cabriolet penned by Pinifarina — not to mention the high-performance ST model.
