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Ford has launched the all-new Fiesta Sport Van at the 2018 CV Show over in the UK.
Fitting in below the range of Ford Transit commercial vehicles (CV) - which include the Custom, Connect and Courier - the Fiesta Sport Van marks the company's return to the urban hatchback van market.
On stage in Birmingham alongside the sporty little Fiesta CV were the Transit Custom plug-in hybrid and the Ranger Wildtrak X one-tonne pick-up.
But all the buzz was centred on the Fiesta Sport Van, launched in response to strong customer demand for a CV based on Ford's B-segment supermini. Powered by either a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol three-cylinder with 125hp or a 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel with 120hp, the Sport Van's three-door body has a load compartment capable of carrying a cubic metre of cargo, with a maximum load length of 1.3 metres. Maximum gross payload is around 500kg, while the load space also features a composite and mesh full bulkhead, durable sidewall trim and a rubber floor covering with four tie-down hooks.
Up front, the Sport Van boasts a cabin that's almost identical to the regular Fiesta car's fascia, only there are more hard-wearing materials in the CV version. Nevertheless, SYNC 3 infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is fitted as standard, with everything displayed on an eight-inch colour touchscreen on the centre console. The new FordPass Connect on-board modem allows full internet connectivity on the move, while driver assistance technologies include Pre Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition and an Adjustable Speed Limiter.
Outside, the Fiesta Sport Van looks the part, thanks to athletic front and rear design, colour-coded rocker panels and alloy wheels up to 18 inches in diameter. There are also revised seats and trim materials within, plus a unique steering wheel, pedals and gearlever.
"With the all-new Fiesta Sport Van joining three new Transit models, the Ford stand in Birmingham is packed with new metal," said Hans Schep, Ford European general commercial vehicle manager. "Add in innovative connectivity and mobility solutions, and you can see how determined we are to support our customers - both now and in the future."
Anything else?
Just a quick final word on the Ranger Wildtrak X. It follows on from the exclusive Black Edition model and is another special version of Europe's top-selling pick-up. The show car is finished in Performance Blue paint, a new exterior finish, and the Wildtrak X is fitted with black-finish details, such as the radiator grille, sport bar, roof rails, side steps, alloy wheels and Wildtrack decals. The cabin features black leather seats with contrast stitching in River Rock Grey and the Wildtrak X will be offered solely as a Double-Cab model, equipped with the 200hp 3.2-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine, a six-speed automatic gearbox and 4x4 driveline.