Ford Presents Endearing Little Fiesta Sports Van

We’re always surprised with what counts as a van in Europe. For example, Ford just showcased a new one based on the Fiesta at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show — and it’s kind of wonderful. However, we’re unlikely to see it on our roads. A vehicle like this makes almost no sense for the North American market.

In fact, I can only think of a handful of applications for such an automobile: high-volume pizza delivery, flower delivery, amateur plumber, organ transport, and pet grooming for a business that only takes modestly sized animals. But they would all have to take place in an extremely-dense urban environment to rationalize the use of such a small vehicle. Otherwise, business owners are going to splurge on a proper small van like the Transit Connect.

Ford says the load compartment is capable of housing roughly 35.3 cubic feet of cargo with a load length of almost 4.3 feet. Gross payload is around 1102 pounds. The isolated cargo space utilizes a “composite and mesh full bulkhead, durable sidewall trim, and a tough rubber floor covering with four tie-down hooks.”

It’s all very practical and has been designed to be especially durable, and tailored especially to businesses with the inclusion of a speed limiter and a bunch of connectivity features (FordPass Connect, Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation with live updates). There are also driving aides to help keep employees from adding scratches or dents — parking assist, cross traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition comes standard.

That hasn’t suppressed twisted fantasies where the vehicle is imported into North America for non-business applications. Ford said the durable Fiesta van comes in a sport model, donning 18-inch wheels, sporty seats, plus a unique steering wheel, pedals, gear lever, and exterior details. Remember when everyone was taking basic Honda CRX HFs for next to nothing, stripping them down, and turning them into goofy FWD mischief makers? The Fiesta panel van could be that kind of car, and Ford has already done half the work for you.

Still, it doesn’t come with the most desirable of powertrains. Options include an 85 horsepower 1.1-liter three-banger, a 125 horsepower 1.0-liter turbo, and 1.5-liter diesel making 85 hp that you definitely wouldn’t want for hooliganism. But, in this daydream, you’d be waiting to purchase something used and swapping in a different engine, anyway. You’d also have to hack out a bunch of that rear cargo area… unless that’s where the new engine is going, a la Ford Supervan.

Okay, this fantasy is getting out of hand. It’s just interesting to see a Fiesta with unique styling in a wholly different design from what we’re used to. Realistically, none of these units will ever see anything other than modest payloads and reasonable speeds a full continent away.

Meanwhile, we’re still waiting on Ford to drop the domestic axe on the passenger version of the Fiesta.

[Images: Ford Motor Co.]