Ford's SYNus concept shown at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show is very much biased towards the American market, though it is interestingly based on the floorpan of the European Fiesta.

The idea is a tough exterior (inspired by security trucks) to deal with city life, with a space efficient and comfortable interior. It perpetuates the 'live in fear' philosophy that appears to be quite prevalent in the States, with such features as a combination lock on the driver's door and a rear door looking like that on a bank vault. Ford obviously has identified the slow shift in the US to smaller cars, but will everyone really want to drive around in their own armoured car?

Shane O' Donoghue - 10 Jan 2005