Inspired by bank vaults and armoured cars, Ford Synus concept takes a cautious step into the future of city driving.
Inspired by bank vaults and armoured cars, Ford Synus concept takes a cautious step into the future of city driving.
Designed using the underpinnings of the successful Fiesta light car, this concept explores what urban cars may look like in the future.
With bank vaults and armoured cars as its inspiration, safety has been a high priority. When parked in secure mode, protective shutters are deployed over the windshield and side glass while non-opening windows along the side and roof are bullet-resistant. The window-less rear hatch is operated via a four-spoke spinner and for added security, there is a dial-style combination lock on the driver’s side.
In contrast to the vehicle’s stark exterior appearance, the innovative interior is fun and fuzzy with warm colours and materials. Each of the four seats can swing from front to back to create a lounge area. The rear seat can also be folded entirely flat when extra luggage space is required.
One of the most exciting features is the huge flat screen LCD display mounted along the tailgate. This allows internet surfing, movie watching, and with the aid of cameras, allows occupants to see what is happening outside the vehicle.
On the move, LCD display also serves as a “rear window” using high-definition closed-circuit images that the driver is able to check in his/her rear view mirror.
The turbocharged, 2,0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine which produces 100 kW with a thumping 320 N.m of torque is sourced from the Mondeo large saloon.
The concept uses the Fiesta’s suspension setup with MacPherson struts at the front and a semi-independent torsion-beam at the rear. For better cornering – and street cred – the Synus is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels shod with performance tyres.