Ford Verve Concept Could Work For Families

VW Passat CC

1/22/08

Compact Car Aimed at First-Time Drivers

Sitting at the Ford press conference early Sunday morning, Kristin and I wondered what the new Verve concept car would look like. We joked that maybe “Verve” was the sound the car would make — you know, “verrrrrve, verrrrve, verrrrrrrrrrrrrrve!” Did I mention it was very early Sunday morning? We were kind of punchy.

The Verve wasn’t unveiled so much as it arrived onstage at Joe Louis Arena. And it was quite an entrance: The car was lowered to the stage amid fog machines and colored lights. What was most surprising was that this little four-door didn’t resemble a Ford at all. Modeled after a two-door European brother, the Verve is rounded, sleek and inspired. What really got me was that it looks like it could function pretty well as a family commuter.

Wait, are you not looking for a family commuter? Are you looking for a new car for your teen driver? Then you’re actually the Verve’s target market. So much of the Verve is customizable, including the upholstery, seat belt colors and interior lighting. Ford says the customizable Verve would make it attractive to Millenials (people born between 1979 and 1995) and their parents. An estimated 11,000 Millenials reach driving age every day, and Ford says a car like the Verve would make a stylish, affordable option for a first car. In addition, the integrated technology, like Bluetooth, help make it a smart, safe choice.

So it’s a small car, yes; legroom is comparable with a Toyota Yaris. I’m not saying this is a car you’d take camping, but it sure could be great for your daily grind, if Ford does in fact decide to build it. And with such sharp style and design, I almost don’t care what it sounds like.