2005 Ford SYNus Concept

Taking Urban Living to a New Level

"Say what?! They cant be serious," were just a few words uttered during Fords introduction of the extremely odd, albeit quite innovative new SYNus concept SUV at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sunday, January 9th.

Truth be told, Ford didnt expect would-be buyers to jump all over it anyways.

But the new concept should pique the interest of auto show passersby, and in so doing heighten peoples awareness about what new technologies Ford is busy at work developing for the urban environment.

Why urban? When cars were just being developed people were moving from the farm to the city, and then when those cars wore big fins and loads of chrome it was an exodus from the city to the suburbs. And what about now? Urban real estate, or anything close to town, is hot property in todays world, and Ford wants to show those buying into the inner city that it is

serious about solving the kinds of problems commonly experienced by urban dwellers.

What kinds of problems? First and foremost is the lack of parking, and when a spot can be found its a "small car only" space more often than not. The SYNus is not only compact, but based on Ford of Europes B-segment Fiesta. That puts it into the size spectrum of Toyotas Echo and Hyundais Accent, and yes the same class as Scions xB - the only car that makes the SYNus appear aerodynamic.

Seriously though, while diminutive in size, the SYNus is tough enough to stand up to pretty well anything an urban guerilla can throw at it.

By the way, my opening attempt at making you laugh with the Brinks truck comparison isnt original. Ford actually found inspiration for the new concepts design from "bank vaults and armored cars", in order to visually communicate the SYNuss integrated security systems.

Parking the SYNus in secure mode automatically deploys protective shutters that clamp down over the windshield and side glass - yes that narrow strip that looks more like a slot for poking through automatic weapons is actually for occupants to see out of, or at least allow a semblance of sunshine in.

Dont try to open one, however, as these are fixed in place and, of course, bulletproof - and just why are people moving back into the city? Sound impenetrable? The rear hatch doesnt offer a window at all, so valuables that otherwise might get stolen through an SUVs rear window are safe and sound in the SYNus.

Of course, property crime, especially from vehicles, is no joking matter, especially in city cores where drug trafficking and resultant addiction is most prolific and the necessity of feeding the habit at any cost very real.

More style than substance, anyone wanting to get into the windowless rear hatch first needs to spin the vault-style 4-spoke spinner.

Finishing off the armored vehicle styling theme is near upright windshield glass, complementing the vehicles bold, big truck grille, headlights, external front bumper, industrial sliding-style doors, and bulging wheel arches.

Making the SYNus feel even more secure, and convenient, is a driver-side combination lock on the B-pillar.

Once inside, the SYNus is actually quite luxuriously appointed. Ford says that chief designer Joe Baker "conceived the interior of the concept as a warm, welcoming private sanctuary in contrast to the cold, perhaps cruel, world outside the car."

Fair enough. The colors, crème brulé and a deep, burnt orange, plus the backlit lighting techniques Baker has chosen are indeed welcoming, while the seats, front and back, are quite unique, capable of sliding from back to front with the latter capable of swiveling around so that all four can face each other in kind of a rolling conversation pit. When threes a crowd, the rear seat can be folded flat for an accommodating cargo area.

Also practical is a steering wheel that folds under the dash in order to make ingress and egress easier for the driver, a similar feature to one highlighted by Mazdas Washu concept that came onto the scene in 2003.

The SYNus has been designed to be as user-friendly as possible, integrating large, easily legible gauges and what Ford describes as "intuitive controls".

Remember that windowless rear hatch mentioned previously? When looking back from the drivers seat you wont notice the lack of a window thanks to a massive widescreen LCD screen attached to the inside panel. It acts as the window via a close circuit camera pointed rearward, or if bored with the outside world, a large as life entertainment monitor, capable of browsing the net or displaying a favorite DVD.

While everyone is lulled into a sense of security within its cabin, the SYNus should also be able to dash away from would-be attackers quickly thanks to a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L 4-cylinder Duratorq diesel engine with 134 horsepower and a staggering 236 lb-ft of torque. Remember, its about the size of a Kia Rio, which should mean the front wheels should light up with little provocation.

Always considerate of the economy, this concept runs on bio-mass diesel, an 80 percent mix of conventional diesel plus 20 percent biologically sourced (i.e. agricultural byproducts and/or restaurant grease) non-toxic biodegradable diesel fuel. Yes, that also means all your attackers will need to do in order to catch up with you is follow their noses for the smell of fast food.

Underpinning the SYNus is the Fiestas MacPherson strut front suspension and semi-independent torsion-beam rear setup, which Ford attests delivers "nimble, confident handling".

The SYNus is wider overall than

the Fiesta, with a wider track that should improve cornering tolerances, as will its substantial 18-inch alloy rims covered in P225/50-18 performance rubber.

While the SYNus is totally experimental, some of its features make sense at first glance. Anyone whos ever had something stolen out of their vehicle will be able to relate, while some of its interior functionality would no doubt be appreciated by those still graced with enough time to party with friends.