Verve, Fiesta, Verve? WTF? Ford has yet another little one?

I'm confused, AutoBlog has a piece talking about a new Verve test mule spotted in Australia?
But I thought the Verve was the concept that became the new Fiesta?

And the spy shots show what looks like the last generation bodywork, on a new chassis.

So, what's the deal?

Is this like the Ikon? A Fiesta based sedan sold in South American and Asian markets.

AutoBlog says it's unlikely we'll see this Verve in the US because of the new Fiesta and Focus.

But the Verve is just a Fiesta, right?

It's tough to follow all the versions of Fords sold around the globe. Did you know that in South American markets the old Ka has been freshened and updated? So, instead of getting the Polish Fiat 500/Ka that Europe gets, they get something akin to our last Focus?

Jalopnik checks out Tranist Connect, MFD gets out the soap box again

So, Jalopnik and other sites have been given a chance to get a hands on look and drive of the new Ford Transit Connect small commerical vehicle. Click the link in title to read the entire piece, while I get out my soap box and start to preach. The Transit Connect, based on the Euro Ford Focus platform and powered by a 2.0 DuraTec 4 cyl gets 22 mpg city and 25 mpg hwy all while hauling up to 1,600 lbs. That's a great payload. It's not quite long enough for lumber and many ladders, but it would be great for many delivery businesses and in my opinion would make a great Taxi as seen here at the New York Auto Show last year.

The Econoline is iconic and a dinosour. I'm not a van guy, I own a Ranger pickup, but I've driven vans in my line of work for the last 20 years, both Chevy and Ford. On a side note, the Econoline is was far far better than it's Chevy competition if you had to drive one for work. But they are big even the E-150. I drove an E-350 (1998) for several years and it was tough and dependable, but I would have killed for something like the Transit Connect on some days. Sure, when you have to lug 10ft lengths of pipe and ladders to a job, you need the E-350. But most days running to a supply house, it was overkill. And on those rare trips downtown Manhattan, it was a nightmare. The Transit Connect won't replace the Econoline, but it will be attractive to many business that don't need the overkill.

And who knows, if the Transit Connect works out, maybe some companies would be interested in moving up to the Transit van. A very good choice to replace the Econoline. The Transit is the big brother and world wide equivalent of the Econoline. Globally the Transits use mostly Diesel powertrains and are available in multiple chassis and drivetrain combinations including 4x4.

Now that Dodge isn't part of Daimler , I wonder if they'll still be selling the Sprinter? If not, Ford could sell Transits to fleets that have purchased Sprinters in the past and aren't keen on buying Mercedes or Freightliner ( who also sell the Sprinter.)

Maybe the Ranger isn't going to die in the US?

Now that I've gotten bak into the MyFordDreams saddle, I'm getting up to speed with some of the news. I know that Igor, a frequent commentor and fanatic Blue Oval fan, had mentioned rumors of a Ranger Replacement, but Pickup Trucks . com has a piece (linked in title) about a possible replacement that would be truly "Global" unlike the current Ranger line up.
We all know that the North American Ranger is the same basic unit for over a decade. And I posted recently explaining that even if Ford wanted to they won't be able to sell it in the United States, because of safety and emissions standards in our near future.

I had complained that we weren't getting the new Thai built Ranger ( Mazda BT-50) that was available globally outside North America ( United States & Canada, although available in Mexico). But Pickup Trucks . Com says that much like the Fiesta, a new Global Ranger could be on the way for 2012! Just about time too. My 1999 unit may want to retire by then. Not that it's showing any signs of problems, but who keeps a truck 13 years?

Now, one major point I found interesting, was the mention of an EcoBoost powertrain for the US.

A 1.6 liter unit? But making 175 hp and 180 lb ft of torque sounds right for a base powerplant.

I know the concept Explorer America was supposed to be an EcoBoost 4 cyl, but I thought I read it was 2.0 liter and putting out 200 hp? Maybe that will be an uplevel motor in a new Ranger?
Maybe a V-6? But no mention of the 2 available Diesels that the rest of the world gets.

Jump over to Pickup Trucks . Com and see the article and spy photos. It's wearing Mazda BT-50 body panels, but it's suposed to be a new Global Ranger, to replace the current Thai unit and BT-50 I assume.

Another video of Mazda BT-50 (Ford Ranger) last one I promise

Video walk around of new Ranger in UK