The Ford Fiesta and the Mazda 2 are the so-called B-segment cars as well as the sibling subcompacts. These cars have been built on the B3 vehicle architecture as named by the Ford engineers. Both these cars have got almost the same base price of about $14,000. They are also similar in their mechanical components. But of course, these cars do not look alike. These cars represent two different personalities and are intended to attract different buyers. These two models clearly illustrate how design can differentiate vehicles. Though both the cars have got a wedge shape but while the Fiesta emphasises the “kinetic look” of Ford that is used in Europe, the Mazda 2 provides a less aggressive mix of organic and angular shapes. The “kinetic look” of Ford was developed in the company’s European design studio under the guidance and direction of Martin Smith. The chief designer of the cars, Ikuo Maeda, explains the design as a rhythmic interplay between soft surfaces and sharp contours.
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Now, Maeda is the general manager of Mazda’s design division. He recently revealed the new look for coming Mazdas with the Shinari concept car. Maeda has got a brilliant experience of 30 years for being with Mazda. Maeda’s father was also a designer there. Initially, the Fiesta and the Mazda 2 were sold overseas and had to be adapted for the American market.
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In 2007, the Mazda 2 was introduced in Japan. It was called the Demio there. The same went on sale in 2008 in Europe, Australia and certain parts of Asia. In 2008, the Fiesta stepped in Europe for the very first time. In Michigan, Kevin George directed the design of the North American version of the Fiesta. Derek Jenkins, Mazda’s chief of design in North America, stated that Maeda gave the Mazda 2 prominently arched front fenders to evoke the RX-8 sports car, which Maeda also designed. The Mazda 2 was first sold in Japan. It was intended to appeal to women buyers in congested urban areas But Mazda also wanted to target the men, so the designers tried to provide a confident, sporty stance. On the contrary, Ford tried to emphasize on the length of the Fiesta to Americans, who wanted a sense of getting more for their money. In Mazda 2, the rearmost roof pillar angles forward, giving the viewer a visual conclusion while in Fiesta it angles upward.
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