LOS ANGELES, Jan. 2, 2003 - Why can't there be an SUV tailored more for city life than backcountry pursuits? Why can't there be a contemporary vehicle interior inspired by a fashionable twenty something's apartment?

In fact, there could be. And that vehicle is the new Ford Faction concept making its debut at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show.

As the first automotive design from Ford's new Ingeni studio in London, the Faction concept shows what happens when people living in the heart of a crowded, urban landscape set out to create a car to suit their lifestyle.

The result is a tough, yet fashionable three-door SUV with all-wheel drive, novel utility and multimedia features, plus a refined interior for American urbanites who know and appreciate European- influenced materials.

This is a concept vehicle with the honest, genuine appearance of a Ford, specifically created for people who live in the middle of the action - hence the name Faction. It's for city drivers who haul friends and gear, and who need to maneuver quickly through crowded streets.

When parking becomes a precision sport, the Faction concept can be squeezed into tight spots with the help of City Eye, a camera system that provides a view of directly behind the vehicle.

"The Faction is designed for - and by - the lifestyle generation," says Kris Tomasson, chief designer at Ingeni. "These are people with active, diverse lives who want a vehicle that's functional, nimble and stylized."

Mays, Ford vice president, Design, commissioned the Ingeni project.

"The Faction concept is targeted at a new world audience that is very design savvy," Mays says. "This is a refined product in much the same way as a nice watch or a piece of designer furniture. And that's why were showing it in L.A. This is the only trend-setting city in America with a lifestyle built around people and their cars."

City Living Made Easier

The design of the Faction concept is unique. It hinges on the concept of making life with a car in the city easier.

A city-friendly door system uses double-link hinges that make getting in and out of the car much easier when your parking ramp spot has been infringed by an inconsiderate neighbor. After pressing a button on the key fob, the circular door handle presents itself to the driver to indicate the doors have been unlocked even from a distance.

Faction's unique tailgate has a low opening line with fully retractable glass that also is activated by the key fob. This feature allows smaller items to be loaded into the back of the vehicle without the need for opening the tailgate.

Interior Style and Utility

The interior of the new Faction concept was inspired by contemporary furniture. Ingeni designers were strongly influenced by trends at Europe's annual Milan Furniture Fair. Faction concept features clean, simple shares and muted colors, with carefully selected materials, including leather.

Two unique items reinforce the influence casual furniture had on the Faction concept. A specially designed clock that displays two time zones - Los Angeles and London - has replaced the rear view mirror. Just behind the clock is a visible ceiling fan for ventilation and cooling.