|  The iosis X is an exciting five-door sports-crossover that proves we can extend the boundaries of kinetic design into a niche market vehicle,” added Smith. "It takes our 'energy in motion' philosophy even further and shows how different Ford cars will be in the future
The iosis X has, like most of the upcoming new breed of sporty semi-SUVs, been conceived as a kind of high-riding four-door sports car with chunky body styling. It is not a large vehicle, though, with the length of a compact C-sector car - suggesting that it shares some of its underpinnings with the Focus and related models, rather than the larger Mondeo. The interior is dominated by a new 'interlocking bridge' centre console structure inspired by modern helicopter cockpit design. The large console dives down from the instrument panel dividing the front and rear pairs of seats and dominating the interior before dramatically sweeping upwards at the rear and into the roof.
Twin glass roof panels flank the central overhead console, and these are complemented by a totally unique new feature - a solid glass floor beneath the drivers and passenger seats which offers a most unusual view of the terrain below. New technology has allowed the interiors team to locate hardware for the information, entertainment and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems remotely away from their controls. This has dramatically freed up space under the instrument panel, creating a floating centre console and offering a greater feeling of spaciousness. It also allowed the team to develop a range of practical storage facilities that customers could choose from, allowing them to tailor that area for their own needs. A similar section in the rear console opens up the floor space for the back seat passengers. The slim instrument panel flows through into the door lines, creating a dramatic cockpit feel for the front seat occupants. Facing the driver is a radical steering wheel developed from that used in the original iosis, featuring orange perspex sections and contrasting white 'piano' inserts. The controls in the iosis X concept employ soft touch screens and touch sensitive controls in the centre stack. Although iosis X is not intended to be a mechanical prototype, it is fitted with an electronic sequential gear change control in the centre console. Its innovative design is similar to that found on many computer games consoles, and fits snugly into the palm of the hand. Surrounding the gear shifter is a series of soft touch buttons for dynamic controls, including suspension and traction settings.
|
