Ford B3 platform
Encyclopedia
The Ford B3 platform is a subcompact
automobile platform
that is jointly developed by Ford Motor Company
and Mazda Motor Company
at centers in Europe as well as North America and Australia. Previously, Ford has used the Mazda-engineered D platform
for its B-segment Ford Festiva
(hatchback
). This new global B-platform project was initiated by Ford in Dearborn, MI and is equipped with front MacPherson strut
and twist-beam rear suspension. The front suspension arms (wishbone) are attached to a pressed-steel welded subframe, which is directly bolted onto the bodyshell. The design is made to accommodate diverse engine options with different engine harmonic frequencies.
Vehicles using this platform include:
Vehicles using (2008–) this platform include:
Future vehicles on the Ford global B-car platform:
Subcompact car
Subcompact car is a North American term used to describe automobiles whose class size is smaller than that of a compact car, usually not exceeding in length, but larger than a microcar...
automobile platform
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
that is jointly developed by Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
and Mazda Motor Company
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
at centers in Europe as well as North America and Australia. Previously, Ford has used the Mazda-engineered D platform
Mazda D platform
The Mazda D platform is an automobile platform for subcompact cars developed by Mazda. It has been used for a number of Mazda vehicles, and also by models produced by Kia Motors and Ford.The Autozam Scrum keicar sold by Mazda is a badge-engineered Suzuki Every...
for its B-segment Ford Festiva
Ford Festiva
The Ford Festiva is a subcompact car that was marketed by the Ford Motor Company between 1986 and 2002. Built by Mazda in Japan and Kia Motors in South Korea, the Festiva was sold in Japan, the Americas, and Australasia...
(hatchback
Hatchback
A Hatchback is a car body style incorporating a shared passenger and cargo volume, with rearmost accessibility via a rear third or fifth door, typically a top-hinged liftgate—and features such as fold-down rear seats to enable flexibility within the shared passenger/cargo volume. As a two-box...
). This new global B-platform project was initiated by Ford in Dearborn, MI and is equipped with front MacPherson strut
MacPherson strut
The MacPherson strut is a type of car suspension system which uses the axis of a telescopic damper as the upper steering pivot. It is widely used in modern vehicles and named after Earle S. MacPherson, who developed the design.-History:...
and twist-beam rear suspension. The front suspension arms (wishbone) are attached to a pressed-steel welded subframe, which is directly bolted onto the bodyshell. The design is made to accommodate diverse engine options with different engine harmonic frequencies.
Vehicles using this platform include:
- Ford EcoSportFord EcoSportThe Ford EcoSport is a mini SUV designed by the Ford-US Truck Vehicle Center and built in Brazil by Ford. The EcoSport is one of Ford's best-seller models in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Mexico...
(Brazil). (BV2 (BV226) platform) - Ford FiestaFord FiestaThe Ford Fiesta is a front wheel drive supermini/subcompact manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company and built in Europe, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, China, India, Thailand and South Africa...
(BV2 (BV256) platform in South America, B2 (B256 (4 door)/B257(2 door)) in Europe) - Ford Fusion (European 5-door MPV). (B2 (B226) Europe)
- Ford IkonFord IkonThe Ford Ikon is a sedan version of the Ford Fiesta Mark IV on the Ford B platform. It was manufactured and sold in India until 2011. A 2012 model year subcompact sedan and hatchback named Ikon is sold in Mexico. The Mexican-market hatchback is the Ford Figo imported from India...
(code name C195) (B1 platform) - Ford KaFord KaThe Ford Ka is a city car from the Ford Motor Company marketed in Europe and elsewhere.The current European version is produced by Fiat Auto in Tychy, Poland, while the model sold in Latin America is built in Brazil and Argentina....
(Pre - B1 platform) (B146) - Mazda Demio/Mazda2Mazda DemioThe Mazda Demio is a subcompact car manufactured by Mazda introduced in 1996, now in its third generation, marketed globally also as the Mazda2 — and previously marketed under nameplates including Mazda 121, Mazda Metro and Ford Festiva Mini Wagon.The third generation Demio earned the 2008...
- Mazda VerisaMazda VerisaThe Mazda Verisa is a subcompact car based on the jointly-engineered Mazda DE platform. It was launched by the Japanese automaker in 2004 and is only available in Japan. The Verisa can be considered either a 'tall hatchback' or a 'low mini MPV'. The relationship between the Mazda Verisa and the...
Ford global B-car platform
New Ford global B-car platform (sometimes global B1 or B2E) were designed and developed as Ford’s global B-segment platform. It is the first B-platform developed by Ford's global product development process.Vehicles using (2008–) this platform include:
- 2008 – Ford FiestaFord FiestaThe Ford Fiesta is a front wheel drive supermini/subcompact manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company and built in Europe, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, China, India, Thailand and South Africa...
(code name B299) global subcompact hatchbackHatchbackA Hatchback is a car body style incorporating a shared passenger and cargo volume, with rearmost accessibility via a rear third or fifth door, typically a top-hinged liftgate—and features such as fold-down rear seats to enable flexibility within the shared passenger/cargo volume. As a two-box...
(2009 Asia and Pacific-market, 2010 American-market) - 2009 – Ford Fiesta (code name B409) global subcompact sedan (2009 Asia and Pacific-market, 2010 American-market)
Future vehicles on the Ford global B-car platform:
- 2010/2011 – Ford global subcompact crossover (code name B474)
- 2011 – Ford global small minivanMinivanMinivan is a type of van designed for personal use. Minivans are typically either two-box or one box designs for maximum interior volume – and are taller than a sedan, hatchback, or a station wagon....
(code name B475) - 2012 – Ford B-MAXFord B-MAXFord B-MAX will be Ford's new subcompact mini MPV, built on the Ford B3 platform. It was unveiled for the first time at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show as a concept-car...
subcompact mini MPVMini MPVMini MPV is a car classification used to describe superminis or subcompacts which have taller build, fitting below the compact MPV and large MPV classifications....
(code name B232)