I see way too many similarities, not that amounts to anything, really. I'm just saying...there are a whole lot of similarities here, but ultimately...I guess since it was a Ford product, Ford didn't have to actually say they had ripped any designs off of anything or anybody, cause...well, they owned it. Personally, I like the original British version, but I think the nose is cute. lol

I humbly present to you...the 1968 Ford (Europe) Escort Mk1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Escort_(Europe)

And, here's a brief youtube resto of a wrecked one. A minute and 45 seconds. There are differences, but the drive-trains and all were the same. lol. Anyway, on to the show:

The 1.6 being the original only motor makes a little more sense...then.. .'Uh, hey, guys...our steering wheel's on the other side. We should address that for efficiency!'

My final comment(s)...had they just brought that over here and added a front bumper and relocated the steering...yes, I am currently revising my Christmas list. I want one!!! lol Even the tail lights are basically the same thing! Good job, Ford, on one hand. However...you could have brought that over, not made new tooling, and saved a bunch of money...and the only people who would have been the wiser would have those who traveled abroad (which today is, at best, only 30% of our Population, and this was before international air flight was really considered a good idea, so...you do the math.

*This message came about, somehow, through my joining a British car forum (required to search the site) looking for camshaft advice.

/rantoff