Powered by a 2.0L Duratorq TDCi 4-cylinder turbodiesel (from the Ford Mondeo) paired with a 5-speed manual.
Based on the European Ford Fiesta chassis.
The name SYNus (pronounced “sin-you-ehs”) is a synthesis of the words “synthesis” and “US” (Urban Sanctuary). It was intended to represent a tough, secure shell that protected a soft, relaxing interior from the chaotic city environment.
The exterior was inspired by armored cars and bank vaults. It featured bullet-resistant windows and a body frame.
When parked, steel shutters would deploy over the windshield and side windows for maximum security.
Since there was no rear window, a 45-inch LCD monitor was mounted on the inside of the rear door, displaying a high-definition feed from rear-facing cameras.
The rear hatch had no window and was operated by a vault-style four-spoke spinner.
The front seats could rotate 180 degrees to face the rear, turning the cabin into a social “conversation pit” when the car was in lockdown mode.
While the SYNus never reached production, it was an early exploration of Ford’s interest in bringing smaller, B-segment cars (like the eventual US-market Fiesta) to North America.
