Sitting here at my computer desk 2800 miles away, it's difficult to comment honestly on the new cars and concepts at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Like you, I've perused various Web sites and watched the TV sound bites but the mixture of hyperbole on one hand and criticism on the other, plus the usual image distortion that comes with photos, is inadequate if one really wants to know what the vehicles actually look and feel like. There are some the journalists are raving about that don't look exciting to me and others I find appealing that didn't ring their bells.

But two new cars that I know are exciting (I've seen one in person) are by Ford and they symbolise the future of personal transportation in North America. That's a North America that finally admits that for most uses, smaller is smarter beats bigger is better. I'm talking about the 2010 Ford Fiesta in the photo up top, and the 2011 Ford Focus in the photo below. The Fiesta is the more compact of the two and yes, it's even prettier in the metal. With its sleek lines, roomy interior, and excellent performance the Fiesta sets a new standard for its class.



Later this year we'll see the official launch of the 2011 Ford Focus, which is so good I'd happily trade in my 2003 Focus ZX5, which just happens to be one of the best cars I've ever owned (greater than the sum of its parts).

Both cars are built on international platforms and in contrast to past years nothing has been done to "soften" them for our markets. The Fiesta and Focus you get will be virtually identical to the European versions; great news, indeed. Not surprisingly the 2011 Focus comes in both sedan and hatchback versions whereas the current model (for which I'd definitely not trade my ZK5) is only available as a sedan. Normally I'd add a few rude remarks about the sedan because I believe hatches are infinitely superior but in this case the Focus sedan's so handsome I've chosen to display it here.

Together with its NAIAS Car and Truck of the Year awards, the Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect, Ford is positioning itself as a world leader in the design and engineering of affordable automobiles. The New GM is going to have a hard time keeping up and as for Fiat/Chrysler I wouldn't bet the bank on its future, much as I'd like to see the company succeed.