Ford Indias upcoming launch will be Territory based C Segment Premium SUV

Ford India had plans of launching a new Midsize SUV based on the new platform of Mahindra when the JV between both companies had been announced. However, now that both brands have parted their ways, Ford India officially doesn’t have an India focused product in the pipeline. The Ford CSUV project along with the others have been put on hold while the company is going through feasible options.

Ford Territory based SUV:
Ford is now officially considering resuming the development of the CX757 CSUV on the platform which underpins the Ford Territory SUV sold in markets including China and Brazil. The Territory is based on a lower cost platform by Jiangling Motors Corporation or JMC. The Territory was designed with the help of Ford’s R&D center in Australia to ensure quality standards and this is where the R&D of this new CX757 SUV is also likely to take place.

Dimensions:
While the CX757 was initially designed to be based on Mahindra’s new XUV700 platform with a similar length and wheelbase, the Ford Territory too has an identical wheelbase of 2,716mm. Also the Territory is likely to be similar in length to the new XUV700. This means Ford can easily integrate the design of the CX757 to the Ford Territory JMC platform without any significant changes to the Pininfarina design of this SUV.
 

Design:
The new CX757 is confirmed to have been designed by Pininfarina, the world famous studios that have designed numerous beautiful cars including some of the best Ferraris. Despite being based on the JMC platform, this new C-SUV is likely to be vastly different when compared to the Territory SUV.
 

Features and Tech:
Just like the exterior, the interior of the CX757 too will be significantly different compared to that of the Ford Territory’s. However most of the tech and features of the Territory are expected to be carried over to this SUV. Just like the Territory, it is expected to feature a dual tone colour theme with faux wood or metal finish along with plenty of soft touch surfaces for a premium feel.
The new C-SUV is likely to offer the latest tech and features in the Ford portfolio.

Expected features include:
10.1 inch touchscreen system
Sync 4 connectivity
Wireless Android auto/Apple carplay
Wireless charging
Dual zone Auto climate control
Panoramic sunroof
Powered driver seat
Digital instrument cluster
Ford Pass connected car tech
LED lighting
Auto headlamps & Wipers
Auto dimming IRVM
Keyless access and go
17 & 18 inch alloy wheels

Powertrain:
Ford currently manufactures the 2.0L EcoBlue Turbo Diesel engine in India for the Ford Endeavour. This engine is also being used in some FWD cars like the Mondeo and Edge abroad. So it will be easy for Ford India to fit this same engine under the bonnet of this new C-SUV as well. This engine is capable of producing 170PS Max Power and 420NM and is likely to be mated to a 6 speed manual and automatic transmissions.
Ford is also likely to introduce a new 1.5L turbo petrol Ecoboost engine producing around 150PS of power through similar transmission options. It is also likely that this engine will offer a 48V mild hybrid system as well.

Launch and Price:
The new Ford CX757 SUV is expected to be ready for launch by the second half of 2022. When launched, it will compete against the new Mahindra XUV700, Tata Harrier/Safari and the MG Hector siblings. Expect the pricing to be in a similar range as well.
Stay tuned for further updates.