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.

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.

Renault has released a teaser of its new compact SUV, currently named the Kiger. This new compact SUV shares the underpinnings and engine options with the upcoming Nissan Magnite compact SUV. Here are some clear details on what to expect:

Variants:

Similar to the Renault Triber, the Kiger too is likely to be available in four variants, namely the RXE, RXL, RXT and RXZ. 

Exterior:

Going by the Spy images, the Kiger is likely to feature a coupe-like profile with modern design elements. The front fascia will feature a large signature Renault

The Kiger will receive prominent body cladding and large squarish wheel arches which will be filled by standard 16” wheels. The higher-spec variants are also likely to receive a dual-tone roof option and silver roof rails. At the back, the Kiger will receive unique looking 3D tail lamps which resemble those on a few European models, a clean tailgate and a dual-tone bumper.

Interior:

The interior is likely to carry forward a few parts from the Triber including the centrally mounted 8” touchscreen, the centre console switches, buttons and the glovebox console too. The steering wheel is likely to be a brand new unit along with the digital instrument cluster.

Features expected on the top-spec variants include:

• LED headlamps and tail lamps

• LED fog lamps

• Rear wiper/washer

• Rear defogger

• Roof rails

• 16’ alloy wheels

• 8” touchscreen system

• Android Auto/ Apple car play

• Reverse camera

• Auto climate control

• Cruise control

• Digital instrument cluster

• Smart key access

• Push-button start

• Front and rear armrests

• Rear AC vents

• 60:40 split-folding rear seat

Safety features will include:

• 4 Airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Pretensioner seatbelts

• Smart key access

• ESP with traction control

• Hill hold control

Powertrains:

Similar to the Nissan Magnite, the Renault Kiger will be available with two engine options. The first will be the 1.0L Energy series, 3 cyl naturally aspirated engine from the Renault Triber, producing 72PS Power through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The second powertrain will be a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit producing around 100PS through either a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox.

Pricing:

The new Renault Kiger will be launched with pricing by January 2021 and is also likely to be priced very aggressively with an expected starting price of Rs.5.5L ex-showroom for the entry-level non-turbo variant. The fully loaded top-spec variant is expected to be priced equivalent to the Nissan Magnite. When launched, the Kiger will go against the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Ford Ecosport, Mahindra XUV300 and the Honda WRV as well. 

Stay tuned for further updates on the Renault Kiger.

Prices for the BS6 petrol variants start at ? 8.04 lakh and go all the way up to ? 11.43 lakh. Prices for the Ecosport BS6 diesel variants start at ? 8.54 lakh and top at ? 11.58 lakh for (all prices ex-showroom, India). Ford has also extended the 100,000 km or 10-year service package to the BS6 model at an additional cost of ? 4,700.

The Petrol variants continue to have the 1.5L Ti-VCT three cylinder engine that produces 118 bhp and 149 NM of torque. The Diesel option too is Ford’s popular a 1.5L engine that produces 99 bhp

Unlike the 2020 BS6 Ford Figo, the Foed Ecosport carries forward many of its features over to the BS models. SYNC 2 Infotainment System with 9 inch Touch screen, rain sensing wiper, push button star/ stop, Projector headlamps with DRLs, etc are present in the BS6 version as well. Top end variants also offer 6 airbags while ABS and EBD are present in all variants.

Strong build, a peppy ride quality and good road presence, value for money and safety is what the Ecosport is known for. Thankfully, nothing much has been changed in the Ford Ecosport and it will continue to offer the same as both petrol and diesel engines have been made BS6 compliant by Ford unlike many other manufacturers that have had to discontinue their older engines.