Ford says the new Bronco will be a body- on- frame 4x4 built to take on some of the toughest terrains. Features include a solid rear axle and an Air Roof while Ford’s Terrain Management System,Trail Control and a novel active suspension could be optional features.
Also on the cards could be a more hardcore version of the Bronco called the Wolftrak and a raptor version most probably having a V8 engine. Speaking of the looks, the Bronco sports a boxy and edgy design with round headlamps, thereby resembling with the original Bronco.
Many patent applications suggest what appears to be a very unique concept. Several parts of the Bronco’s body could be removable like doors and the roof to allow open- air motoring. Ford has also patented a safety system which uses telescopic beams to protect drivers in a crash when the doors are removed. The Bronco could come with 10 colours as per the leaked color palette.
With the ongoing trend of Ford’s EcoBoost Engines, the Bronco could get one as well. It could most likely receive a 2.3 litre EcoBoost unit that produces 270 Horsepower and 420 NM of torque mated to a 10 Speed Automatic. A hybrid and a V8 engine are also expected.
It is also highly likely that the Ford Bronco could receive the Twin Turbocharged 2.7 litre V6 engine from the F-150 that produces 325 HP and 542 NM of torque. The off roader would be produced at Ford’s plant in Wayne, Michigan. From the looks of it, Ford plans to offer the Bronco in America initially as there are no reports of plans to offer the Bronco in other markets globally. However, Ford has filed for a Trademark on Bronco in Europe. That should say a lot.
The Bronco could be priced around 35,000$ in USA. It was expected to be featured at the 2020 New York Auto Show that got cancelled. We expect the official unveiling to occur sometime in the last quarter of 2020.
Hyundai is readying a brand new super-compact, micro SUV/crossover based on the Grand i10 Nios platform. Going by the latest spy images from abroad, this new micro SUV, codenamed the Hyundai AX1 is likely to feature quirky and unique styling with headlamps positioned lower on the front bumper and the LED DRLs with turn indicators mounted on top.
The overall profile is quite upright with a steeply raked windshield and a boxy silhouette. The rear door handles are likely to be positioned on the C-pillars and the new car is expected to feature 16” alloy wheels.
The new Hyundai AX1 could be powered either by the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine from the Santro or the 1.2L Kappa petrol from the Grand i10 Nios. The 1.0L turbocharged petrol unit from the Nios/Aura Turbo can also be expected. Transmission options could include a 5 speed Manual as standard with the 1.2L petrol receiving a CVT automatic too.
The Hyundai AX1 is being developed for India along with other South-East Asian markets. In India, the new micro SUV could compete with the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, the upcoming Tata HBX and the Mahindra KUV100.
Kia has recently launched a number of great vehicles like the Telluride crossover, the K5 sedan, the Seltos, the new Sorento, and many more in the US. All this is a part of Kia’s elaborate “Plan S” strategy.
Kia will officially begin the Plan S early next year. The global CEO, Mr.Song wants the brand to be “more dynamic, stylish, and inventive,” with a stronger emphasis on electric vehicles. Kia promises at least 11 EVs by the year 2025.
Kia’s upcoming EVs will be built on a new moderately priced Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), shared with Hyundai. With these new EVs, Kia
Kia is also expected to introduce a new logo, which was first previewed on the electric Imagine concept car in 2019. This new look will make its debut on a production vehicle next year.
The new Kia logo features a stark, italicized treatment to the traditional lettering, claiming to give it a more modern look. All three letters now connect to each other, and ditches the signature circular surround. Stay tuned for further updates.
Toyota is all set to launch its new compact SUV, the Urban Cruiser. This is essentially the rebadged version of the best selling Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza with Toyota specific cosmetic changes.
Exterior:
The Urban Cruiser borrows its front grille from the Fortuner but carries forward the LED headlamps from the Vitara Brezza without any changes. The front bumper however is completely redesigned to give the Urban Cruiser a unique look. The sides and rear, however, don't have any changes except for the Toyota and Urban Cruiser branding on the tailgate. The 16” alloy wheels to are the same as on the
Interior:
The interior of the Urban Cruiser gets even fewer changes when compared to the Brezza. The design, layout and materials are exactly the same and the only differentiation will be Brown colour seat upholstery.
Variants:
Similar to the Vitara Brezza, the Urban Cruiser will be available in three variants; Mid, High and Premium.
Based on the Vitara Brezza, the new Urban Cruiser MID variant offers the following standard features:
LED headlamps with DRLs
LED tail lamps
Auto climate control
Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
Push-button start with the smart key
2DIN audio system
Steering mounted audio controls
Power windows
Electric ORVMs
Reverse sensors
Apart from these, the HIGH variant will include the following additional features:
16” alloy wheels
Auto folding ORVMs
Roof rails
7” touchscreen system
Android Auto & Apple car play
Reverse camera
Cruise control
Rear wiper & defogger
Additional features on the top-spec PREMIUM variant will include:
LED fog lamps
16” diamond cut alloys
Auto headlamps & wipers
Auto-dimming IRVM
Front and rear armrests
Safety:
Safety features on the Toyota Urban Cruiser BS6 include:
ABS with EBD
Dual airbags
ISOFIX child seat mounts
Pretensioner seatbelts
Engine immobilizer
Hill hold on AT variants
Powertrains:
The Urban Cruiser will carry forward the same 1.5L K-series petrol engine from the Vitara Brezza producing 105bhp power & 138nm torque through either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed Torque converter automatic gearbox. The Automatic variants will also receive mild hybrid system with auto engine start/stop and regenerative braking.
Launch & price:
The new Toyota Urban Cruiser will be priced at a slight premium over the Vitara Brezza with expected pricing from ?8.5L to ?11.5L ex-showroom. When launched the Toyota Urban Cruiser will compete against the Tata Nexon, Ford Ecosport, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300 and the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza itself. Bookings for the Urban Cruiser is currently open. Stay tuned for further details and pricing.