Ford is expected to bring in a limited number of its extreme Ranger Raptor pick-up to India. The Ranger is essentially a pickup version of the Ford Endeavour SUV. However, the Raptor is a specifically engineered high performance version of the regular Ranger, providing extreme capability of high speed over rough terrain.

The Ford Ranger Raptor with its combination of off-road skills, load-carrying capacity and unique Baja race-truck-like ability to monster bad roads at speed, certainly an enthusiastic-only kind of vehicle. With such unique performance oriented vehicles, Ford is keen on showcasing it’s unique engineering prowess and identity.

 The ladder frame chassis of the Ranger Raptor has been seriously strengthened to take the extra beating, the front suspension towers have been beefed up to take the extra load and at the rear, the load bearing leaf springs have been replaced by an Endeavour-like Watt’s linkage to provide greater directional stability. The Ranger Raptor also gets purpose-built 2.5 inch (diameter) off-road racing coil overs from race truck specialist, Fox. As a result, the Ranger gets 30 percent more wheel travel, and the ability to fly over rough roads at speed that would shake other SUVs to bits.  

The Ranger Raptor boasts of 283mm ground clearance. It gets 800mm of water-wading depth, and the massive 285mm tyres offer huge traction. While the engine is similar to the one that powers the Endeavour, the Raptor gets twin turbos, boosting the power to 213hp and the torque to 500Nm. The transmission though will remain the same 10-speed automatic gearbox seen on the Endeavour. The four-wheel-drive system will have six modes, including grass, gravel, snow and rock climbing modes. The truck will also have a Baja mode, which reduces chassis interventions for maximum attack over rough terrain. 

The Ranger Raptor features chunky bodywork extensions to match the wider track, the famous black Raptor grill and massive bash plates. The Raptor, just like the Endeavour will come as standard with ESP, rollover mitigation, Hydraulic brake assist, Hill Launch Assist and Hill descent control. 

The Ranger Raptor will be imported by Ford under the 2,500-unit homologation-free route. The Ranger Raptor is likely to be launched in the country by the second-half of 2021. However, this extreme pickup truck will be priced around or above Rs.70L. If you are a serious off road enthusiast and have a load of cash, then the Ranger Raptor is a good reason to get excited for you.

Stay tuned for further updates.

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Hyundai has released a few teaser images of its new i30 N hot hatchback which will be launched soon in Europe. Here are a few highlights of this new Hyundai i30 N gathered from these images.

The new Hyundai i30N will have a dynamic design, focusing on performance and emotion. It features new and aggressive front and rear bumpers along with two large exhaust pipes. New LED headlamps and tail lamps also are visible along with the wider front grille. The images also show newly-developed 19-inch forged alloy wheels, which are lighter than those of the previous i30 N, contributing to weight

The interior layout is expected to be largely similar to the regular i30 hatchback with certain N-specific detailing and changes. Features and specifications are also expected to remain the same except for the inclusion of sportier seats and drive modes.

Hyundai has also revealed that the new i30 will be available with the company’s eight-speed dual clutch (N DCT), including dedicated N performance shifting functions. This transmission will be paired to the same 2.0L turbo petrol engine producing 250bhp as standard and 275bhp with the performance pack. This engine also produces 353NM torque as standard with power sent to the front wheels through an Electronic Limited Slip Differential.

The new i30 N is likely to be launched in Europe in the coming weeks with a marginal price increase over its predecessor. Stay tuned for further details on Hyundai's new hot hatchback.

Ford India is developing a significantly updated version of the Ecosport compact SUV. Prior to that, Ford India has silently updated the pricing of the existing version for 2021. Surprisingly, prices have been reduced as against to the hike announced by every other manufacturer. Along with that, Ford India has also updated the variant line-up and features on the Ecosport 2021.

Feature updates:

The 2021 Ford Ecosport offers electric Sunroof , EBA, TCS, HLA, ESP from the Titanium Variant itself. However, despite the additional feature, the Titanium Variant is only Rs.1000 pricier than before. The Titanium+ Variant is expected to get new

Variant updates:

The 2021 Ford EcoSport variant range starts from Rs.7.99L. Some variants have been axed from the previous line-up though. The Titanium Variant is no longer available with an Automatic gearbox and the Titanium+ doesn't get a manual transmission option. The Thunder special edition has also been discontinued.

As of now, the 2021 Ford Ecosport is available in the following variants:

Petrol MT

Ambiente     Rs.7.99L

Trend            Rs.8.64L

Titanium       Rs.9.79L

Sports            Rs.10.99L

Petrol AT

Titanium+     Rs.11.19L

Diesel MT

Ambiente      Rs.8.69L

Trend             Rs.9.14L

Titanium        Rs.9.99L

Sports            Rs.11.49L

 The EcoSport Ambiente MT petrol is now cheaper by Rs.20,000 and costs Rs 7.99L. The Trend MT petrol is now 35,000 cheaper at Rs.8.64L. The Titanium MT is available at Rs 9.79L, with only Rs.1000 increase in price. The Sports petrol MT is now priced at Rs.10.99L; Rs.24,000 cheaper than before. The Titanium+ Automatic though is Rs.39,000 cheaper than before and is available for Rs.11.19L.

In the Diesel range, the Trend variant is cheaper by Rs.35,000 and the Sports variant is more affordable by Rs.24,000. The Ambiente and Titanium trims remain the same in terms of pricing though.

Engines:

Just like before, the Ford Ecosport is available with a 1.5l, Dragon series 3-cyl Ti-VCT petrol engine producing 122PS of power, and 149NM of torque through either a 5 speed manual or a 6 Speed Torque converter automatic with paddle shifters. The 1.5L, TDCi 4 cyl turbo diesel produces 100PS of Max Power and 215NM of Max torque through only a 5 speed manual gearbox. 

These price reductions and feature updates have made the Ford Ecosport better value for money than before. Adding Sunroof on the mid level trim will also increase the appeal to the sunroof-loving Indian buyers. With the numbers of rivals increasing with the newly launched Nissan Magnite and the upcoming Renault Kiger, this is a timely update by Ford India.

Stay tuned for further updates.