Ford will introduce a compact SUV version of the Fiesta at the Delhi motor show in January. The model is expected to take the Ford EcoSport name for production and is tipped to reach Europe in 2013.
The EcoSport is previewed in this official teaser image, which hints at the front-end styling. Ford appears to have gone for a chunkier, more rugged look for its latest Fiesta spin-off, to give it a greater differentiation over the hatchback it is based on. It will also draw styling inspiration from the new Ford Escape, a replacement for the Kuga that was revealed at the recent Los Angeles motor show.
See a teaser image of the Ford EcoSport
Ford sells a model called EcoSport in select emerging markets, including Brazil and Mexico. That car is largely based on the last-generation Fusion, and the new model will act as a direct replacement for that car.
But this time around, Ford will offer the EcoSport in many more markets and is expected to sell the car in Europe and the US for the first time as part of its ‘One Ford’ global car strategy. The Indian launch is particularly significant; the EcoSport will be only the third distinct Ford model to go on sale in the country, after various Fiesta variations and the larger Endeavour SUV.
Among the engines likely to be launched in the car is Ford’s new direct-injection 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost unit. Ford’s smallest ever engine will be available with either 98bhp or 123bhp and is also destined to make it into the Fiest, Focus, B-Max, C-Max and Grand C-Max.
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