Ford has had a history in India that dates back to 1926. It entered India as a subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company of Canada and has since then launched a slew of interesting cars, estates, military vehicles and SUVs here. The first passenger vehicle (car) from the giant came in 1995. While most Gen Z will laud Ford for the Endeavour, and millennials for the Fiesta, there are many other interesting models to the American’s credit. Most are gone, but many are not forgotten. Here are five Ford cars that deserved to live longer, but failed to do so in India.
Ford Escort: The Beginning
Ford’s first passenger car launch in India was a sedan in 1995- the sixth-generation Ford Escort. This sedan was already popular internationally. It was available in both petrol and diesel versions and was well-known for offering plenty of space, including a large boot.
The Escort also had impressive features and tech for its time. It came with air conditioning, a music system, power steering, and power windows for the front passengers. A standout feature was its electrically adjustable rear-view mirrors, which were considered advanced in the mid-90s. Though discontinued in 2001, the Escort played a key role in building Ford’s reputation in the country.
Ford Mondeo: Taking on the Luxury Market
After finding success with the Escort and Ikon, Ford aimed for the luxury car segment, in 2004. The company introduced the Ford Mondeo to compete with German luxury sedans like the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and BMW 3 Series.
The Mondeo had a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produced 128 bhp. It also had a petrol option available, with a 2.0-liter engine delivering 142 bhp. Alongside its strong performance capabilities, the Mondeo also had a high price tag around its shoulder. This made it less attractive to many Indian buyers. The car was eventually discontinued in 2006, as it failed to stand its German rivals, in sales.
Ford Fiesta S: Sporty Yet Niche
The Fiesta was already a popular sedan in India, but Ford decided to introduce a sportier version to it, called the Fiesta S. This model was launched to appeal to the driving enthusiasts here. The Fiesta S was equipped with a 1.6-litre petrol engine that generated 101 bhp and 146 Nm, offering a more aggressive and agile driving experience. It had significant reworks done to its suspension, facilitating sharper handling. Similar treatment was also seen on the Figo S.
However, the Fiesta S was a niche car. It didn’t attract a large audience and is now considered something that was ahead of its time. As a result, its sales were disappointing, and it could never match the success of the regular Fiesta.
2014 Ford Fiesta Facelift: A Redesign Gone Wrong
In 2014, Ford decided to give the Fiesta a complete facelift. The new model featured a hexagonal grille, seemingly inspired by Aston Martin, along with other major design reworks. The slim headlights and a more rounded body gave it a completely new look.
Unfortunately, the redesign didn’t resonate with buyer interests. Many preferred the look of the earlier version. The new design was criticized for making the car look bulky and less stylish. The rear seat too felt cramped. Despite the updates, the facelifted Fiesta (often called the global Fiesta) failed to attract crowds and was soon discontinued.
Ford Fusion: A Bold Experiment
In 2004, Ford made a bold move in India by introducing the Fusion, the country’s first crossover. Many consider it to be the first compact SUV in India as well. The Fusion had the appearance of a large hatchback but offered the versatility of an SUV.
It was a spacious car with a roomy interior and a large trunk, making it practical for families. The Fusion came with two engine options: a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and a 1.4-liter diesel engine. Despite its innovative design and the combination of hatchback fun with SUV features, it didn’t meet the expectations of either Ford or Indian buyers.
After six years of production, Ford Fusion was axed, making it another Ford that couldn’t achieve long-term success in India.
These failures have all, in some way, contributed to Ford India’s eventual death and decay. The company had to finally quit the Indian market in 2022, due to low sales and piling losses. However, the latest news has it that the American giant is preparing for a re-entry into the Indian market, and would launch the likes of Everest and Ranger soon.
