Ford C-SUV based on the all-new Mahindra XUV500 rendered

Ford will launch an all-new SUV in India sometime in 2022, and this SUV will be a mid-sized offering rivaling the likes of the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV500, MG Hector, Jeep Compass, and higher variants of the Kia Seltos and the 2020 Hyundai Creta. The new Ford SUV will share its platform with the all-new Mahindra XUV500, which will make its debut sometime in 2021. Engines and gearboxes will be common while styling will be totally different. Here is a render showing what the all-new Ford C-SUV could look like from the front.

Render courtesy IndianAuto

As the render indicates, the new Ford C-SUV is expected to take from the American automaker’s global design language that includes a prominent, hexagonal front grille, swept back LED day time running lights mounted higher up and projector LED headlamps mounted on the massive front bumper. While the dimensions of the new Ford C-SUV are likely to be similar to what of the all-new Mahindra XUV500, styling will be totally different. In fact, the top hat of the Ford monocoque SUV is expected to be completely different from that of the new XUV500 in order to achieve adequate differentiation, and also to ensure that both SUVs carve out markets of their own.

In terms of engines and gearboxes, the Ford C-SUV will borrow heavily from the 2021 Mahindra XUV500. The engines on offer are likely to be 2 liter-4 cylinder Turbocharged petrol and 2.2 liter-4 cylinder turbocharged diesel units. The petrol motor – already seen on the 2020 Mahindra Thar – is likely to make about 180 Bhp of peak power and 400 Nm of peak torque.

Also read: Watch the Mahindra XUV500 pull a huge truck out of a hole (Video)

The 2.2 liter turbo diesel – also seen on the new Thar – will make more power than the latter – with about 160 Bhp-450 Nm on tap. 6 speed manual and torque converter automatic gearboxes will be offered on the Ford SUV, whose lower variants will be front wheel driven. Higher variants of the Ford SUV are likely to offer an all wheel drive option. The Ford C-SUV will be the first monocoque SUV by the brand to offer an all wheel drive set-up in the Indian market.

What the Ford SUV will also offer is a range of connectivity options, and a segment leading twin screen infotainment set-up – the likes of which are seen only on more expensive cars presently, such as the all-new Mercedes Benz S-Class. In fact, test mules of the all-new Mahindra XUV500 have revealed a twin screen infotainment set-up that occupies prominence on the dashboard.

While the all-new Mahindra XUV500 will continue offering 7 seats in a three row layout, the Ford SUV is expected to be a five seater. A massive boot and acres of leg room are expected on the Ford C-SUV, which is expected to be priced between Rs. 15-20 lakh. Mahindra’s Chakan factory – the place where the new XUV500 will be built – could also be the location from where the Ford SUV rolls out. We expect the new Ford to pack in typical Ford attributes such as a solid build, sorted driving dynamics and a fun-to-drive nature. Ford India will be expecting to sell at least 2,000 monthly units of the new C-SUV, in a segment that’s growing quite rapidly. Along with the all-new EcoSport (to be built on the Mahindra XUV300 platform), the Figo twins and the C-SUV, Ford is scripting a turnaround plan for India.

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