Ford Kuga-based SUV coming to India in 2018; To challenge Jeep Compass

Ford is all set to up bring in its third SUV into the Indian market. Carwale reports that Ford will launch a new, Kuga-based premium 5 seat SUV in India during 2018. The Kuga-based SUV will challenge the likes of the Jeep Compass and the Hyundai Tucson in the Indian market. Since the Compass overlaps with the Mahindra XUV500 and Tata Hexa in terms of pricing, similar levels of pricing for the new SUV based on the Kuga will also make it an indirect competitor to the XUV and Hexa.

The Ford Kuga – in its second generation globally – sells in many international markets such North America, Australia and Europe. What this also means is a right hand drive version of the vehicle is ready available for the Indian market. The second-gen Kuga was first revealed in 2012 and is based on the Ford C1 platform, and is at the end of its lifecyle.

Ford may give the Kuga a makeover for the Indian market to make it interesting. Globally, the Kuga is offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines. Both front wheel drive and four wheel drive options are available on the SUV. Turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are expected to be offered on the Kuga-based SUV lined up for India.

Also expect manual and automatic gearbox options, front wheel drive and all wheel drive versions, to also be lined up for India. The new vehicle from Ford is expected to be big on safety and infotainment features. A price tag well under the 20 lakh rupee mark – with the starting price closer to Rs. 15 lakhs – will be vital for Ford to make it a successful model in the Indian market. While Ford has kept its Auto Expo 2018 plans under wraps, it’s likely that a concept previewing the Kuga-based SUV for the Indian market will be shown at the automotive extravaganza that’ll happen in early February.