Ford may launch B-Max MPV in India by 2013!

Ford may launch the B-Max 5-seater MPV in India by late 2013. Ford has already launched the Fiesta sedan (last year) and has scheduled the launch of the EcoSport for later this year. The B-Max will likely be the third out of the eight global models that Ford has planned to launch in India by 2015.

The B-Max concept was showcased at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show and this year at the same auto show, Ford will unveil the near-production ready vehicle. The official sketches reveal that the B-Max will have a kinetic design language. It has a hexagonal wide grille as seen on the EcoSport concept. The clamshell bonnet and the headlamp design resemble the new Fiesta.

The side profile of the B-Max shows sliding rear doors which will likely make it very easy to get in and out of the car. The wheel arches are well sculpted and the rising waistline gives a bit of oomph to the otherwise MPV-like structure. The outside mirrors too have a shape similar to that of the new Fiesta and have integrated turn indicators.

The rear profile of the B-Max may have a tail lamp cluster similar to that of the new Fiesta sedan. Expect a thick horizontal chrome strip across the boot door, a rear spoiler with an integrated stop lamp and reflectors integrated into the rear bumper. The B-Max gets five seats and a boot space of 397 litres which is expandable to 1,000 litres by folding the rear seats.

 

The B-Max is expected to get power from a1-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that will power the upcoming EcoSport SUV. The EcoBoost engine, despite its small displacement, puts out 118 bhp of power and is has a high fuel efficiency. The B-Max diesel may be powered by the 1.5-litre diesel motor that puts out 90 bhp of power. The same engine is already used in the new Fiesta diesel.

The B-Max measures 4,040 mm in length. Ford may launch the B-Max as a sub-four meter car which qualifies as a small car in India. In that case, the pricing may be in the range of Rs. 6 lakh – 8 lakh.

Couple of years ago, Ford India launched the Fusion. The Fusion did not have many takers and eventually was removed from the company’s product portfolio due to poor sales. However, with small car buyers demanding more features, space and comfort, the upcoming B-Max may be an attractive option.

(Source: bsmotoring.com)