Fiesta-based Ford SUV revealed 05 | 01 | 2012
THIS IS OUR first glimpse of the car Ford believes will take the battle to the Nissan Juke. The Ford EcoSport SUV is the Fiesta-based SUV which is destined to reach European markets, including the UK.
The concept, which made its debut today at the New Delhi Auto Expo in India, will initially appear in emerging markets. Naturally, the highly lucrative Indian market is the first of those. European sales are expected to start next year.
Interestingly, Jaguar Land Rover also pulled out of this year's Detroit Motor Show this month to solely focus on the Delhi expo. But back to the little, muscular Ford.
Unlike the original EcoSport (sold exclusively in South America), which was little more than a Ford Fusion with raised suspension, the new model is a completely new car whose development was led by Ford's Development Centre in Camaçari, Brazil.
See more official photos of the new Ford EcoSport
"The all-new Ford EcoSport reflects our commitment to serve our customers with the cars and trucks they truly want and value," Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company said. "Our engineering team used their years of EcoSport experience to make every aspect of the next-generation EcoSport even stronger."
There's certainly no denying its high ground clearance, integrated body cladding and high driving position ensure the EcoSport looks the part of the SUV. The boot-mounted spare wheel simply strengthens that appeal.
As for the car's external looks: well they may well become something os an acquired taste. Certainly Ford hopes it will be something of a 'grower' when it comes to people's interpretation of its styling.
With a small grille over a larger oval fascia, the styling is a continuation of the current kinetic design theme rather than the new corporate look signalled by the Evos concept shown at Frankfurt.
Ford launches 'sportiest' Focus
Personally I don't think it looks too attractive in the photos, but hopefully it'll look better in the metal.
"The new EcoSport is a significant milestone for our global product development process," Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development, said.
"It proves that great small-car models for growth markets can be created in growth markets, using One Ford to leverage our global design and engineering expertise."
When the EcoSport arrives in the UK it will be available with Ford's new three-cylinder, 118bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.
Roadtest — Ford Focus Estate (2012)
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Jim McGill