We informed you earlier that Ford Motor Company will launch an all-new C-SUV in the Indian market by 2022. The new C-SUV will be based on the new front-wheel-drive monocoque platform, which also underpins the soon-to-be-launched new-gen Mahindra XUV500. Not just platform, the SUV will also source the engine specifications from the new XUV500.
The new Ford C-SUV will have a completely different design from the new XUV500. It is reported that the new C-SUV could share the styling cues from the new Ford Equator, which has been caught testing multiple times in China. The new Equator is a new 7-seater SUV for the Chinese market, developed by Jiangling-Ford joint venture.
In terms of proportions, the new Ford Equator is 4,905mm long, 1,930mm wide and 1,755mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,865mm. In China, the SUV will rival the Jeep Grand Commander and the Toyota Highlander. The new Equator comes with a massive front grille with vertically split headlamp setup with LED DRLs and turn indicators are placed on top and main LED projector unit is positioned lower on the bumper. It comes with a boxy design featuring large greenhouse area along with blacked-out pillars. At the back, the SUV gets LED tail-lamps connected via a light strip along with dual-tone bumper and silver skid plate.
While the Equator is 4.9 meters long, the India-spec Ford C-SUV is expected to measure around 4.6 meters. It is likely to be offered in 5-and 7-seat options. While the 5-seater SUV will rival the Tata Harrier and MG Hector, the 7-seater version will rival the new Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the upcoming Mahindra XUV500.
The Ford Equator’s cabin comes fitted with large digital instrument console and the infotainment system, which are connected to form a single unit. Similar dual-screen layout will also be offered on the next-gen Mahindra XUV500. The new XUV500 interior has been leaked via spy images, which confirms the same layout.
The 2021 Ford Equator is reportedly to be powered by a 221bhp, 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes. To be positioned alongside the Everest/Endeavour, the new Equator will come with two-wheel-drive and 4WD drivertrains. On the other hand, the Ford C-SUV will receive a 190bhp, 2.0L turbocharged petrol and a new 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel with power close to 180bhp.
