Ford C-SUV (Tata Harrier Challenger) – What we know so far
The new Ford C-SUV will share the platform and engine with the next-generation Mahindra XUV500
It is no secret that Ford Motor Company and Mahindra have joined hands to develop electric cars, new technologies and platforms for the developing nations including India. Not just EVs, both automakers will help each other to improve their market position. The first model developed under the new joint-venture will arrive in the end of 2020. Ford Motor Company is developing an all-new C-segment SUV with the help of Mahindra.
The new Ford C-SUV is expected to make debut in the end of 2020, while launch could take place in early 2021. What’s more interesting is that this SUV will use the next-generation Mahindra XUV500‘s platform. For people not in the know, Mahindra will launch the all-new XUV500 SUV in India in 2020. Not just platform, the Ford SUV will also share the engine specifications with the Mahindra’s flagship SUV.
In fact, media reports claims that the new Ford C-SUV could be developed at the Mahindra’s factory which will be used to produce the next-gen XUV500. While the platform and engine will be sourced from Mahindra, the new Ford SUV will carry a new design language and all-new interior. Ford engineers will make changes to the architecture and it is expected to offer Ford-like drivability.
The new Ford C-SUV is expected to be introduced in two seating layouts – 5-and- 7-seater. It is expected to share design cues from the Ford’s global SUVs including new Edge, Explorer and the Expedition. Nothing much about the design and interior of the SUV has been revealed, but it is likely to offer all the features that are available in the competition. Some of the likely features on offer includes a large SYNC3 infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, sunroof, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, smartkey entry with push-button start, etc. Also See – New gen Ford EcoSport to get Mahindra’s engine
The new Ford C-SUV is expected to be powered by an all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which is currently under development. This engine will first debut in the new Mahindra XUV500 and is expected to offer close to 180bhp of power. This engine will be compliant to BSVI emission norms. The company is most likely to introduce the petrol version of the SUV, though details about the engine are yet to be revealed. Both manual and automatic versions are likely to be on offer.
