In a bid to expand its footprint in India, Ford is readying a range of premium models based on its new cost-effective platform. The first model based on the new platform will be a premium hatchback that will field against Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20, reports Autocar India. Aimed at the emerging markets, the new platform, codenamed B563 is essentially a modified version of the current B562 platform, which will form base for Ford’s premium range. In addition to the premium hatchback, Ford will also launch a Honda City rival, which will fill in the void created by Fiesta. While Fiesta was a good product, the use of B299 underpinnings made it impractical for the price-sensitive Indian market, however the new B563 platform will help curb pricing, allowing Ford to price products competitively.
The two upcoming Ford cars will not only use new underpinnings, but will be crafted to abide by the stricter emission norms set to be introduced in future. This also includes the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test cycle which is likely to be introduced by 2023. With these changes, the cars will take around three years to take final shape and are likely to be launched by 2020. Read More – Ford EcoSport 2017 Launching On September 15, 2017
In a bid to prepare for the sterner emission norms, Ford is also contemplating developing its ‘Dragon’ family of small petrol engines in India. These mills will ostensibly be used in Ford’s future compact models. One must note that currently, Ford does not offer Dragon engines in any of its model, albeit the company is planning to introduce it here in coming months. As for the diesel engine, Ford’s 1.5-litre DV5 oil burner could be phased out, in line with the upcoming regulations. You May Also Like – Ford Figo 2018 | Ford Aspire 2018 | Ford Endeavour 2018
Coming back to the premium hatchback and mid-size sedan, these models will be slotted a notch above Figo and Aspire, though Ford will give a comprehensive facelift to the twins and reposition them a segment below. This also means that the B562 and B563 architectures will co-exist.
Ford EcoSport Facelift Images
