Ford and Mahindra joint venture has recently been called off. The JV was working on 3 new SUVs including a new C-SUV based on the new XUV700, and a sub-4 meter SUV and an all-new mid-sized SUV to rival the Hyundai Creta. Adding to it, the existing Ford EcoSport was planned to be equipped with Mahindra’s new 1.2-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol engine. All these projects are also stopped, and Ford has decided to independently develop and sell products in India.
According to the AutoCarIndia, the Ford C-SUV is likely to be based on the Territory SUV’s platform. The Ford Territory is a 7-seater SUV, which is on sale in China and Brazil. However, the design of the SUV is likely to be the one worked by Pininfarina, the Italian design house (a Mahindra-owned company).
The Ford Territory is based on a platform developed by Chinese carmaker JMC or Jiangling Motors Corporation. Like the Mahindra platform, this platform is engineered at a lower cost base. Ford is likely to take help of its R&D centre in Australia to maintain global standards. The Ford Territory has a 2,716mm wheelbase, which is similar to Mahindra’s W601 (XUV700). Also See – Ford Territory Detailed In 6 Points
The Ford C-SUV has been designed by Pininfarina in Turin. The new SUV is expected to be powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine. This engine is manufactured locally and exported to many international market. Internally called the ‘Panther’, the 2.0L diesel engine currently powers the Endeavour. Ford could tune this engine for the C-SUV. This engine also powers the front-wheel-drive cars like the Mondeo and the Edge.
Ford could also start local assembly of 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in Sanand, Gujarat. This assembly already assembles several Ford engines. This engine also powers the Territory, and is capable of producing 143bhp of power at 4,500-5,200rpm and a peak torque of 225Nm between 1,500rpm and 4,000rpm. The Chinese-spec engine also comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
Similar to the Territory, the Ford C-SUV could also receive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). The ADAS features include autonomous emergency braking system, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, cruise control, lane departure warning, enhanced active park assist system, blind spot information system, etc. In terms of features, the SUV could get a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charger, digital instrument console, LED lighting system, powered & ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, automatic headlamps, automatic AC, etc.
Source – AutoCarIndia
