American automaker, Ford has re-introduced the iconic Bronco nameplate with 3 versions – 2-Door Bronco, 4-Door and the Bronco Sport. The Bronco Sport is currently the smallest in the Ford Bronco family. It is based on the Ford Escape’s platform and directly rivals the Jeep Compass.
We reported earlier that Ford could also introduce an all-new small SUV, which will sit below the Bronco Sport. The new model could be the next-gen Ford EcoSport, which is rumoured to be introduced in late 2021-22. The new model is reportedly to be based on the existing B platform, but will grow in size to rival the Jeep Renegade.
A new digital rendering shows the next-gen Ford EcoSport as a mini Bronco. The SUV comes with striking front fascia with most of the styling is inspired by the Bronco Sport. It comes with rounded headlamps with C-shaped LED DRLs, massive dual-tone front bumper with horizontally stacked LED fog lamps and ECOSPORT lettering on the front grille and flat bonnet.
The render also has flat, upright pillars, usable roof rails, vertically placed LED tail-lamps, ECOSPORT Lettering on the tailgate, roof-mounted brake lights, blackened Pillars and dual-tone bumper. It is evident that the digital artist wants to make the new EcoSport as a compact and hardcore off-roader.
The India-spec next-gen Ford EcoSport is likely to sit under 4 meters in length. It will be manufactured by Ford-Mahindra JV in India. The new model will be powered by a 1.2L, 3-cylinder T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine, which is the part of Mahindra’s mStallion petrol engine family. This engine is capable of producing 130bhp of power and 230Nm of torque. The next Ford EcoSport might get a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. The lineup is likely to come with a dual-clutch (DCT) automatic gearbox option.
