It is no secret that Mahindra and Ford are jointly working on a wide range of new cars, technologies, platform and electric vehicles for India as well as global markets. The new JV will form a new entity, which will take care of production and distribution of Ford Cars in India. On the other hand, Ford will help Mahindra to expand its base in global markets. The duo is readying a wide range of new cars including SUVs, MPV and a new electric sedan. The first model under the new partnership will be introduced in 2021. Here is the list of upcoming new Mahindra-Ford Cars in India –
Ford C-SUV
The first model under the new joint venture will be an all-new C-segment SUV, which will be sold under the Ford nameplate. The new MPV will be designed and developed on Mahindra’s new monocoque platform, which underpins the new-gen XUV500. The new Ford C-SUV will be a 5-seater model and will challenge the Jeep Compass, MG Hector and the Tata Harrier. It will be produced on the same production line that will underpin the new-gen XUV500.
The SUV will share close to 75 per cent of the components with Mahindra’s sibling; however, design of the two SUVs will be completely different. Ford engineers will also tweak the suspension setup and steering system of the SUV. Ford officials have already confirmed that the new SUV will drive like Ford. The SUV will be offered with 2 engine options – a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and a 2.0-litre turbo petrol.
Mahindra XUV400
Mahindra is also using the Ford’s VX-772 platform to develop an all-new mid-sized SUV, which is rumoured to be called the XUV400. The new SUV will rival the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and the Kia Seltos. The platform will also be used to develop an all-new SUV, which will be sold under the Ford nameplate in India.
The Mahindra XUV400 will be powered by the brand’s new G15 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which was unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo. This direct-injection engine churns out 163bhp of power and 280Nm of torque. The new model will also receive a diesel engine, which is likely to be the 1.5L turbocharged unit. While powering the Marazzo, this diesel engine produces 120bhp of power and 300Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic versions are likely to be on offer.
Next-gen EcoSport
The Joint Venture is also working on an all-new sub-4 meter SUV, which is likely to be the next-gen Ford EcoSport. The global-spec model will continue to be based on the existing B platform. The India-spec model could also use this platform. However, few media reports claim that the next-gen EcoSport will be designed and developed on Mahindra’s X100 platform. This SUV will source the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines from the XUV300 compact SUV.
Marazzo-based MPV
Ford Motor Company is also readying an all-new MPV, which will be based on the Mahindra Marazzo’s platform. The new MPV will be positioned against the Toyota Innova Crysta. It is rumoured to be powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that also powers the new Thar. While powering the new Thar, this engine offers 132bhp of power and 320Nm of torque. The MPV will also receive a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which will also power the Mahindra Marazzo.
Mahindra Electric Sedan
Mahindra will also launch the electric version of the Ford Aspire sedan in India. Mahindra badged Ford Aspire electric is rumoured to be launched in 2021-22. The EV derivative of the Aspire comes with a bigger boot and will measure around 4.2 meters in length. Powertrain details are yet to be released, but it is likely to receive a 25kWh battery pack with a real-world range of 150km.
