Rendering - India-bound Ford Fiesta SUV (next gen EcoSport)

Reports earlier this year suggest that there is a highly disguised blue oval doing rounds at an unspecified location in Europe. Thankfully, AutoExpress has solid proof with spy shots and a rendering which reveal that this is a Fiesta-based small crossover somewhat similar but smaller than the Focus based Kuga. This vehicle is nothing but the next generation Ford EcoSport SUV.

Note the spy shots are only of a test mule which is being used to tune the engine, gearbox, suspension. The Fiesta hatch's body is a dummy.

When we looked at reports on other websites, we came across another interesting artist impression of how this vehicle will look from the rear when it comes out in the next 12-18 months.

The basic design of the car will carry the Fiesta's Kinetic Design philosophy. The vehicle will sport  large wheel arches and a high ground clearance. The wheels also protrude past each side of the car, showing the car's wider track and four-wheel drive system that lurks beneath.

Now we know that Ford is already working on the B-Max for the Indian market which is a mini MPV based on the Fiesta platform. Ford India also made a statement last week saying that they will bring 8 new models to India within the next 5 years.

Now apart from the B-Max, this new Fiesta based crossover is another model for India. With a potent diesel engine & a good pricing this baby can be a great alternative to slightly expensive hatchbacks.

Now the question is will Ford adopt the same strategy it did with the Figo - sell the outgoing model rather than the latest one. In other words, will Ford sell the outgoing EcoSport in India instead of this brand new one?

Source - Autoexpress and Auto Esporte