Ford & Mahindra has called off the Joint Venture, however, despite this, Ford will continue on its plan to launch XUV500-based C-SUV (codenamed W605) in the Indian market.
As per the reports, both brands had already begun work on this SUV long ago, and the project is in progressive stages of development. It is likely to be launched after some months of second-generation Mahindra XUV500, which is expected to hit the dealerships in the first half of 2021.
For the people not in the know, the Ford C-SUV will share its platform and some of its components with the next-gen Mahindra XUV500 (codenamed W601). However, the platform and the suspension system will be tweaked to have Ford-like driving dynamics. Further, the exterior & interior designs will also be absolutely distinctive from the upcoming XUV500. As per the leak shots, the Ford version of XUV500 is likely to have styling cues from other modern global Ford SUVs such as the new Ford Equator, which is shown in the above image.
Till now, Ford hasn't shared any details regarding SUV’s mechanicals. However, both the companies had earlier agreed to share powertrains and transmissions. Hence, we believe the upcoming Ford C-SUV will continue to share engines with the new Mahindra XUV500 i.e. it is likely to get 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engine options. While the former engine is capable of producing 190PS of maximum power and 330Nm of peak torque, the latter produces a maximum output of 180PS/400Nm. Both engines are expected to be offered with both manual and automatic transmission options along with an all-wheel-drive system.
Apart from this, Mahindra will also supply its 1.2-litre TGDi turbocharged petrol engine to Ford in a replacement for the EcoSport's 1.0-litre Ecoboost turbocharged petrol motor that was discontinued last year.
Like the Mahindra XUV500, Ford's mid-size SUV will also be a three-row offering, and it is likely to be launched by the end of 2021. As far as the pricing is concerned, Ford's mid-size SUV is expected to be priced between Rs 16-20 lakh (ex-showroom). In the Indian market, it will be positioned against the likes of Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson, MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV500, and the upcoming Tata Gravitas & 7-seater Hyundai Creta.
