Since the introduction of Ford EcoSport, the American auto maker has tasted new found success in the Indian car market. Since its launch, the car has generated a lot of interest among the domestic car buyers. At present, the model has amassed 50000 pending booking orders that have stretched the waiting period to 2014. The car has taken over the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment by storm and is expected to continue its strong showing in 2014 as well. While for Ford, the success of EcoSport would have charted the future course and industry experts are predicting a flurry of new models from the company in the near future. So to examine the upcoming models that might make headway start in India, an assessment is made.
According to developments, Ford is in-line to launch a facelift version of Fiesta sedan in the country that would be based on the European model. The car is expected to be unveiled at the upcoming 2014 Auto Expo after which the launch could follow soon. As reported, the car will bear significant updates with a revised front grille having horizontal chrome slats. The restyled front profile of the car include bumpers, fog lights, headlamps and bonnet. Also, the rear portion of the vehicle might get the revised set of tail lights that will be larger than before.
While for engine options, Ford might give away same engine configurations as given in the current-generation Fiesta. Therefore, the same 1.5-litre petrol engine that churns out 107 bhp of power and 140 Nm of torque might be offered in the upcoming model whereas the 1.5-litre diesel engine that puts out 89 bhp of power and 203 Nm of torque will be given. In case of transmission, the petrol and diesel versions might be offered with either options of five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic system in the initial stages. The facelift version of Ford Fiesta might be priced around Rs. 6.99 lakh for the base petrol variant but since the value of rupee has been on constant decline, the figure could certainly rise.
While for the SUV segment, the auto maker is planning to introduce the facelift version of Endeavour. The car was recently launched in Thailand and reports have emerged that the Indian car market could witness its launch in 2014. It is predicted that the model meant for production in Thailand will make inroads in India soon, so going by the changes, the facelift Endeavour will have a bold new appearance that will see a fresh and contemporary exterior design. The car will also bear many changes at the inside, in contrast to the current generation model.
For performance, Ford shall be giving the new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine that generates 148 bhp of power and 375 Nm of torque. While for transmission options, Ford might be offering its SUV in manual and automatic gearbox options. As the facelift version will see changes at exterior, its dimensions will be also different. Sources close to the development process have revealed that the new Endeavour shall be bigger and better as compared to the existing model. In terms of pricing, industry experts are saying that facelift version might a touch costlier than the existing model owing to its new features and equipments.
