Ford India’s revival strategy began with the launch of the present version Figo. The sales curve was driven further northward thanks to the huge success story called the EcoSport. This compact SUV met limited success internationally but managed to become one of the best-selling products by the American manufacturer in India.
Now 2015 is one of the most important year for Ford India as they intend to increase their market share. They inaugurated their latest Gujarat (Sanand) plant and have plans to launch as many as 4 all-new cars spread across different segments. Here is the list and quick info on what’s coming from them…
- Ford Figo Aspire: Compact Sedan
- Expected Launch- May-June 2015
- Expected Price- Rs 5-8 lakhs
- Rivals- Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent etc
The Figo Aspire will be placed in one of the country’s fastest growing segments and will slug it out with the Dzires and Amazes of our worlds. The car is going to be powered by a 1.2 litre TiVCT petrol engine (saddener 🙁 ) and a 1.5 litre TDCi diesel mill. A more powerful 1.5 litre petrol mill is also expected to be made available with an automatic transmission. It is also the first car in the segment to have side and curtain airbags. It will replace the Classic sedan from the lineup.
- Next-Gen Ford Figo: (B-segment Hatch)
- Expected Launch- Second half 2015
- Expected Price- Rs 4.0-6.5 lakhs
- Rivals- Maruti Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 etc
The current Figo has been applauded for its value for money preposition and the Next-Gen car is expected to carry that forward with a modern design and much better drive experience. The new Figo hatchback is nothing but the Ford Ka sold in Brazil. While the petrol motor will be the same (but bettered) 1.2 liter TiVCT, it will see the introduction of the new 1.5 liter diesel engine, possibly in a detuned state. There is no word on this but it may or may not replace the current-gen completely.
- Ford Endeavour: (D-segment SUV)
- Expected Launch- Second half of 2015
- Expected price- Rs 22.5-26.0 lakhs
- Rivals- Toyota Fortuner, Santa Fe
The next generation Endeavour will be Ford’s best attempt to fight the rising tide of Toyota’s Fortuner and it looks interestingly good. Unveiled recently in Bangkok, the Endeavour has a front nose which now has a look similar to the EcoSport. It is also scheduled to get new 2.2 litre and 3.2 litre diesel mills. What engine options will it get in India is not known at this point but it was spotted testing recently.
- Ford Mustang: (speculation)
- Expected launch- Mid 2015
- Expected price- Unknown
- Rivals- Has no rivals in the country
America’s signature muscle car, known around the world for its lineage, the Mustang is expected to finally make its way to India via the CBU route. Targeted at a niche level, the aggressive Mustang will be a premium offering showcasing Ford’s history as well as technological capabilities. Not many details are known at this point though.
With this four car onslaught (three are confirmed), Ford intends to cover a lot of ground and with the backup of the increased capacity from the new plant, they must be real optimistic…
