It is well-known now that Ford and Mahindra Joint Venture (JV) has been called off recently. This happened due to different priorities of fund management of both the companies to tackle the post-pandemic challenges faced by the industry in general. Clearly, a lot has changed since last year and the plans that were there between both the companies had to be cancelled. Be that as it may, the mutual agreement prior to the JV will go ahead as planned. This means that Ford will keep getting Mahindra-sourced turbo petrol engines with direct injection technology. These engines belong to Mahindra’s new mStallion family and were showcased in Auto Expo 2020. Ford had to discontinue its EcoBoost engine due to BS6 emission regulations and found it too expensive to develop a new engine to meet the emission standards. Hence, the tie-up allowed Ford to use engines from Mahindra.
Also read: 2021 Ford EcoSport to be launched this year – What to expect?
XUV500-based Ford SUV – Exterior
There have been spy shots of the Ford SUV online and the car is seen testing in the Chinese market. We know already that Ford and Mahindra are jointly developing an SUV which might be based on the upcoming Mahindra XUV500. We have already covered what to expect from the new XUV500 in a post earlier. Now, we see from the images that the new SUV looks like a smaller version of the Endeavour, in terms of exterior styling. The images show a large front grille with a modern design that features the LED DRLs on the bonnet. The shape of the DRLs looks pretty unique. The LED headlamp cluster is placed sown below on the bumper. The side profile looks very modern as well with a chrome belt running around the windows frames and large alloys. ‘The rear features a slim LED tail lamps setup which is connected together by a brake light strip. This also gives it a modern look.
Also read: Mahindra XUV500 spied testing and interior – Launch in 2021!
XUV500-based Ford SUV – Interior
The images of the interior show a modern-looking setup with the Digital Instrument Cluster and Digital Infotainment System connected together to make it look like a seamless single screen. This something that we have seen in Kia products. There are a large center console and large comfortable armrests between the front seats. Apart from that, a multi-purpose steering wheel with audio mounted controls is also visible in the images. A sunroof is also expected to come in this model and we can be assured of the built quality that is a trademark of Ford.
Also read: 9 new car launches in 2021 – XUV500, Hornbill, Rapid, Celerio and more!
XUV500-based Ford SUV – Engine and Rivals
We expect the SUV to come with the Mahindra-sourced 2.0-litre turbo petrol with direct injection which makes a massive 190hp and 380Nm. It might come with a manual or an automatic gearbox option. We also expect a 2.0-litre diesel engine as well. This particular SUV will sit above the EcoSport. If it comes in a 7-seat configuration, we expect it to rival the likes of MG Hector Plus and the upcoming Creta-based 7-seater SUV. Even if Ford decides to not give it 7 seats, it will rival the likes of Hector and Harrier or maybe Creta and Seltos. We will just have to wait to be sure.
Image Source: Car News China
