Last year Ford and Mahindra announced that the two auto majors have joined hands to develop new vehicles that will be sold in the Indian market, of which the first-in-line is likely to be based on the next-generation Mahindra XUV500 slated for its debut in 2021. Now new reports suggest that while Mahindra extensively tests its 2021 XUV500 the American partner’s iteration of the SUV is also almost ready.
An image of the new SUV from Ford has emerged online that leads us to believe that the vehicle is already production-ready and will soon be out for validations. As of now, no vehicles testing on public roads have been spotted, but sources believe that the SUV is also ready to make debut in 2021.
The new Mahindra-based Ford SUV is likely to use the underpinnings from the next-generation XUV500 including its powertrain and suspension components but will don a different top hat distinguishing itself from the partnered car. Images leaked on the internet reveal a chrome studded radiator grille with an imposing character, an X-shaped front apron, a wide air dam, vertically positioned light units flanking the front bumper and triple light signatures incorporated into the grille.
The Ford SUV is also likely to have a shorter wheelbase and shorter overhangs for a more enthusiast-friendly drive and better dynamics when compared to the XUV500. The Ford SUV is also expected to be on par in terms of the equipment, but the twin-display dashboard that was spied on the XUV500 is unlikely to be carried over. The spied image also does not appear to have a radar unit in front that was also spied on 2021 XUV500 leading us to believe that some functions could be omitted.
The Ford SUV is expected to be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol motor from the mStallion engine family that produces 190 PS of power and 380 Nm of torque matched to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter type automatic gearbox. The mHawk 2.2-litre diesel could also be on the cards.
