Ford Escort test mule spotted in Sweden and Australia

It seems like reviving the old legends is the 'new in thing' among automakers. Ford is reviving their one of the most successful sedan and rally legend – Escort. The company displayed Escort concept last year at the Shanghai Motor Show. The name 'Escort' was suspended by the manufacturer which was running for almost 30 years, back in 2002, Ford Focus has filled the shoes of Escort worldwide. The concept showcased last year has finally seen light of the day; the test mule was spotted somewhere in Sweden (winter testing) and in Australia.

Remember, Ford entered India with the Escort in 1996, the sedan was one of the most sought after car in C-segment back then. The sales of the car dipped lately due to high maintenance cost and rising competition. Speaking of the design, the concept version showcased in China last year seems to be totally adoring Ford's 'the Kinetic design language'. The Figo compact sedan concept made its world debut at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo – borrowed its styling cues from this concept only.

The spy shots reveal that the test mule carry forwards the styling cues of the concept, the overall profile is retained including the window lines (Ford Concepts are mostly production ready). The swept back headlamps, pronounced nose embracing the typical 'Aston Martin' inspired grille (hotness factor of Ford nowadays!). At the rear we get wrap-around extended tail lamps flanked around a chrome strip (in the concept version expect subtle changes).

Ford will display notchback version of this new Escort at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show next month, the sedan will drive-in later this year. The company last year said that this product will be developed keeping in mind China and other developing markets – don't worry folks – the Escort will make its way into India. Expect the car to land next year under Ford's 'One Ford' promise, this will seat above the Fiesta and will hit the D-segment. There's lot in pipeline for Ford India, new plant is coming up, Figo compact sedan and nex-gen hatchback, new Endeavour.

Mechanically, expect the car to be equipped with 3 or 4-cylinder EcoBoost motor and new larger capacity TDCI unit (not the 1.5 in the Fiesta, might be 1.6 TDCI). Cheers! 'Blue Oval'.

Image Courtesy : Autoalgerie & Caradvice