Upcoming Ford Cars in 2015

Figo Aspire will be a brand new product while Mustang will be a new attempt to explore the performance on Indian roads.

Well, we have been hearing quite a lot about Ford’s plans for the Indian market. And now with its new manufacturing facility in Gujarat started functioning, the aggressive strategy seems to be apparent. Undoubtedly, with only four products in its current portfolio, Ford could not survive for long in the burning competition of Indian automobile industry.

So in order to penetrate deep in the mass market, the American automaker has to try something different. According to reports, Ford has committed to launch four products for the Indian market in 2015. Lets have a quick look on each of them.

Figo Aspire compact sedan and Next-gen Figo Hatchback

Just for our retrospection, Ford has been experimenting with its Figo duos on the Indian roads for quite some time. Recently, with the commencement of the new production plant, Ford officially uncloaked the obscurity surrounding these cars.

Engine and Power

Both, the compact under 4-meter sedan Aspire and hatchback are built on the ‘next-gen Figo platform’. The duos will get both set of petrol and diesel engine options. Where petrol variants will be powered by 1.2 liter TiVCT motor producing around 85-90bhp and 120Nm torque, the diesel engine would be getting detuned 1.5 liter TDCI mill that is working under Fiesta/EcoSport generating close to 75bhp and 195Nm torque. Also the company is planning to launch an automatic 6-speed dual clutch version in Aspire.

Design, Interiors and Safety

Both the cars no doubt, flash Ford’s new Kinetic 2.0 design philosophy with new headlight cluster, Aston Martin style-esque grille and smooth lines flowing all around the body. Inside the cabin, Ford’s SYNC infotainment system with 3.5 inch screen will flaunt the central console of Aspire.

The system also incorporates Bluetooth phone integration, voice command feature and also the AppLink introduced in Fiesta/Ecosport that allows the user control selected apps on the smartphone for eg. ESPN cricinfo, MapMyIndia, Glympse, etc. The car will also feature My-Ford-Dock on the dashboard which let you dock your mobile for music streaming, charging and for navigation purpose. However, Figo hatchback will not be getting this advance infotainment system.

Both the Figo’s will come equipped with several safety features. Aspire is likely to get 6 airbags, Ford’s Emergency Assistance system that automatically calls 108 in case of any mishap, and many others that will come as standard across the variants.

Competition

Being a newcomer, Figo Aspire has to face some tough competition in the segment with experienced players like Swift DZire, Hyundai Xcent and Honda Amaze waiting to lock horns. On the other hand, next generation Figo will counter segment leader Maruti Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Grand i10, Fiat Punto EVO, Tata Bolt and others.

The All New Ford Endeavour 2016

Fords’ third offering in 2015 will be the new Endeavour SUV. The bulky car was recently revealed internationally and is expected to be launched in the festive season this year.

Engine and Performance

Ford would be launching the new Endeavour in 2.2 liter and 3.2 diesel engine options. The former generates 158.2bhp and 385Nm of torque while the latter, which is a powerful 5-cylinder motor, produces 197.1bhp and peak torque of 470Nm. The SUV will come in both manual and automatic 4X4 gearbox choices.

Design, Interiors and Safety

Here also the appearance will speak about the latest Kinetic 2.0 philosophy featuring a wide hexagonal grille, silver bash guard at the front and wrap around tail-lights at the rear. Inside the cabin, fresh upholstery, SYNC 2 touchscreen integrated with Bluetooth, voice commands and navigation will spellbound the passengers.

The SUV will come loaded with hordes of advance and class leading safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Assist besides Steering Assist and Magic Body Control like in its European counterpart. New feature would be Terrain Management System that features Normal, Snow, Sand and Rock modes allowing the choice of maneuver driver wants to opt for required terrain.

Competition

Ford Endeavour 2016 will be placed against arch rival Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevrolet Captiva and Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton in the segment.

Ford Mustang

Yes, you heard it right! Its Ford Mustang. One of the fascinating sportscar in the world since time immemorial will soon be launched in India. Although there is scarcity of information about the Indian-bound version, we can just expect similar engine and specs that are embedded in the overseas model.

Engine and Power

Globally, the 'Pony Car' is available in 2.3 liter Ecoboost 305bhp engine which is a newly added mill. Other than this, the car also comes in  3.7 liter V6 305bhp and powerful 5.0 liter Mustang GT 420 bhp engine choices.

Design, Interiors and Safety

Currently in its sixth generation, Ford Mustang now adds array of new features to keep the frenzy going on. The 2015 model has now stylish black trapezoidal grille with signature horse logo in the center. The car has now been widened by 1.5 inches and is being offered in new colors. Inside the cabin, folks would enjoy starting the car with push of a button, SYNC infotainment system with 4.2 inch color display, leather wrapped steering wheel with tilt-telescopic functionality, locking glove box, etc.

The best part of the sportscar will be number of advanced safety technologies. There will be eight airbags, Blind Spot Detection system, rear view camera, individual tire pressure monitoring system, etc. For improving driving dynamics, Mustang 2015 features completely independent front and rear suspension system. The 2015 model has also earned 5-star rating in front, side and rollover crash tests conducted by National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Competition

Actually the competition is unpredictable as Ford Mustang has been made for a different set of buyers. And especially for the Indian market where such cars rarely exists, but when launched, Audi TT in terms of pricing could be a comparatively fair competitor to this mean machine in the country.

Source: Autocar