In the next one year or so, Ford India, which has been pretty bullish about its local operations, will launch at least six new cars to catch the fancy of Indian car buyers. The first of these will be the Figo-based Freestyle Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV). On the other hand, Ford will also launch an electric version of the Aspire, which will be jointly developed by Ford and Mahindra, by the end of current fiscal. Here’s a look at the upcoming Ford cars in India with information on their launch timelines.
Freestyle – April 2018
Ford is about to launch the Figo-based Freestyle CUV. The Freestyle will launch by the end of this month and will be slotted between the Figo hatchback and the EcoSport compact SUV. Touted as the country’s first Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV), the Freestyle is basically a more rugged version of the upcoming Figo facelift. Among the highlights of this offering will be the new 1.2-liter Dragon petrol engine, which will even make it to other Ford cars in coming weeks. The Freestyle will also offer some premium features such as the SYNC3 infotainment system and Anti Rollover Protection. Prices are likely to start at around Rs 6.5 lakh and go all the way to Rs 10 lakh.
Ford Aspire Facelift – June 2018
Next in the line will be the Aspire facelift. It may be noted that the company has already suspended the production of the Aspire compact sedan, thereby indicating that it will soon replace the current version with the much-awaited facelift. The Aspire will also get the 1.2-liter Dragon engine instead of the current 1.2-liter TiVCT unit. Also, even the current 1.5-liter petrol motor will make way for the 1.5-liter Dragon unit that made its debut on the EcoSport facelift. This engine will come mated to a torque-converter auto ‘box. The car will carry several styling changes on the outside. The interior will get some new features, such as the SYNC3 infotainment unit that will support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The official launch will take place in June this year.
Figo Facelift – July 2018
The Aspire facelift will be followed by the Figo facelift. The updated Figo will likely hit the showrooms in July 2018. It will feature several styling updates, both on the outside and the inside. Akin to the Freestyle and the Aspire facelift, it will even carry new features like the excellent SYNC3 infotainment system. While the Freestyle will come with body cladding, roof rails, etc for that rugged look, the Figo facelift will carry only the new grille and an updated front bumper for a more premium appearance than its current version. Even the Figo facelift will get the new 1.2-litre Dragon petrol engine to replace the current 1.2 TiVCT motor.
Mustang Facelift
Ford’s flagship product, the Mustang, got a facelift last year. This facelift will make it to India in September this year. The facelift gets an updated front-end, which looks sharper and a tad more aggressive than the one on the current version. Moreover, even the interior has been completely revamped. The Mustang facelift gets the company’s latest infotainment unit, which offers smartphone integration and voice commands. Also, the 5-liter V8 motor has got more powerful and now comes mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Even the ride quality has been improved.
Endeavour Facelift Endy – 2018 end/Early 2019
The mighty Ford Endeavour will get a facelift by the end of this year or at least just after the beginning of the next year. The Endeavour facelift has already been spotted abroad. It carries really minor styling changes such as an updated front grille and an updated bumper. Engine and other mechanical bits will likely remain unchanged.
Electric Aspire – 2019
Ford has joined hands with Mahindra and Mahindra for the development of a range of electric products. One of the first of these products will be an electric version of the Aspire, which will launch in a year’s time from now. The electric Aspire will be sold by both the companies. Currently, Mahindra and Mahindra sells the electric version of the Verito. However, the Verito is based on the old Dacia Logan’s platform and has started showing signs of aging. The Aspire’s electric version will come across as a more modern alternative and should help both the manufacturers establish a strong foothold in the fast developing electric car market.
So, which of these upcoming Ford Cars in India interest you the most?
Also Read: Hrithik Roshan and his car collection - 8 EXPENSIVE cars including Rolls Royce & Maybach