630land Posted February 16, 2016 Share Posted February 16, 2016 Toyota already has a Highlander Hybrid, btw. Ford needs a better Hybrid Ute than the C Max, which is a flop to me, only see as cabs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 Toyota already has a Highlander Hybrid, btw. Ford needs a better Hybrid Ute than the C Max, which is a flop to me, only see as cabs. Toyota also has a RAV4 hybrid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 (edited) The world is a different place today and I think Ford is duty bound to cast a wide net with Utilities and see what comes back. There are all kinds of Utilities, be they Soft Road SUV, Off Road SUV, More Urban oriented CUVs to jacked up Hatch backs, Station wagons and Coupe like bodies. I think the market is huge and the potential for variance massive provided the proper product envelope is chosen at kick off, having all stake holders in at the start and on board with their buyer preferences and potential alternatives to regular sedans is the key here, understanding how buyer tastes are evolving and moving in that direction but also setting the pace by offering vehicles in segments that appeal more to transitioning car buyers...... Some of the BMW X range is interesting as well as Subaru Crossovers and possibly on top of that, Mazda's CX-3 points the way in Subcompact utility. All interesting products to consider as inspiration. Edited February 17, 2016 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
630land Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 When [and it will] gas goes back up, most likely there will be more electrified or 2WD utes sold. But to me, the B class Utes are about the same height as a C class hatchback. The Honda HR-V is like an old Civic wagon, not as high sitting as a Pilot/CR-V. Just my observation at Auto Show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzcat Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 When [and it will] gas goes back up, most likely there will be more electrified or 2WD utes sold. But to me, the B class Utes are about the same height as a C class hatchback. The Honda HR-V is like an old Civic wagon, not as high sitting as a Pilot/CR-V. Just my observation at Auto Show. That's definitely the case in buyer preference and it is reflective in the MSRP that manufacturers can charge. B-segment CUV is replacing C-segment car sales C-segment CUV is replacing D-segment/midsize car sales D-segment CUV is replacing fullsize car sales Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 To me, the CX-3 seems light years ahead of Ecosport and Trax.... it's probably not but just seems that way in terms of style. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonj80 Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 (edited) To me, the CX-3 seems light years ahead of Ecosport and Trax.... it's probably not but just seems that way in terms of style. I haven't driven an ecosport but to a trax/encore it is a full generation ahead. Edited February 19, 2016 by jasonj80 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 (edited) But to me, the B class Utes are about the same height as a C class hatchback. The Honda HR-V is like an old Civic wagon, not as high sitting as a Pilot/CR-V. Just my observation at Auto Show. While that might be true of the example you provided, I can assure you that a CX-3, Trax and Ecosport are all higher than the respective Mazda 3, Cruze and Focus. I notice getting in and out of those vehicles that the driver seat position is significantly higher, not like a traditional off road SUV but higher than a car. I think it's the higher seating position that clinches the deal with the subcompact Utes. So funny, the Indian Reviewer cannot get Sync to understand what he's saying... Edited February 20, 2016 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted February 20, 2016 Author Share Posted February 20, 2016 So funny, the Indian Reviewer cannot get Sync to understand what he's saying... So basically the same issues that Americans have as well? I haven't used voice commands with SYNC in quite a while. It is a rare day when it understands something the first time. I just go straight to SIRI as of late. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 (edited) So basically the same issues that Americans have as well? I haven't used voice commands with SYNC in quite a while. It is a rare day when it understands something the first time. I just go straight to SIRI as of late. "I'm sorry Barrwee, I don't understand, wecommend a westerwant...".......LINK Edited February 20, 2016 by jpd80 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 If only Ford could track the number of times SYNC gets profanities yelled at it... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atomcat68 Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 While that might be true of the example you provided, I can assure you that a CX-3, Trax and Ecosport are all higher than the respective Mazda 3, Cruze and Focus. I notice getting in and out of those vehicles that the driver seat position is significantly higher, not like a traditional off road SUV but higher than a car. I think it's the higher seating position that clinches the deal with the subcompact Utes. So funny, the Indian Reviewer cannot get Sync to understand what he's saying... I thought it was funny that he said the Fiesta was a midsize car. But again, if you live in a country where the average car is a blue smoke blowing diesel tricycle... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
probowler Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 I'm a member on a fullsize Bronco forum.... and probably about half the members think the new Bronco is going to be a shitty Bronco 2 remake, or a 2 door Escape. Name alone won't be able to sell this truck, at least for long; it have to back up that name with performance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Yeah, and the Charger needs to be a two door or no one will buy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atomcat68 Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Putting two doors only on an SUV in this day and age is a kiss of death. Maybe if they wanted to do a two door version in addition to the four door, but that would be the slower seller of the two. Nobody is complaining that the Wrangler was ruined with 4 doors. In fact it launched sales into the stratosphere. The Bronco should have four doors and will fly off the lots faster than if it had four wings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-150 Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Putting two doors only on an SUV in this day and age is a kiss of death. Maybe if they wanted to do a two door version in addition to the four door, but that would be the slower seller of the two. Nobody is complaining that the Wrangler was ruined with 4 doors. In fact it launched sales into the stratosphere. The Bronco should have four doors and will fly off the lots faster than if it had four wings. ^ this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Rosadini Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 I'm a member on a fullsize Bronco forum.... and probably about half the members think the new Bronco is going to be a shitty Bronco 2 remake, or a 2 door Escape. Name alone won't be able to sell this truck, at least for long; it have to back up that name with performance. I don't fear it becoming a 4 door, my fear is it will be some POS based on a Transit Connect or some other FWD unibody. See what I have in my barn? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Internet car pundits are funny. The people who want the bronco to be a rebirth of the OJ Bronco (but wouldn't buy one) are the same people who wanted the Monaro to come over (but wouldn't buy a GTO), wanted the Comodore (but wouldn't buy a G8, or SS), and cried foul at the four door Charger and Wrangler but fell silent when they were a sales success. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGR Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Too funny, sullynd! Since a fullsize 2dr Bronco would mostly be a parts bin exercise, Ford could easily build one if they thought that they could make money on it(as would GM). Most reports have indicated that the new Bronco will be a Wrangler competitor; to me that means that it will be a compact BOF SUV(Ranger-based) probably with some 1966-77 Bronco styling cues. 2 doors are mostly DOA, so it will likely be a four door with a choice of soft or hard tops(removable or not). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
probowler Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Internet car pundits are funny. The people who want the bronco to be a rebirth of the OJ Bronco (but wouldn't buy one) are the same people who wanted the Monaro to come over (but wouldn't buy a GTO), wanted the Comodore (but wouldn't buy a G8, or SS), and cried foul at the four door Charger and Wrangler but fell silent when they were a sales success. Well you're not wrong, the same people also say no matter what they couldn't/wouldn't afford it anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 IMO, Ford can afford two "Jeep Competitors", one Expedition based and one T6 based. There's enough market space with Utilities to cast a broad net with soft road and off road now that cars are becoming a lesser concern. Focus on maximizing sales with lots of Utes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
probowler Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 An Expedition based Bronco Jeep Killer.... Don't even get that evil thought in my head If there were two, it be interesting to see which one is called "Bronco" The original like midsize, or the FSB-like big boy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Call them both Broncos - one a B100 and the other B150 like the F Series That should drive the competition nuts.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Wonder how hard it would be to put the Raptor rear into the Expedition (instead of the IRS)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
630land Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 With FCA bleeding money, Jeep will be ripe for picking soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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