Assimilator Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 (edited) That vehicle code is the next-gen EcoSport which is not coming to the US. That may not be what this is however. Edited January 8, 2019 by Assimilator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Assimilator Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 (edited) BTW, here is an early version of it under development spotted back in March. https://www.autoblog.com/2018/03/23/ford-ecosport-crossover-spy-photos/#slide-7283036 The thing to note here are the 5-lug wheels, the first of Ford's b-segment vehicles to get that. EcoSport currently has 4-lug wheels like the Fiesta. Edited January 9, 2019 by Assimilator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzcat Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 (edited) 5 hours ago, Assimilator said: If this is the CX version of the small Truck, this would be our EcoSport replacement in the US (and probably Europe which also doesn't like the EcoSport). EcoSport will carry on in other markets. It is based on the Fiesta, we saw a 5-lug version of a Fiesta mule a number of months ago. The question is if this is the new EcoSport OR a new model that slots in between EcoSport and Kuga/Maverick duo. And if Ford choose to grow EcoSport to match competition, does it still keep the name or adopt a new name? In Europe and US where larger 4.2 meter B-segment CUV are favored by consumers, we are likely to see a larger replacement. This may be it. However, there is a strong argument that Ford should probably do both... a 4 meter CUV and a 4.2 meter CUV. The 4 meter market is emerging as the B-segment hatchback replacement whereas the 4.2 meter market is mostly aimed at C-segment hatchback substitute. VW has T-Cross (~4 meters) and T-Roc (~4.2 meters) Kia has Soul (~4 meters) and Stonic (~4.2 meters) Hyundai is about to introduce Styx at the NY Auto Show (~4.0 meters) and Kona (~4.2 meters) Jeep is working on a 4 meter model (to replace or accompany Fiat Panda Cross) and Renegade Opel has Crossland X and Mokka Edited January 9, 2019 by bzcat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzymoomoo Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 I wish they would change the name EcoSport is a stupid name 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 Whatever that mule is I wish they would call it Escort and do away with the Chinese sedan with that name.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Assimilator Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 (edited) EcoSport is/was very popular in the emerging markets it started in since it founded the segment, but it has also struggled to keep up with new competition and has never done well in developed markets against regional competition. The Nissan Qashai is the vehicle Ford needs but doesn't have. It's arriving 10 years late, but it should be here by 2023. The strange thing about Ford is that they have both a huge global success story with the EcoSport, yet they COMPLETELY miscalculated the segment in their profit markets. It's a matter of priorities I'm sure, it's never going to be as profitable as Edge or Explorer for example which gets far more priority. Edited January 9, 2019 by Assimilator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 Considering it was originally developed by Ford Brazil for their market as a true 4WD Diesel, what was done for other markets (FWD/ EB/Auto) probably makes them cringe too.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harley Lover Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 This? https://drivemag.com/news/ford-confirms-second-model-to-be-built-in-romania-alongside-the-ecosport Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Assimilator Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 (edited) To me the EcoSport reminds me of a modern day Festiva or Aspire (mostly because of the tiny wheels and stubby rounded box stature). It's one of the worst vehicles you can buy today this side of a Chevy Spark and it has a Ford badge on it. I've gone over my disdain for this vehicle many times, it's a giant heap of compromise I didn't expect Ford to make, it's just an obviously desperate gesture to put that to market as it is. Edited January 9, 2019 by Assimilator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzymoomoo Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 1 minute ago, Assimilator said: To me the EcoSport reminds me of a modern day Festiva or Aspire. It's one of the worst vehicles you can buy today and it has a Ford badge on it, which makes me a little irritated they bothered. Nissan Versa, Kia Rio and Mr. Bishi Mirage would like a word 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twin Turbo Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 17 hours ago, Assimilator said: The Nissan Qashai is the vehicle Ford needs but doesn't have. Surely that's the Kuga/Escape? At least, here in the UK, the Kuga and Qashqai go head to head. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 1 hour ago, Assimilator said: To me the EcoSport reminds me of a modern day Festiva or Aspire (mostly because of the tiny wheels and stubby rounded box stature). It's one of the worst vehicles you can buy today this side of a Chevy Spark and it has a Ford badge on it. I've gone over my disdain for this vehicle many times, it's a giant heap of compromise I didn't expect Ford to make, it's just an obviously desperate gesture to put that to market as it is. Exaggerate much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 24 minutes ago, rmc523 said: Exaggerate much? Rhetorical question? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzcat Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 (edited) 3 hours ago, Twin Turbo said: Surely that's the Kuga/Escape? At least, here in the UK, the Kuga and Qashqai go head to head. C-Max and Focus Active are roughly the size and same purpose as Qashqai. Ford read the market really wrong a few years ago and made the C-Max into a tall wagon. Focus Active is attempting to fix that. Kuga is more comparable to the 5 seat version of X-Trial (Rogue). Edited January 9, 2019 by bzcat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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