Ford’s SUV onslaught is in full swing in North America and it looks like
things won’t be much different in Europe either. A sign of things to come for
the automaker’s European division is this Fiesta-based SUV prototype our
photographers snapped in Germany.
Ford already has the EcoSport and the
Fiesta Active in Europe so why does it need a third B-segment SUV? Well, the
Fiesta Active is just a jacked-up version of the hatchback and the EcoSport is
getting a bit too old. Not to mention it’s a bit cramped compared to
competitors. The new model will replace the EcoSport to give Ford a solid boost
in one of the hottest market segments right now.
The as-yet-unnamed model will compete with small SUVs such as the Mazda
CX-3, Renault Captur, Hyundai Kona, Kia Stonic, and the like. The prototype you
see in the photos is in production trim but features heavy camouflage and
padded panels to disguise its shape.
Still, we can spot details such as the high front end and the sloping
roofline that gives it a four-door coupe vibe. Newer photos also reveal the
final production LED taillights that resemble those on the new Fiesta but seem
to be more elongated. It definitely looks bigger and better-proportioned than
the EcoSport, as well as more dynamic.
The interior will not only offer more space compared to the EcoSport but
also a more premium environment. Expect Ford to offer trims such as Titanium
and ST-Line above the standard grade. New pictures provide the first look at
the dashboard but, as you can see, it’s still a work in progress. The steering
wheel is clearly sourced from the Fiesta and the instrument panel might be
taken from the supermini as well.
This new model will be
made in the same plant in Craiova, Romania where the EcoSport is currently
built for European markets. The model will co-exist with the Fiesta Active
jacked-up hatchback and will cover the market segment below the Kuga. The name
of Ford’s new SUV remains a mystery for now, though it’s rumored to adopt the
Puma moniker. We’ll see whether that holds true later this year when Ford is
expected to unveil the new Fiesta-based SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
