With several new models due before the end of the year, Ford is in great shape for 2016 and beyond. But even more is coming…
Ford has been on a real roll in South Africa, with a raft of new model introductions having taken it from 8% market share five years ago to around 15% at present. It is vital that it keeps this momentum going, as Volkswagen, as one example, has some major plans for the next five years. Read more about Volkswagens five-year product plan here.
Before year-end, Ford plans to unveil some very exciting metal in South Africa, but well have to wait until 2017/18 before the core of its passenger line-up will be significantly updated. Nevertheless, we also expect some presently unconfirmed surprises to reach the local market during 2016, including an updated Kuga and EcoSport.
The Edge premium SUV has been considered for South Africa but at present there are no confirmed plans. It would, however, give Ford a more road-biased crossover to battle the likes of the Audi Q5 should it make its debut locally. It reached the European market recently.
For the fans of the new GT supercar sorry, it is a no-go as there is no right-hand drive production. Other vehicles not included in this report are those that are unlikely to make it to local shores, including the Ka supermini and C-Max and S-Max MPVs.
HIGHLIGHTS
- New Ford Everest launch imminent (SA)
- Updated Ford Ranger launch imminent (SA)
- Budget beater Ford Figo arrives late this year (SA)
- Mustang arrives in showrooms late 2015 (SA)
- Hot Focus RS launches locally early in 2016
- EcoSport update in 2016 (unconfirmed)
- Seventh-generation Fiesta debuts 2017
- Possibility of hot Fiesta RS in 2017
- Fusion upgrade comes in 2017
- All-new Focus debuts in 2018
- Focus coupe possible in 2018
- All-new Kuga arrives in 2018
FORD EVEREST SA LAUNCH IMMINENT
The dated previous-generation Everest was an also-ran in the bakkie-based SUV segment, but the new Ranger-based model looks to be a serious threat to the likes of the upcoming Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Although still bakkie-based, the Everest has a far more road-biased and refined suspension, yet offers serious off-road ability with a ground clearance of 225 mm and a wading depth capability of 800 mm. It also boasts a new Terrain Management system (think Land Rovers TerrainResponse) and a low-range transfer case.
The local line-up has not yet been announced, but expect to see the proven 2,2- and 3,2-litre turbodiesels to do duty. A number of high-tech features that are usually reserved for premium vehicles will also be offered in the Everest announced at the launch in Thailand were such items as Curve Control, Blind Spot Information with Traffic Alert etc.
Read more about the Everest here and watch a video here.
FORD RANGER UPDATE SA LAUNCH MID OCTOBER 2015
The very eagerly anticipated updated Ranger launches in South Africa next month and is expected to put the Blue Oval in a very strong market position before the arrival of the all-new Toyota Hilux early next year.
The upgrade goes beyond that of a mid-life facelift, with the Ranger benefitting not only from stylistic changes, but also a significantly upgraded interior (in terms of materials as well), and a raft of high-tech features usually found in luxury vehicles. Items offered on some Ranger models will include Lane Keep Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert etc.
Click here to read more about the new Ranger and to watch a video of the Wildtrak version.
FORD FIGO SA LAUNCH LATE 2015
We snapped the second-generation Figo undergoing testing in Johannesburg earlier this year, and now it has been confirmed for local market introduction in the fourth quarter.
With far sleeker looks and a more inviting, higher-quality cabin sourced from the current Fiesta, the Figo should continue its predecessors good showing in the budget car segment of South Africa. Indeed, the newcomer looks perfectly poised for an intense battle with the current crop of budget cars, most notably the top-selling Toyota Etios. The Figo will be offered in sedan and hatchback bodystyles, as well as petrol and diesel engines, and with the choice of manual or automatic transmissions.
FORD MUSTANG SA LAUNCH LATE 2015
Arguably the most exciting bit of motoring news for South African petrolheads this year is that the Mustang is finally reaching local shores in right-hand drive form. Due for a media launch at year-end, the Mustang will be available in very limited numbers, and be offered in coupe and convertible form.
From the start, the 2,3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder, and a more fitting V8 engine option, will be offered, with prices said to be extremely competitive. The BMW 4-Series has apparently been targeted in terms of pricing and positioning. Local models will be offered as standard with the eye-catching GT pack.
Interesting news for future derivatives of the new Mustang, is that a 10-speed automatic transmission should debut around 2018.
Due to demand far outstripping supply, Ford has introduced a lottery system that will see one lucky winner get a shot at owning one of the first vehicles in South Africa. Read more about the lottery here.
An interesting bit of Mustang-related news is that Shelby Automotive, the Las Vegas-based company that specialises in performance upgrades to the Mustang, recently announced through Automotive News that it will start selling its wares in China, England and South Africa. Stay tuned for the Super Snake!
FORD FOCUS RS SA LAUNCH FIRST-HALF 2016
Another very hot Ford to reach us soon is the hardcore Focus RS, due for local launch during the first-half of next year.
This fearsome hot hatch is powered by the 2,3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine from the new Mustang, which in this instance delivers a whopping 257 kW and 440 Nm of torque. There is also a 30 Nm overboost function for short bursts.
Putting all that power down on the tarmac is an advanced all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring technology. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted.
Click here to read more about the Focus RSs clever underpinnings and to view a video.
FORD ECOSPORT FACELIFT 2016 LAUNCH (UNCONFIRMED)
An updated version of the very popular Ford EcoSport has already been unveiled in Europe but Ford South Africa remains tight-lipped on when this will become available in South Africa. We expect it to reach local dealerships during the earlier parts of 2016.
The major change appears to be the removal of the spare wheel from the rear tailgate and a significantly upgraded interior.
Read more about the changes here.
FORD FIESTA WORLD LAUNCH 2017
First prototypes of the next-generation Fiesta are already pounding test routes in Europe and elsewhere. The current-generation compact Ford is currently still a good contender in the market, but it is starting to lag the class leaders in certain respects, notably cabin space and ergonomics.
The first spy images seem to indicate a wider track width, so there will very likely be an overall increase to the key dimensions (length/width). And those photographers that have managed to peer into the cabin report of a radically different, and more minimalistic, control layout.
It has been rumoured that production of this model could move to Thailand or even Mexico.
FORD FIESTA RS WORLD LAUNCH 2017
Ford remains tight lipped about the likelihood of this car making it to market, but rumours persist and are fuelled by the recent statement that the Ford Performance division will launch 12 new models by 2020.
In theory a Fiesta RS would sit just below the Focus ST in the Ford hierarchy, but could be even hotter to drive which is kind of the dilemma in the first place. At present it looks like the 1,6-litre turbocharged engine from the Fiesta will be retained, but boosted to over 180 kW! And then there is also talk of all-wheel drive Hold thumbs!
FORD FUSION – WORLD LAUNCH 2017
Although the sedan market is not terribly big for non-premium brands in some markets (including South Africa), the brand will continue to aggressively pursue success in this segment. The current Fusion, pictured above, is still relatively new, but an updated model is likely in 2017 and should also see the introduction of Ford’s new nine-speed automatic transmission.
FORD FOCUS WORLD LAUNCH 2018
There are precious few details available yet on the next-generation Focus, but early rumours suggest it is due in 2018 and will spawn a variety of other models, including the next-generation Kuga, a raised-body X-Track derivative and even a coupe. The so-called “X-Track” will target the European-market Volkswagen Golf Alltrack – essentially a Golf Estate riding on a raised suspension.
With regards to the meat-and-potatoes hatchback models, early talk is of a weight loss of about 50 kg, which is precious little compared with what Volkswagen and others are chasing for their next-generation models. As is to be expected, electric and plug-in hybrid derivatives will become part of the range, but the bulk of the model line-up will continue to be powered by upgraded and refined EcoBoost engines.
Ford has started working closely with companies such as Intel and NVIDIA to develop next-generation control interfaces, including even facial recognition and gesture control. A very important new model such as Focus would be a great vehicle to debut such technologies.
FORD FOCUS COUPE WORLD LAUNCH 2018
Current talk suggest that Ford may be getting back into the compact coupe market. It has flirted with the idea of bringing a Capri back to the market before, but what is most likely to happen is that a spacious coupe model will be spun off the Focus platform for the American market.
As mentioned in our recent report on Volkswagens five-year product plan, the American market likes these coupes (the Honda Civic coupe is popular there), and Volkswagen is considering a Jetta coupe for similar reasons. Whether this model will then be restricted to the American market or also travel to Europe and elsewhere remains to be seen, but the companys One Ford strategy suggests that it should be developed for worldwide consumption.
The Kuga has done very well for Ford, but in this crucial market resting on ones laurels can lead to a rapid decline in fortunes. The all-new next-generation model will be based on the Focus platform and benefit from the same weight-reduction and efficiency measures as the donor vehicle.
It is also likely that the design of the next Kuga will be brought more in line with Ford’s other SUVs, which suggest a more macho look overall is on the cards. We’d also be surprised if a seven-seat version is not being considered.
The 1,5-litre EcoBoost engine will power the majority of the volume models, and a nine-speed automatic transmission will be part of the mix.
