Ford Patents New Made-for-India Compact SUV, Creta Rival
Ford has registered design patents in India for an all-new compact SUV developed specially for the country and sized to compete with market leaders like Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in the high volume segment.
The patent images retain styling and silhouette of a Ford prototype spotted back in 2020 which was rumored to be jointly built with Mahindra. It seems Ford has continued developing the SUV independently for its India re-entry.
Muscular Styling Retained, Powertrain Unclear
Key aspects like the SUV’s aggressive muscular bonnet, large signature grille with Ford logo and positioning of the main headlight units on the bumper remain unchanged from the earlier test prototype.
However powertrain options including whether diesel mills will be offered remains ambiguous currently, even as features like sunroof and ADAS are likely.
Will rival Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos
Ford also has an Endeavour replacement and affordable EV in the pipeline for India among models targeting a sales rebound after the exit of its independent subsidiary.
The patented compact SUV will spearhead efforts around which SUV dominance of Korea’s Hyundai-Kia duo can be challenged upon launch.
