The carmaker will focus on the T6 platform, that underpins the Everest and Ranger.

Ford is reportedly gearing up for its next innings in India. The brand is returning to the Indian market with the next-gen Endeavour but is unlikely to bring the EcoSport, Figo and Aspire back.

According to a media report, Ford will not bring smaller petrol or diesel models to the market. The carmaker will focus on the T6 platform, that underpins the Everest and Ranger.

Quoting an unnamed source, the report states, “That chapter [of made-in-India mass-market internal combustion engine models] is closed. Out internal combustion engine play in India will only be limited to T6 products.”

The Ford Everest and Ranger pickup have already been spotted in testing in India. Both models are being evaluated for local assembly, however the decision to start production would depend on the company’s EV plan.

Speaking of EVs, Ford is said to be working on an affordable EV based on a new platform. The low-cost EV platform is expected to spawn products that will rival the Tesla Model 3.

Source: Autocar India

The Ford Ranger could compete with the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu V-Cross in the Indian market.

Ford seems to have imported two of its popular global models to India, although the brand’s re-entry plans remain a mystery. Earlier today, we shared an image of the new-gen Endeavour and now, here’s an image of the Range pickup that was also being transported alongside the SUV.

The current generation of the Ford Ranger made its global debut in November 2021. If introduced in India, it could compete with models like the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu V-Cross.

In terms of design, the new Ford Ranger gets an updated front grille, flanked on either side by C-shaped LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs. The rear features LED taillights and a tailgate that has the 'Ranger' name embossed on it.

In the international market, the Ford Ranger is offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines. These include a 2.0-litre diesel, a 3.0-litre V6 diesel and a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. While the lower trims come with either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox, the higher trims receive a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Source: @carcrazy.india

The current options in this segment either lack reliability or are overpriced for what they are offering.

BHPian SR-71 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

While we have come a long way from the humble Ambassadors and Premier Padminis to having the latest and greatest adorn our car showrooms, we are still behind many countries, even among developing nations, when it comes to choices. This is pronounced in the mid-level commuter segment. We are spoilt for choices in the Rs 1 - 20L (ex-showroom) price bracket and we have decent choices in the luxury segment. It's the mid-level commuter segment that's almost empty. Offerings in this segment either lack reliability or are overpriced for what they offer. It's blatantly ruled by the European twins or the lone Japanese Elephant. However, this is a segment that is spoilt for choices the world over and we really don't get much of it here.

So what cars you would like to see enter India in this segment? Please share your thoughts on this. Multiple models are allowed but please ensure that your choices:

• are restricted to cars that make sense for the large populace interested in this segment
• are restricted to cars that already have RHD offering
• do not cover luxury brands
• do not cover models confirmed to launch in near future (2022 Tucson for example)

Here's what BHPian amol4184 had to say about the matter:

Mazda CX5, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Elantra N line.

Never driven the Elantra N Line but the true blue Elantra N has been receiving high praise from all across. Obviously, we won't ever get it here so I will make do with the N Line which isn't a bad car in any way except maybe Hyundai's polarizing front end design.

As for CX5, the interiors are fabulous. All Mazdas have stunning interiors. If launched here, that car will sway people just based on the interior quality.

Sportage for Kia's newfound design language. I just love mid-size to big Kia SUVs (Telluride is incredible but way too big) and Sportage finds a nice balance between small and too big. With Kia on a roll, Sportage makes sense.

Here's what BHPian RohaNN_kWh had to say about the matter:

Not sure why the Sportage and Stinger were never launched!

When KIA was just opening shop in India, they had an event in Wheelers Club, Meerut and I went there along with my friends to see what this new brand is about, upon reaching I saw KIA Sportage, Carnival & Seltos parked with club members being shown the new cars. I loved the way Sportage looked (almost futuristic compared to what was available at that time) and was something that our market would've loved if priced competitively.

I also remember seeing a Stinger GT in NCR back then. Sporty looking sedan with nice road presence.

Off-topic but can we have Suzuki Jimny? Please.

Here's what BHPian Doge had to say about the matter:

Any Mazda, really. I have been in the new Mazda 3 and MX5 and, oh man, they are such tasteful and high-quality cars and good value, too. Plus, they look gorgeous, have nice interiors and drive great, too. Add the Japanese engineering and reliability and you have some of the most complete cars around.

Next would be Euro Toyota's. For example, CH-RV looks so cool and the quality is great, too. Hybrid is very efficient as well.

Here's what BHPian vivekkp had to say about the matter:

I would love to see Dodge coming to our country. I know it's wishful thinking but after having driven the Dodge Challenger, oh, its sweet engine note and response. Alas, 2023 is the final production year of this magnificent beast with Chrysler going to drop this icon due to their electrification plans.

Ok, coming back to reality, I know this is never going to happen with the current taxation in place.

Here's what BHPian androdev had to say about the matter:

The problem we have is quality and not quantity. With govt taking 40%+ in the form of various taxes, it's extremely difficult to offer the quality that a customer expects for the on-road price paid.

The cheapest car without much localisation is what one should look for if an overall premium feel is important. Such cars currently start at Tucson, Civic, Camry, Tiguan, etc. Even second-hand cars of such models feel better than new cars of localised models.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Space & reliability are very important factors. The vehicle will be used for long-distance leisure journeys including cross-country road trips.

BHPian water recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello all,

Background

3-member family in the UAE, recently got my Dubai driving license although I was driving here for the last 1 year on IDP. Driving a rental Nissan Sunny petrol automatic for the last year and am tired of it. I am looking to buy a big diesel, automatic car. I'll prefer white or silver color because of the heat conditions in the UAE. We have a kiddo and have to carry the large stroller around plus the luggage wherever we go. The car will also be used for long-distance leisure trips including cross country trips to neighboring countries like Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, etc so space and reliability are very important. Egypt also if possible. First-year in the UAE did close to 50000 kms since I was new to the country and wanted to visit all the places. I foresee a usage of at least 25000 to 40000 kms annually.

As you may be aware of that the UAE is largely a petrol market with slow shifts happening towards electric cars. I have always driven diesels and I am sure the diesels will be the first ones to be phased out. So, I might as well drive one as long as I can. Have a diesel Jeep Compass and a diesel Ecosport in India mainly used by the family.

Cars considered

• RAM 1500 Bighorn 3.0 Eco-Diesel, 8 speed AT
• Ford Ranger 2.2L TDCi, 6 speed AT
• Mitsubishi L200 Sportero, 2.4L MIVEC, 6 speed AT

RAM 1500 Bighorn 3.0 Eco-Diesel, white color

Cost: About 30 lakhs INR, negotiable a bit

Positives:

• Large pickup truck. The largest of the choices I have. Very, very spacious interior and so many storage spaces, bins and boxes.
• Belongs to the same family as Fiat and Jeep which I have good experience with in India.
• Available now.

Negatives:

• 455 kms on the odo, although the seller considers it zero kms and says the kms were put because the car was driven from dealer to port in Canada and then from port to the dealer here in the UAE.
• Imported from Canada. It is a Canada-spec model. Not sure how well the AC will perform in GCC heat conditions.
• Sold in Freezone, private seller, no warranty, no service, no support even if something fails the second day after my purchase.
• Needs about 30 litres DEF every 15000 km.

Ford Ranger 2.2L TDCi

Cost: About 20 lakhs INR

Positives:

• Only diesel car that's sold here through the official dealer channels which means you get the 3/ 5 year Ford warranty and the 3/5 year service contract based on how you negotiate.
• Can get dealer and Ford Middle East support for warranty should anything fail, software updates, etc.
• Can get free insurance, free service contract for 3 years & 60k kms, RSA.

Negatives:

• Midsize pickup truck, not as spacious as the RAM 1500 Bighorn which is a large pickup truck.
• It's not in stock and has a wait time of at least 2 to 3 months and even after that, they are not sure if I can be allotted one. They want me to book in advance by paying a deposit and then play the waiting game. The timelines are tentative only and can get delayed more. I am the kind who wishes to see the car in the showroom; pay cash, check, DD whatever and walk out with the car the same day. I want to wait until stocks arrive, put cash on the table and see the allotment list if someone wants to cancel or postpone and pick up that car. May or may not get one for sure.

Mitsubishi L200 Sportero, 2.4L MIVEC, 6 speed AT

Cost: About 18 lakhs INR

Positives:

• Available now and costs the least.
• Should cost less to repair should anything fail because Mitsubishi is everywhere in the UAE, spares should be easily available and cheap, may not require special expertise to fix the car (not sure though).

Negatives:

• Non-GCC specification car, don't know how well the AC will perform in the heat here.
• Sold in Freezone, private seller, no warranty, no service, no support even if something fails the second day after my purchase.
• Compact pickup truck, not as spacious as the RAM 1500 Bighorn which is a large pickup truck.

Alternative options

• Buy a regular used, relatively cheap petrol car like the Duster, Passat etc and wait for the Ford Ranger & either pick a new one in 2 to 3 months or pick it up once they land in the used car market 1 year down the lane.
• Continue with the rental Nissan Sunny :( until the Ford Ranger arrives in the showrooms.

Looking forward to your views and please help me make a decision.

UAE has a large Freezone market where traders import cars from manufacturers in bulk, get them for cheap since the manufacturer does not have to cover warranty and then further sell to third world countries in Africa etc which do not have official dealer channels. Usually, cars in Freezone cannot be sold for the local UAE market. Cars for local UAE registration must be brought from the dealers only which are priced slightly more (for the warranty etc). However, if you can make a special case representation and convince the RTA that the car you want is not available with the official dealers, have a special use case or want an older model which the Freezone trader has they may agree.

Here's what BHPian pratyaksh had to say about the matter:

This is the first time I'm hearing of someone wanting to get a Diesel in Dubai.

• Petrol is cheaper than Diesel.
• You're looking at dodgy dealers to buy your first car. The UAE market is quite an underworld-y (for the lack of a better word) car market. I wouldn't trust the private dealers on SZR leave alone go to DAFZA et al. to pick up a Diesel.
• You can get some mighty petrol cars there. HEMI, SRT, et al. at really good rates straight from the dealer.
• Your range seems to be touching the 200,000 DHS mark and you could easily get a few V8s in this price bracket.
• You already have driven diesels here, try to enjoy that new market with some slick gasoline cars that will blow your mind.
• Or you could wait whilst getting an upgrade on your Sunny, maybe the big names won't give you a car as your license is new but you could surely go to Karama, Satwa, etc. to find local Rent-A-Car dealers who will easily give you a nice upgrade with just a credit card block.
• Do also remember, all non-GCC cars have abysmal resale value and are mostly unable to cope in the desert heat with the AC etc. giving up easily.
• You're looking at cars like the Duster, and Passat that are easily available in India whereas you could totally buy a pre-owned V8 Chevy or Ford on sites like Dubizzle even, and get a taste of these while you're there.

Happy hunting!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The new (2022) Ford Ranger has an updated design, revised cabin and plenty of new features, equipment and tech all around.

Ford has taken the wraps off the latest iteration of the Ranger pick-up truck. The new (2022) Ford Ranger has an updated design, revised cabin and plenty of new features, equipment and tech all around.

In terms of design, the new Ford Ranger gets an updated front grille, flanked on either side by C-shaped LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs. At the side, there are slightly more pronounced wheel arches and a step for easy ingress and egress. There is also a step integrated on either side of the rear bumper for easy access to the load bed. The rear features LED taillights and a new tailgate design with the 'Ranger' name embossed on it.

On the inside, the new Ford Ranger has a fully-digital instrument cluster and a larger vertically-stacked central touchscreen infotainment system with connected tech and other integrated features. Also, the interior now uses soft-touch materials, giving the Ford Ranger a more premium feel inside.

Powering the 2022 Ford Ranger is the same 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel, albeit with some minor upgrades. There is also a 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol EcoBoost engine on offer. Alongside these options, Ford has also introduced a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine producing 210 BHP. While the lower trims come with either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox, the higher trims receive the optional 10-speed automatic transmission, which is said to have been made lighter and have tighter ratios to improve its towing capabilities. All variants, however, will come with a four-wheel-drive system as standard.

The upcoming Ford Ranger pick-up is said to form the basis for the next-gen Endeavour.

Ford has released a teaser of the next-generation Ranger pick-up truck for the international market. The teaser also reveals the unveil date of the next-gen Ford Ranger, which has been scheduled for 24th November 2021.

The teaser doesn’t reveal much, apart from the C-shaped LED DRLs flanking a large front grille with the Ford logo at its centre and a sculpted bonnet. The new-gen Ford Ranger is said to be based on the updated T6 body-on-frame platform which debuted on the Bronco.

The new platform is said to give the new Ranger pick-up truck a slightly larger footprint while also offering the chance to support hybrid powertrains. The new-gen Ford Ranger will be available in multiple body styles and variants, and the high-performance Raptor is also said to be in the works.

On the inside, the new-gen Ford Ranger will get all the bells and whistles including a large central touchscreen infotainment unit with connected tech, a fully-digital instrument cluster and plenty of other equipment to boast.

The new-gen Ford Ranger is said to share its powertrains with the Bronco and also form the basis for the next-generation Endeavour SUV (Everest in international markets).

Has Ford roped-in Jayem Automotive to assemble the Ranger pick-up truck in India?

Partially assembled Ford Ranger pick-up trucks have been spotted at Jayem Automotive's facility in Coimbatore. This is the same company that brought us the sporty Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP.

Earlier this month, semi-finished Rangers were spotted in Chennai. Apparently, these pick-up trucks were being transported from the Jayem facility to the Ford factory near Chennai. The latest images suggest that Ford may have roped-in Jayem Automotive to assemble the Ranger in India.

Besides the Endeavour, the Ranger for right hand drive markets is built at Ford's Thailand factory. Just like the SUV, the pick-up truck is also expected to be imported into India via the CKD route. It appears that the kits are being assembled by Jayem and are shipped to Chennai for final assembly.

The Ranger and the Endeavour share the same platform. Ford is likely to offer the dual-cab variant of the Ranger in India. It could be powered by a 2.0-litre, turbocharged diesel engine producing 165 HP and 420 Nm. The engine could be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system.

Source

None of the pick-up trucks had the rear loading bay, doors or even bumpers installed.

Partly assembled chassis of Ford Ranger pick-up trucks have been spotted somewhere near Chennai Ennore / Kattupalli port.

The vehicles were being transported on flatbeds. There were 9 trucks carrying 2 pick-up trucks each. As you can see, the vehicles were brand new but none of them had the rear loading bay, doors or even bumpers installed.

Reports suggest that Ford plans to launch the Ranger in India. The pick-up truck shares its platform with the Endeavour. It could be offered with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged diesel engine producing 165 HP and 420 Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system.

It has also been reported that Ford is planning to launch its high-performance version - the Ranger Raptor in the second half of 2021.

Thanks to Ezhilarasu S for sending these images in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing them with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP page!

The high performance pick-up truck is likely to be launched in H2-2021.

Latest media reports suggest that Ford is planning to launch the Ranger Raptor in India sometime in the second half of 2021. The high performance version of the Ranger has now been spotted in Mohali. It is unclear if this is a test mule or a private import. 

The Ranger Raptor shares its underpinnings with the Endeavour. It looks more aggressive than the standard Ranger and has wide fenders to accommodate those massive 285 mm tyres. The front bumper has an integrated skid plate and tow hooks. Note the Raptor logo on the rear fender.

The Ranger Raptor gets upgraded suspension which includes Fox 2.5-inch off-road racing coilovers that offer 30% more wheel travel and a Watt's linkage similar to the Endeavour at the rear.

Powering the Ranger Raptor is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 210 BHP and 500 Nm. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system. It comes with a Terrain Management System that offers 6 traction modes - Normal, Grass / Gravel / Snow, Mud / Sand, Sport, Rock and Baja.

Thanks to BHPian CEF_Beasts for sharing these images with other enthusiasts!

Update: Some eagle-eyed BHPians have pointed out that the car spotted in Mohali and pictured here is actually a regular Ford Ranger that has been tastefully modified to look like a Raptor. Checkout the images of the original car here. 

The Ranger Raptor is kitted out to take on the roughest of terrains.

According to a media report, Ford is planning to launch the Ranger Raptor pick-up in India sometime in the second half of next year. It is likely to be imported as a completely built unit (CBU) under the rule which allows the import of up to 2,500 units without the need for homologation and will be available in limited numbers.

We have seen test mules of the Ford Ranger pick-up truck in India already. But, the Ranger Raptor is a completely different kind of beast. It's the high performance version of the regular pick-up and is kitted out to take on the roughest of terrains.

The Ranger Raptor is based on a ladder frame chassis that has been further strengthened, along with the front suspension towers. Speaking of the suspension, the Ranger Raptor comes equipped with Fox 2.5-inch off-road racing coilovers that offer 30% more wheel travel. At the rear, it gets a Watt's linkage similar to the Endeavour. It comes with 285 mm tyres and has a ground clearance of 283 mm. It can wade through 800 mm of water.

Powering the Ranger Raptor is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 210 BHP and 500 Nm. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system. It comes with a Terrain Management System that offers 6 traction modes - Normal, Grass / Gravel / Snow, Mud / Sand, Sport, Rock and Baja.

Source