Blue Oval (Ford) fans have some interesting new models to look forward to
28 Aug 2015
Ford is bringing out some new vehicles in the near future, here’s the low down:
B-Max
Based on Ford’s B-car platform, the B-Max is built on the same platform as that of the current Fiesta. Ford refers to the B-Max as a multi-activity vehicle (MAV) and highlights features such as the rear sliding doors and the full-length panoramic roof.
FORD B-MAX Suggested Retail Price |
Model | Excl. Vat | Incl. Vat | | |
B-MAX 1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente | R194,649 | R221,900 | | |
B-MAX 1.0 EcoBoost Trend | R216,579 | R246,900 | | |
B-MAX 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium | R238,509 | R271,900 | | |
New Everest
The new Everest brings with it all the new tech the Blue Oval makers can throw at it - but in one important respect it's all about old tech.
Because it's based on the newly announced Ranger bakkie (be afraid, Hilux, be very afraid), it has a good old-fashioned ladder chassis - still the toughest way to build a heavy-duty vehicle - underpinning its uprated turbo-diesel and new turbo-petrol engines, intelligent all-wheel-drive and uprated suspension.
Ford's Terrain Management System (also a first in class, says the maker) gives drivers four pre-set settings - Normal, Snow/Gravel/Grass, Sand and Rock - that reset and re-map the Everest's throttle response, transmission shift points, intelligent all-wheel drive system and traction control to suit the terrain.
Ford Everest Suggested Retail Price |
Model | Excl. Vat | Incl. Vat | | |
3.0L TDCi 4x2 XLT | R 337,544 | R384,800 | | |
3.0L TDCi 4x4 XLT | R 378,947 | R432,000 | | |
3.0L TDCi 4x4 LTD Auto | R 395,439 | R450,800 | | |
New Figo
Ford South Africa has just confirmed that the new Figo is due to hit our shores in the fourth quarter of this year and has revealed that customers will have a lot more choice than before.
For starters, there will be a choice between five-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles and Ford has also promised more derivatives and specification levels, as well as the option of an automatic gearbox. As with the current model, the new range will offer petrol and diesel power, although no local engine details have been announced as yet.
Given that our Figos are sourced from India, the local entry model is likely to be powered by Ford's new 1.2-litre Ti-VCT normally aspirated petrol engine, which is expected to produce around 62kW to match the current 1.4 while sipping less fuel. The Indian-spec diesel version inherits the EcoSport's 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine and should match is outputs of 66kW and 205Nm.
Ford would do well to offer South Africans a more powerful petrol option and given that, as yet, none of the international versions are fitted with Ford's 1-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol, which might prove a bit too expensive in any case, our best bet seems to be the 77kW 1.5-litre normally aspirated motor offered in Brazilian versions, which carry the Ka nameplate incidentally.
As with the engine details, we'll have to wait until closer to launch to hear about the interior specifications and pricing, but Ford SA has mentioned that its Sync connectivity system will be offered.
Given the fresh new style and wider range of derivatives, Ford's new Figo is sure to make an impact at the lower end of the market, provided Ford SA gets the pricing right. The current car has a dated feel but its Fiesta mechanicals make it great to drive and the new one is sure to build upon those credentials.
Pricing TBCNew Focus RS (2016)
Ford have now revealed output figures for the high-performance vehicle. With a 2.3-litre four-cylinder Ecoboost turbocharged engine sourced from the SA-bound Mustang, this new Focus RS will continue the legacy of fast Fords.
Ford will again call on its RevoKnuckle suspension geometry (similar to previous Focus RS) to curb excessive torque steer when the vehicle is driven in anger. The fast Ford should hit the showrooms in 2016, but Ford South Africa is keeping tight-lipped about the local introduction date, price and expected numbers. Only 60 units of the previous RS was brought in so best is to keep your deposit money ready.
Pricing TBC
Mustang
With the first right-hand drive Mustangs due for release in the UK during October, deliveries to South Africa are hoped for in December, although that's still to be confirmed - and this is what those lucky customers will be getting.
The new Mustang will be available as a fastback or a convertible, with either a five-litre V8 delivering a quoted 303kW and 530Nm, or a more fuel-efficient 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol four, quoted at 233kW and 432Nm.
The maker says that, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, the big banger will get off the line and up to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds - making it the hardest-accelerating Ford on the EU market since the limited-edition GT supercar of 2005.
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost is no slouch either, disposing of the 0-100 sprint in 5.8 seconds.
Pricing TBCNew Ranger
Ford has been giving the country's long-time best seller, Toyota's Hilux, a good run for its money on the sales charts in recent months and now the Blue Oval has just clenched its fist and upped the game with a comprehensive makeover that includes a fresh look inside and out, advanced new technologies and upgraded engines.
Revealed in Thailand on Monday, the new Ranger is set to hit local streets in the fourth quarter of this year. An all-new Hilux is also in the works for 2016, although Toyota has yet to officially reveal it.
On the outside, the new Ranger has a redesigned front end featuring a trapezoidal grille and projector headlights, giving it a more muscular face that matches the side profile and chiselled rear end, both of which remain unchanged.
Pricing TBC