Ford Fiesta-based SUV spied testing in the snow

-    Ford is prepping a new SUV to take on the Suzuki S-Cross-    Based on the European-spec Fiesta, the new SUV will arrive by 2020.-    To rival against the likes of Kia Stonic, Seat Arona and VW T-Cross, it might arrive in India as well.

We did an exclusive report about Ford’s upcoming crossover a few days ago, which will be a rival to the Suzuki S-Cross. This new compact SUV is based on the European-spec Fiesta and is expected to break cover only next year. But now, our spy sleuths have spotted test mule of the same Blue Oval crossover undergoing cold weather testing on a frozen lake in northern Sweden.

The Detroit-based carmaker announced an onslaught of SUVs which will be launched over the next few years. This will include new models of crossovers/SUVs and cross vehicles across various body styles. In May last year, Ford had announced that it will be giving up on small cars for good and will also stop selling sedans in the North American market by 2020. Going forward, the brand’s rejigged portfolio will be dominated by new crossovers and SUVs. This Fiesta-based SUV seen here is one of the many high riding vehicles from Ford and is set to arrive in 2020.

The test mule seen here carries no changes from its previous sighting. The crossover is still in its early stages of development, as can be seen with the rudimentary headlamps. The heavily cladded test mules give out no details about its design or styling, but it would, presumably, be slightly bigger than the EcoSport in terms of dimensions.

According to reports, it is speculated to be a replacement for the EcoSport. However, the EcoSport is a well-established and a high-selling product across the globe and discontinuing it after just two generations isn’t a viable decision. Instead, we assume the new B-segment crossover will sit alongside the EcoSport. And the new-gen EcoSport will cue some of the design and features from this new crossover. And Ford might adopt the Puma moniker (last used on a sports coupe) for the new crossover.

This Ford mystery crossover is expected to break cover at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, at least in the concept guise. It would hit the streets sometime next year and would go up against the likes of Kia Stonic, Seat Arona and VW T-Cross. Might arrive in India as well, but nothing has been confirmed yet.