Now, I know that there are a lot of cars that are “expected†to be launched in India in the coming couple of years that everyone is aware of. So, what I am talking about in this article is not what India can realistically expect, but what should be launched here (if manufacturers give it due thought).
You all must be aware of the VW Tiguan and would also be knowing as to how it has been in the news for what now seems like an eternity. What's special about that? Not much really, but there’s one car from the US of A that fights directly against the much famous soft-roader from Germany. Ford’s Kuga is what has entered the market to take the battle straight to the doors of Tiguan. The Kuga looks bold and intimidating and is marked by sharp lines all through its body. The kinetic design philosophy of Ford being very visible in all her form, the Kuga looks like it came directly off the brain of one guy with Bangle in his name.
The engine that will make most sense for India will is a 2-litre TDCi engine that breathes through four valves per cylinder and produces a healthy 136PS and 320Nm of turning force. This 4-pot turbo engine sees the Kuga reach 100 clicks in less than 11 seconds while the top whack should be a shade less than 200kmph. The all-wheel drive system will ensure that it is capable enough to handle the rough with aplomb, like the Endeavour. The Kuga could undercut the 20 lakh mark by a fair margin.
The Endeavour sure has got quite a following owing primarily to the way it looks and the macho appeal it exudes. But it is now a little long in the tooth and the Kuga would fill in the space as its replacement just perfect.
Ford, as is well known, is on a restructuring plan and has sold off its famous marques – Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata. India is one of the most rapidly growing automotive markets and everyone is taking notice of this. Ford has not really tasted what you’d call the sweet taste of success that its direct rivals like Hyundai, Honda and Maruti have. So is Ford looking at India seriously? Hell yes, and time will prove me right.
