Back in April, we had covered a series of spy shots for globally-bound cars. Out of the total lot, a few will be showcased at the upcoming Auto shows around the world while the rest might be launched by the end of this year. Here below is a list of international-bound cars that were spied testing in April.
Toyota Auris TS
Built on the modular TNGA platform, the Toyota Auris TS was spotted testing last month. To be officially called the Auris TS (Touring Sports), it will have the same powertrain options as the Auris and the Corolla hatchbacks. The car will be revealed this year at any one of the major auto expo events.
Ford F150
The 2019 Ford F150 Limited was spotted on-test on international roads. The new model gets a revised rear bumper with an integrated dual exhaust, while mechanically it continues to be powered by a 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost engine mated to a 10-speed transmission. The 2019 model is expected to be introduced in the coming months.
Ford Escape
The new Ford Escape borrows the design element from the Focus Active. The one spotted testing is a two-row version while the third-row version is yet to be seen. The Escape is expected to get power from Ford's 1.5-litre Ecoboost three-cylinder engine. The two-litre Ecoboost four-cylinder will likely continue as the upscale offering. A hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain should also be part of the mix considering the demise of the C-Max.
Ford Focus ST
The recent launch of the next-generation Ford Focus will be followed by the petrol and diesel ST models, with up to 275bhp from a high-tech turbocharged 1.5-litre engine in the petrol version. One potential change is a move to downsized turbo engines from today’s two-litre four-cylinder diesel and petrol units. Now, Ford has a new family of 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines designed for the new emissions regulations.
Volkswagen Golf Mk8
The vehicle has been under development for over two years now. VW has laid the foundation for both cylinder shutdown and engine-off coasting functions in the turbocharged 1.5 TSI Bluemotion petrol version of the updated Golf through the adoption of a twin 12V electrical system. Now VW has confirmed that the company is set to take the fuel-saving technology one step further. It is planning a more contemporary, 48V system that will enable the next Golf to be more comprehensively networked for more intuitive operation and greater fuel savings, particularly with petrol versions of the car.
Hyundai i30 N-Line
Following the successful launch of its first ever performance car, Hyundai is planning to introduce design focused N-Line packages. It gives the standard cars a lot more aggression with sporty design cues. The Hyundai i30 N-Line is indeed the first incarnation of the future N-Line family.
Ford Ranger Raptor
The Ranger Raptor was spotted in Right Hand Drive version with a diesel engine and new body decals. The mid-size pickup is expected to follow the standard Ranger to the American market.the vehicle will be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbodiesel which powers the international models producing 210bhp and a colossal 500Nm.
Lincoln Aviator
The production spec model was spotted on test soon after the concept’s unveiling. Based on the all-new D6 Architecture, it is flexible enough to accommodate front, rear, or all-wheel drive powertrains. It is expected to go on sale by 2019.
Hyundai i30 N Fastback
The i20 N Fastback was spotted undergoing cold weather testing near the Arctic circle and will be positioned between the i30 N and Veloster N when it arrives sometime next year. The car will get a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot petrol engine which punches out 247bhp as standard. The top speed is limited to 250kmph and is capable of doing 0-100kmph sprint in 6.4 seconds.
