The Ford Ranger has been a strong seller for the Blue Oval in the pick-up truck segment, and it appears that the American automaker is looking to bolster its line-up with a smaller model to slot in beneath the Ranger. Our spy photographer source says that this will be a pick-up truck, despite the exterior bodywork which appears to be van-like.
This has been tipped to be based on Ford’s new scalable front-wheel-drive platform for the latest Focus, meaning it will be underpinned by that car’s transverse-engine layout chassis (instead of a ladder frame like with the Ranger). Two bodystyles are slated for this model; a two-door and a four-door cabin, according to our sources.
Powertrain is expected to come courtesy of a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine driving the front wheels, likely via an automatic gearbox. Given that the Focus also includes diesel powerplants in its line-up, those will be a likely addition to the forthcoming compact pick-up as well.
For reference, the fourth-generation Ford Focus employs two EcoBoost petrol and two EcoBlue diesel engines, paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearboxes. Two rear suspension layouts are used in the Focus; a double-wishbone and a torsion-beam setup, respectively, though it remains to be seen which will be used for the pick-up model seen here.
Currently, the most rugged Focus offering is the Active variant, and a Focus-based SUV offshoot is planned as well. That model underlines the company’s direction in North America, which has seen it discontinue sedans dues to falling demand for the conventional three-box shape.
GALLERY: Ford Ranger 2.0L Wildtrak 4×4 Automatic
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Yesss! Bring it Ford! Current stable of pickup trucks are trouble some especially regarding parking space, which is becoming more scarce nowadays. While todays mid-size pickup trucks mostly use 2.0l turbo diesel, they have engine bays that can swallow locomotive emgine! Very inefficient sizing.