By The interesting thing about today’s carmaker is that despite that crossovers are dominating, pickup trucks are becoming more popular as well. These vehicles aren’t popular only in North America and Australia anymore, but in Europe and other parts of the world as well. Therefore, carmakers are about to start a completely new segment. First of all, they will do the same thing as they do to good old SUVs, switch to a unibody platform. Also, they will start to produce much smaller and more efficient pickup trucks, something that was popular in Australia for decades, with models like Ford Falcon and Holden Monaro. A couple of reputable carmakers already started with developing such vehicles, particularly Hyundai and VW. Therefore, there is no reason why we wouldn’t see the same thing from the Blue Oval company, in the form of Ford Focus based pickup truck.
Ford Focus Based Pickup Truck Rumors
If we can rely on the latest rumors, the Ford Focus based pickup truck is actually going to happen. Allegedly, the new model is secretly under development in Australia and when it’s happening in this continent, you know what is going come out. Of course, we are talking about a genuine ute. Such vehicles have been popular in Australia for decades. However, you won’t find many of them on the roads of North America anymore. Therefore, it’s not strange that most reports suggest the new model won’t come to the U.S. market.
Design
The new model will be based on the new-generation Focus. The famous hatchback and sedan has been redesigned last year and the new model brings excellent driving experience, which makes it a perfect basis for the new pickup truck. Therefore, the new Ford Focus based pickup truck would feature pretty much the same mechanics, while rear seats and cargo area would be replaced with a bed. Of course, we would see notably raised suspension, with a ground clearance similar to the Focus Active. You probably can imagine how could this like. Both practical and amazing to drive, at the same. time. Such vehicles are a perfect recipe for those who are looking for fun and practicality at the same time.
Engine
When it comes to powertrain, the same rumors are suggesting one thing that seems a little bit odd. There’s no doubt that the company will try to make a great performer of this ute, but it looks like it won’t be as powerful as the Focus ST, for example. The hot hatch features a 2.3-liter EcoBoost with around 275 horsepower. On the other side, the Ford Focus based pickup truck would probably feature a 2.0-liter unit, with around 250 horsepower. The engine will come in pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission, though the manual gearbox should be available too.
Ford Focus Based Pickup Truck Release Date
The first time we heard rumors about Ford Focus based pickup truck was about a year ago. These days, it sounds more possible than ever. So, we do not doubt that the company won’t hesitate with this one, especially is we consider that biggest rivals like VW and Hyundai are already preparing their small, car-based pickup truck.
Source: carbuzz.com
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