Ford India testing 3 prototypes of the Ford B563 (Hyundai i20/Maruti Baleno rival)

05/08/2017 - 14:39 | ,   | Dhruv Saxena

Just a day after the news Ford working on a premium hatchback based on the B563 platform emerged, a snippet suggests the company has already commenced testing the new model at its manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat. Team BHP member Avinash posted the information on the forum along with more details.

Ford B563 premium hatchback testing underway at Sanand
The B563 platform model is developed specifically for price sensitive markets like India for which the Fiesta's B299 is proving to be too expensive.

According to the source, there are currently three prototypes of the Ford B563 undergoing testing. All three are heavily camouflaged hiding much of the exterior of the hatchback. Quite obviously, the B563 will be bigger than the Ford Figo. However, in terms of design, the front and rear will bear a passing resemblance to the Figo, but will get an all-new striking rear profile. The report also adds that the front will be reminiscent of Ford's B-Max MPV.

Ford will offer the upcoming hatchback with engines bigger than the Figo's. This info seems consistent with the previous report that claims the new made in India 1.5 L Dragon engine that will power the new EcoSport will also do duty for the Ford B563 hatchback and sedan siblings.

Ford B563 premium sedan for India
The B563 platform based hatchback will be followed by a sedan to rival the Honda City and Maruti Ciaz.

The new hatchback based on the B563 will not arrive until 2020. Ford will be relying on this new product to increase its market share in the passenger vehicle segment. As of June 2017, Ford's market share stood at a little over 3%. The B563 hatchback could also be exported from India.

[Source - Team-BHP]

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