Reports of a Focus based ute being developed

minheim · 12-03-2020, 10:40 AM

Carsguide says that there are reports of a new Focus based ute being developed. "The as-yet-unnamed model, reportedly codenamed P758, is said to built on the same C2 platform as the Ford Focus, and will be a unibody construction, unlike the body-on-frame Ranger. That makes it a genuine car-based ute...." Full story link here https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-new...HOsM_vgRj02gqA

Whichcar.com.au also has an article on the project and a picture of what it might look like .https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/for...Cy7wENaZ43rqDo

Wonder if this will make it to Australia if the project goes into production? Would be a nice vehicle if it has the 2.0 L ecoboost engine.

Citroënbender · 12-03-2020, 10:48 AM

A replacement for the P100 bakky!

**Mechan1k** · 12-03-2020, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

A replacement for the P100 bakky!

a newer version of the Proton Jumbuck

Bossxr8 · 12-03-2020, 11:58 AM

Don't know why FoA is being linked to this.

It would be cool if they put the upcoming 300kw Focus RS hybrid awd drivetrain underneath a Courier RS model.

jpd80 · 12-03-2020, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Don't know why FoA is being linked to this.

It would be cool if they put the upcoming 300kw Focus RS hybrid awd drivetrain underneath a Courier RS model.

I think they’re assuming that it’s being done under Ford Asia Pacific as a Chinese vehicle which IMO, is false logic. It’s probably being run out of Ford Europe as part of transit connect project team.

Bossxr8 · 12-03-2020, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

I think they’re assuming that it’s being done under Ford Asia Pacific as a Chinese vehicle which IMO, is false logic. It’s probably being run out of Ford Europe as part of transit connect project team.

Would be the most likely choice, considering it's probably on the same platform.

Eurotrash · 12-03-2020, 09:40 PM

I just don't understand why people think a compact ute wouldn't do well here? Not everyone wants a Ranger sized ute.

Ford Australia have a chance to get a jump on the competition and do well.

new Ford Courier anyone?

au2000 · 12-03-2020, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurotrash

I just don't understand why people think a compact ute wouldn't do well here? Not everyone wants a Ranger sized ute.

Ford Australia have a chance to get a jump on the competition and do well.

new Ford Courier anyone?

More focus size so not really a old courier comparison, plus, courier morphed into ranger really

Eurotrash · 12-03-2020, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by au2000

More focus size so not really a old courier comparison, plus, courier morphed into ranger really

True, but the Puma wasn't a compact SUV either. Rehashing old names on new models is the 'in' thing these days. At least Courier is still a ute.

That or call it 'Maverick'. Lol!

Tassie f100 · 13-03-2020, 07:42 AM

I have said before that there is a good market for a smaller ute.As Eurotrash says not everyone needs or wants a Ranger,Hilux size ute.Many people want a smaller runabout to do pickups and dropoffs without the disadvantage of a small truck sized ute,but big enough to carry a few building supplies,plumbing bits etc.

Tonz · 13-03-2020, 08:20 AM

Proton Jumbuck, Suby Brumby, yah Id buy one

Citroënbender · 13-03-2020, 08:28 AM

Sort of ironic in it being so few years since the Falcon ute expired, and now the marketplace has realised it had distinct merit.

minheim · 13-03-2020, 08:47 AM

I too think there could be an untapped market for a well handling small ute; especially if it has the ecoboost option.

jpd80 · 13-03-2020, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

I have said before that there is a good market for a smaller ute.As Eurotrash says not everyone needs or wants a Ranger,Hilux size ute.Many people want a smaller runabout to do pickups and dropoffs without the disadvantage of a small truck sized ute,but big enough to carry a few building supplies,plumbing bits etc.

If cars aren’t working, the next step is utes and pick ups,
I think tat Ford should back themselves and do different
things to plain old vanilla that everyone else is doing.

I’d also make next gen Ranger and Everest with
an extra 60-70 mm width on the body to increase
that all important hip and shoulder room. If we’re
not getting F-150, then maybe growing Ranger a
little bit in the right places would reap dividends.

Tassie f100 · 13-03-2020, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

If cars aren’t working, the next step is utes and pick ups,
I think tat Ford should back themselves and do different
things to plain old vanilla that everyone else is doing.

I’d also make next gen Ranger and Everest with
an extra 60-70 mm width on the body to increase
that all important hip and shoulder room. If we’re
not getting F-150, then maybe growing Ranger a
little bit in the right places would reap dividends.

I thought the Focus based ute would be a smaller ute rather than an even bigger

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'm waiting for the one with the hole in the pants to pop up but its NSFW

**DFB FGXR6** · 09-01-2021, 09:21 PM

Just found a couple of links with reference to the Maverick.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/fo...lo-factory.16/

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/fo...y-revealed.13/

https://www.autoblog.com/2021/01/08/...ck-leak-photo/

**anobserver** · 10-01-2021, 08:21 AM

Those Maverick images on its own suggest a long and wide vehicle similar in size to the curent Ranger.

There doesnt seem to be scope to differentiate the two products, until i looked at the side-by-side images with the Ranger. Its lower stance and more squat in dimensions had me fooled, thinking it was bigger.

I wonder if the Maverick moniker sounds groovier than Courier?

smoo · 10-01-2021, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurotrash

I just don't understand why people think a compact ute wouldn't do well here? Not everyone wants a Ranger sized ute.

Ford Australia have a chance to get a jump on the competition and do well.

new Ford Courier anyone?

There is a compact Ute, Hilux workmate.

hayseed · 10-01-2021, 10:47 AM

If we do get It, It'll be a fair bit different to the last Ford Maverick sold here....LOL

jpd80 · 10-01-2021, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

I thought the Focus based ute would be a smaller ute rather than an even bigger

I misled you and others by conflating reality with my wish for a bigger wider Ranger and Everest
but that's not happening. The shot of Maverick in the link below will give you a sense of the size...
https://blueovalforums.com/forums/up...aaf905c0f8.jpg

Dr Smith · 10-01-2021, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

I misled you and others by conflating reality with my wish for a bigger wider Ranger and Everest
but that's not happening. The shot of Maverick in the link below will give you a sense of the size...
https://blueovalforums.com/forums/up...aaf905c0f8.jpg

I'm guessing there are no CCTV cameras in that part of the plant?

Bossxr8 · 10-01-2021, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoo

There is a compact Ute, Hilux workmate.

It’s the same size as any other Hilux, except height.

jpd80 · 10-01-2021, 12:02 PM

It is smaller than Ranger but still a reasonable alternative to just another Escape sized SUV

smoo · 10-01-2021, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

It’s the same size as any other Hilux, except height.

True, although the single cabs feel tiny. Probably due to claustrophobia, lower ground clearance, tighter turning circle and 700kg lighter than the 4wd.

Franco Cozzo · 10-01-2021, 09:42 PM

Focus based? Even from the look of that photo? Surely that isn't right.

Is it FWD?

CyberWasp · 10-01-2021, 09:44 PM

Whats to bet that it will be only LHD.

jpd80 · 10-01-2021, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Focus based? Even from the look of that photo? Surely that isn't right.

Is it FWD?

It's actually based on C2 but the Transit Connect parts set and AWD is included.
If I was to guess, I'd say it's wheelbase is similar to LWB TC.

Word is 1.5 EB, 2.0 EB and 2.5 Hybrid eventually, (Maverick SUV was dropped.)
Such a shame that it's only in LHD, it would be perfect below Ranger as another
ute to stand out in a sea of SUVs. If only Ford would broaden its view.......

Franco Cozzo · 10-01-2021, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

It's actually based on C2 but the Transit Connect parts set and AWD is included.
If I was to guess, I'd say it's wheelbase is similar to LWB TC.

Word is 1.5 EB, 2.0 EB and 2.5 Hybrid eventually, (Maverick SUV was dropped.)
Such a shame that it's only in LHD, it would be perfect below Ranger as another
ute to stand out in a sea of SUVs. If only Ford would broaden its view.......

Damn - that in 2.0EB would be on my list.

CyberWasp · 11-01-2021, 02:23 PM

What !!!! LHD only....
Next we will find out that there will be no Coyote V8 either.

Franco Cozzo · 12-01-2021, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Damn - that in 2.0EB would be on my list.

I could get on the Thailand Special train - single cab 4x2 tray back with a set of alloy wheels and car tyres but I'd be happy with a reduction in load capacity to 500-750KG to make it ride properly and a turbo 4 cylinder unleaded engine under the hood.

So basically an XR6 turbo Ute with a tray and an Ecoboost engine