Ford India To Soldier On With Diesel Powertrains Post BS 6 Implementation

Ford says its diesel cars will be costlier by 8 to 10 per cent once the stricter emission norms kick in

Ford says its diesel cars will be costlier by 8 to 10 per cent once the stricter emission norms kick in

Maruti might be discontinuing its diesel powertrains but not Ford India. The American carmaker’s Executive Director, Marketing, Sales and Service Vinay Raina has told PTI, "We will continue to offer the power of choice to consumers and will not stop diesel models. Ford will also be fully ready with its range of BS-VI compliant diesel powertrains ahead of April 2020 implementation". Currently every car in the Ford portfolio is powered by a diesel engine, ranging from the Figo to the Endeavour. Every car barring the Endeavour is powered by Ford’s tried and tested 1.5-litre TDCI 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 100PS of power and torque that ranges between 205Nm and 215Nm. This particular engine has for long been known for its tractability and frugality. In the sub-4 metre segment, this engine delivers efficiency figures ranging between 23kmpl to 26.1kmpl depending on the model. This powerhouse will comply with the BS 6 norms by April 2020. Interestingly, it already meets stricter Euro 6.2 or Euro 6d-temp (Euro 6 ~ BS 6) norms in the Euro-spec Ford EcoSport. The flagship Endeavour SUV gets a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder unit that churns out 160PS/385Nm and a 3.2-litre, 5-cylinder one that pumps 200PS/470Nm. The fuel efficiency from this motor is rather modest, ranging between 10.6kmpl to 14.2kmpl. It’s unclear whether Ford will make these engines available in the post BS 6 era or introduce the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel that was launched with the Endeavour facelift in international markets. This engine delivers 213PS of power and 500Nm of torque and comes mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Diesel powered cars will get expensive in the BS 6 era and Ford has informed us that its cars will see a price hike ranging between 8 to 10 per cent. For now, here are the current range of diesel-powered Ford cars and their prices. Over the existing engine choices, Ford will also get the 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol motor of the XUV300 from Mahindral. The two carmakers have also been working on a C-segment SUV to fight off rivals like Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier, Hyundai Tucson along with the upcoming MG Hector. This SUV will be underpinned by Mahindra’s platform and powertrain options. Ford has mentioned that over 65 per cent of EcoSport models it sells are powered by a diesel powertrain. The Detroit-based automaker believes that the demand for diesel cars in India will remain even after the country shifts to cleaner BS 6 fuel. Honda had also announced the same some time back as it plans to update its 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre diesel engine to meet BS 6 norms. Other carmakers are likely to follow suit and reveal their BS 6 plans soon.