Aaron Brzozowski
Ford Europe might borrow a play from Audi’s “Allroad” range, coming out with more rugged-looking versions of mainstream Ford vehicles, says Automotive News.
The website spoke to Ford Europe COO Barb Samardzich, who said: “We see a big growth area in vehicles that are a bit rugged. They are not SUVs but they still have a more active look to them.”
The idea of more rugged, active appearances for Ford’s mainstream models would seize on the present surge in popularity of crossovers and SUVs, but the concept wouldn’t necessarily be limited to those types of vehicles. “Put some black cladding in the right places, a roof-rack and you could get it looking a lot more active,” said Samardzich. Even the Ford Fiesta subcompact could benefit.
Adventure-ready-looking variants of Ford Europe’s current models would likely be offered as appearance packages on select trim levels, much like the automaker’s “Sport” package available on the US 2017 Ford Escape and Ford Explorer XLT. That package focuses more on materials and appearance than on any added capability.
