2013 Shanghai - Ford surprises with the Escort Concept

While most of the new model launches that happened at the Auto Shanghai 2013 were, in one way or the other, known to the motoring fraternity, Ford managed to pull out a surprise that nobody saw coming. Alright, atleast none of us here at Anything On Wheels saw that coming.

The spanking new Ford sedan that you see in this post marks the rebirth of the American brand's once-popular 'Escort' nameplate. Unveiled as a concept to showcase Ford's commitment towards the Chinese market, the Escort is likely to go into production in the not-so-distant future to slot in between the Fiesta and Focus in Ford's lineup. Despite propagating 'One Ford' policy globally, the ever-growing compact car market in China is forcing automotive manufacturers, including Ford, to venture into non-existent segments.

With the Escort Concept, Ford has successfully managed to mix and match it's new corporate design language with a bit of the model's rich heritage. The upward-sloping kink in the rear windows, for instance, is a classic design touch that the Mark I Escort made popular as the 'Coke bottle waistline'. Just like all new Fords, the Escort Concept is adorned with a hexagonal, Aston-Martin-inspired radiator grille and a taut, muscular stance. Being a concept, the Escort boasts of swanky LED headlights and taillights apart from a generous dose of chrome that helps liven up things considerably. When it goes on sale, the Escort is expected to be positioned just below the Focus as a stylish, basic and affordable transportation option for families.

Though Ford has not revealed the mechanical underpinnings of the Escort Concept, we expect the production version to be powered by a choice of 4-cylinder engines, possibly with 'EcoBoost' technology. With the Fiesta, Focus and the recently-launched Kuga, Ecosport and Mondeo proving to be very popular in China, Ford would want to capitalize on that by launching the Escort as quickly as possible.

Despite possessing a special relationship with the Escort that was the first Ford model to be launched as soon as our market opened up in the nineties, India is currently not on the radar for the new Escort. As a matter fo fact, none of the countries except China are. That's a real shame, as the design and proportions of the car are spot on for the Indian market. Phew, let's continue to be overwhelmed by the Fiesta Classic, while the rest of the world moves on with stylish new Fords.