From concept to reality: Ford Iosis X
It’s been talked about for ages – and here’s the proof that Ford is poised to join the off-roader set. This is the production version of the Iosis X concept that Ford previewed at last autumn’s Paris Motor Show. These fresh spy photos reveal the car cold-weather testing ahead of a launch later this autumn. Ford has, however, yet to officially name its new 4×4 ‘lite’.
Aren’t Ford a bit late to the 4×4 party?
They certainly are. Even French rivals Peugeot and Citroen will have their SUVs on the market before Ford. And to help combat the rising power of the anti-4×4 brigade, the car will have a lower stance than traditional off-roaders (rather like the Nissan Qashqai). However, while baby 4×4 sales are increasing, the market has recently been flooded with new cars from Toyota, Honda, Vauxhall and Chevrolet. And as well as the aforementioned Nissan, VW’s Tiguan will also be with us in eight months’ time. Still, Ford hopes to sell at least 60,000 of its 4×4 per year.
But will it be another lumbering 4×4?
It’s a Ford, so no. Cars like the original Focus and Mondeo rewrote the handling rulebook for their respective classes: expect the production Iosis X to do the same. Why are we so sure? For a start, it uses the current Focus C1 platform. It’s also shared with the Volvo S40/V50, and the Swedish pair will donate their all-wheel drive system. However, it remains to be seen whether all-wheel drive will come as standard.
What about the engines?
Two-litre petrol and diesel engines have been confirmed, and expect the Focus ST’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine to be available as well. The big news is the possibility of a hybrid. To further combat anti-4×4 sentiment, the production Iosis X may use the technology in the Escape Hybrid that’s on sale Stateside.
How much will the concept change?
Well, just look how wild 2006’s concept car was (above). There’s no way the drama of the Iosis X will be transferred to production, but it should get Ford’s latest, Mondeo-style ‘kinetic design’ language. And don’t expect it to keep those rear suicide doors, either. Our photos suggest the production model will retain a sloping rear roofline, and the front will keep the concept’s twin trapezoidal grilles: the upper one is tiny, but mirrored below will be a gaping intake. The interior will be toned down, losing the ‘interlocking bridge’ that separated the four bucket seats in the concept. The production car will be a full five-seater, and will cost from around £18,000.