Two concept cars revealed at the recent Beijing show will eventually be made and marketed here in Brazil.
A third model is coming, too. Ford’s second generation EcoSport (the first generation was pretty much unique to Brazil and made only here) was shown in near production form in China last month after an earlier debut, in a less finished state, at the New Delhi show late in January.
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This SUV segment of models derived from compact hatchbacks was pioneered in Brazil by Ford with the first EcoSport, launched in 2003, and that still has no real competition here. The second generation model, in which Ford Australia played a development role, is now in the automaker’s global model programme and will be built in other locations as well as Brazil.
Peugeot is readying a production version of its aggressively styled Urban Crossover Concept, built on the new 208’s architecture, and shown in China. The Brazilian 208, to be made in Porto Real, Rio de Janeiro state, will reach showrooms in February or March 2013 with the SUV following at most two years later, replacing the current 207 Escapade estate/wagon (actually a restyled 206).
JAC’s Brazil-bound Beijing concept, the S II prototype, is also a compact SUV which will be imported by 2013. Although not offically confirmed, there are plans to produce it here two years later at the Camaçari plant in state of Bahia, coincidentally quite close to Ford’s EcoSport factory.
The S II will have a modern powertrain including the options of a 1.5-litre turbocharged, 160bhp petrol engine and automated twin clutch gearbox. It will be roomy enough for its segment and will also be offered with a less powerful engine.
Following all this, it is certain Hyundai will sell an SUV version of its Brazilian compact hatchback, as will General Motors, said to be currently working on the launch of a Chevrolet-branded, trimmed-down version of the Opel Mokka/Buick Encore.
Fiat Brazil will also field a rival model. Only Volkswagen currently has no such plans.
