The North American market seems to have no ill opinion about the Ford Ranger, and the Blue Oval has found themselves in the enviable position of being source of two of the region’s most popular pickup trucks.
Though it looks like the company is categorically shifting away from their typical consumer to focus on their most profitable models, trucks and SUVs, Ford may yet find new use for the all-new Focus hatch, repurposing its platform into a ute-like sub-model suspected to be called the Courier.
The scoop comes from Ford Authority who submit they have reliable sources that indicate such a project is already being considered for the near future for a potential market launch around 2021 or 2022. Early development has even already begun, apparently, though it’s unclear if this is intended for a global market.
While some might still remember the Ford Courier being the progenitor for the current Ranger, the most recent evolution of that nameplate found itself in production all the way until 2013, though based on the 4th-generation Ford Fiesta and sold only in South America.
Being based on the all-new Focus, this next-generation Courier will potentially be wider and larger overall, but also be riding on properly modern underpinnings. Supposedly, Ford will want the new courier to be sold primarily with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive being an optional spec. Powering this new model will be engines familiar to the current Focus line-up, including a selection of turbocharged EcoBoost petrol four-cylinders as well as EcoBlue diesels.
We do wonder if the world is really clamouring for a new unibody sub-truck, one priced lower and thus slotted under the Ranger but with the advantages of a transverse engine and better roadholding thanks to a lower centre of gravity.
Americans might want a jolt of nostalgia back to the days of the low-riding GMC Sonoma (and Syclone), the Chevrolet El Camino, and the Ford Ranchero. Perhaps the automaker senses a ripe new market waiting to be tapped.
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