Ford debuts the all-new Evos at the Auto Shanghai

KUALA LUMPUR: Ford had been working on a wagon-like crossover for months, which is now finally introduced to the world at the ongoing Auto Shanghai show. Dubbed as the Ford Evos, it is the brand’s first vehicle developed mostly in People’s Republic and for now, it will be exclusively available there only. However, it may become a successor to the recently-axed Mondeo/Fusion in the international market.

In terms of design, the overall exterior theme of the new SUV looks similar to the recently-revealed Equator. The front fascia boasts an octagonal grille flanked by dual-tier LED headlights, which are linked by an LED daytime running light bar. On the sides, the notable highlight is 20-inch alloy wheels donning gloss black wheel-arch cladding, while at the rear, a full-width tail light strip with C-shaped graphics on each end attracts the eyeballs. A black roof and orange highlights on the front grille, brake calipers, mirror caps, and side skirts remark the SUV’s 1st Edition variant.

Inside the cabin, the all-new Ford Evos equips a massive 3.6-feet wide touchscreen display covering almost the entire dashboard. It comprises a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 27-inch 4k touchscreen that runs a new, Chinese version of Ford's Sync infotainment system, called 'Sync+ 2.0'. The system is paired with a Ford Virtual Personal Assistant and Chinese tech giant Baidu’s AI technologies. It supports over-the-air updates and several on-demand subscription services available for different vehicle software functions. Included in the interior highlights are ambient LED lighting, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and orange accents just like the exterior.

In terms of advanced driver-assistance systems, Ford’s latest SUV is super hi-tech as it gets Level 2 semi-autonomous driver-assistance tech under the BlueCruise banner. On selected sections of Chinese highways called ‘Hands-Free Blue Zones', this system allows the SUV to accelerate, brake, and centre itself within the lane. Also available is Vehicle-to-X technology that enables compatible vehicles to share information on upcoming traffic jams and road hazards.

About the Evos engine specs, Ford has not yet revealed any information but it is expected to have a hybrid powertrain.

Alongside the Evos SUV, other Ford vehicles on display at the Chinese show are the Escape PHEV, Territory S, Equator, Explorer, Edge Plus, and F-150 LTD.

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