Ford Equator Sport Makes its China debut as The Escape’s Ruggedest Brother

The turbo is a 1.5-liter.

Ford is teaming up with Jiangling Motors, its Chinese Partner for a new model that will be exclusive to the People’s Republic. As a rival to the Honda CRV, the Equator Sport will make its public debut at Guangzhou Auto Show. It has rugged looks and a spacious interior.

If you find the name ringing a bell, it’s likely because Ford introduced the large three-row Equator in March. Although the name of this new SUV is similar, Chinese media report that it doesn’t have the same bones. Equator Sport’s wheelbase is 2,765mm (108.85in), 140mm (5.5in) shorter than Equator Sport (which has 2,865mm (112.8in).

Although they are not mechanically related, the two SUVs share a similar design language. Equator Sport has the same large radiator grille on the front, flanked with thin LED headlights and C-shaped DRLs. The exterior profile is strong with large wheel arches concealing 20-inch wheels. Plastic cladding can be found in the lower portion of the doors. Although the rear end looks very similar, the smaller model does not have an LED stripe connecting to the taillights.

The cabin can hold five people, while the Equator has the option of six or seven. Although the dashboard design has the same dual-screen layout as the interior, the trim around it is a bit less glamorous.

Ford claims that the 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine under the hood is brand new. This is Ford’s first use in a production car. This unit produces 170 horsepower (127kilowatts) at its peak and 192 pound feet (260 Newton-meters), of torque. Although it is connected to an automatic transmission, we are not sure if power goes to the front or all four wheels. Maximum speed is claimed to be 112 miles per hour (180 km per hour).

The gallery below contains live photos taken at the Guangzhou Auto Show by the wheelsboyChe Lunge team. We are happy to share them with you.