The compact Ford Maverick bakkie is a step closer to production reality. It's been spotted out and about again, clearly showing off its angles and some of its features.

Picture credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.

The latest set of spy photographs gives us a good idea of the shape, size and proportions of the new Ford Maverick.The newcomer, which will slot in below the Ranger, will be built alongside theBronco Sport family carat Ford's Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Sonoro. At this stage, there's no word on right-hand-drive production which means that South African availability is in doubt.

Afull reveal is expected at some point this year and, as speculated, the Maverickwill share at least some styling cues with the Bronco Sport, which should give it a bold and suitably rugged appearance.Given its passenger-car underpinnings, the Maverick will ride lower than the Ranger and because its load bed won’t be required to haul significant loads (because of the Bronco Sport underpinnings), the package’s cabin space – and creature comforts – will be prioritised. The model will be produced in front-wheel-drive guise, with part-time all-wheel-drive possible for high-end derivatives.

In terms of the engine line-up,reports suggest naturally aspirated 121-kW 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol and a turbopetrol 134-kW 1.5-litre 3-cylinder motors will be offered, both in conjunction with an 8-speed automatic transmission, as well as a manual gearbox. There's also talk of a powerful 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo packing 186 kW and 373 Nm.

Further Reading

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