A fresh report out of the United Kingdom suggests Ford is hard at work developing a new Fiesta-based crossover that will ultimately replace the EcoSport.

According to Auto Express – which also published spy shots of a new test mule – the Blue Oval brand will launch what will serve as a replacement for the EcoSport at some point in 2020, slotting the newcomer in just above the Fiesta Active.

Whether the EcoSport – originally designed for South American markets and still fairly popular here in South Africa after being facelifted in the second half of 2018 – will continue to be offered outside of Europe remains to be seen.

Automotive News Europe reports the new Fiesta-based crossover could wear the “Puma” badge, reviving a nameplate last used on a Europe-only compact coupé that went out of production in 2002. Late in 2018, the automaker filed with the World Intellectual Property Office to trademark the name, leading to speculation it could be used either on the upcoming "baby Bronco" or some other fresh crossover.

The new model is expected to offer more interior room and luggage space than the EcoSport, as well as a higher quality cabin. As Auto Express points out, it is also likely to ditch the EcoSport’s side-hinged tailgate. It will all but certainly be produced at Ford's plant in Craiova, Romania.

Original article from Car