Ford Bronco Sport exterior & cabin leak in spy shots

Simultaneously with the new full-size Bronco SUV, Ford is busy testing its downsized copy called the Bronco Sport (previously known as the Baby Bronco Concept). The latest spy photos reveal what it looks like from the outside and inside.

Unlike the regular Bronco, which comes based on the Ranger pickup truck chassis, the Sport is a typical soft-roader. To that end, it comes based on the C2 platform of the latest Kuga/Escape. That said, the manufacturer claims it will still offer better overall off-road performance. Perhaps this means better body shape and approach/departure angles, but transmission and suspension improvements are also possible.

The interior of the new Bronco looks more or less like that of the Kuga/Escape, similarities extending as far as the steering wheel, the gear selector, the central display, and the climate control unit. The latter is located further down below and boasts differently styled deflectors, but is still essentially the same model. Overall, the inner space of the SUV looks more rectangular than before.

In all likelihood, the new Bronco will ship with the Kuga/Escape assortment of engines, including turbocharged 1.5- and 2.0-liter units rated up to 253 hp (189 kW) and a hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-liter non-turbo mill. AWD is optional for the abovementioned model, but the Bronco Sport might get it by default.

The full-sized Bronco is currently running tests in the Mojave Desert (see video), and you can take a look at the Ford Bronco R rally car to get an idea about what it looks like. The body-on-frame SUV may end up with mid-range turbocharged engines like the V4 and V6 options available for the Ford Ranger and F-150.

The revived Ford Bronco will launch this spring, and the Bronco Sport should follow in the second half of the year. The Bronco line will later be singled out into a sub-brand, which will later incorporate other models as well.