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Ford has unveiled a possible new 4x4 for the Far Eastern market that could well point toward the design of the new Maverick.

The Ford Equator concept is a next generation version of the Ford Escape and has been designed at the firm's Taipei technology centre in Taiwan.

Huge 19-inch alloy wheels dominate the side profile while a large air intake along with a squared off bonnet and headlights give it a truck-like feel.

The interior fits four sports seats and is finished in blue and colbalt with a healthy dose of chrome details.

Under the bonnet Ford has wedged in a muscular three-litre V6, which belches out 194bhp.

A six-speed gearbox and part-time four-wheel drive system ensure swift and precise delivery of this power to the front, rear or all four wheels depending on the conditions.

According to Ford, the Equator has been "developed for the Asia-Pacific region and for the Japanese market specifically", but rumour in the industry is rife that the car, or a derivative of it, will also be available in the US and Europe in the not to distant future…so watch this space.