Ford hatching VW-based mini Mach-E SUV

Ford is racing to market a new sibling for the pure-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E that will share tech and be based on the same MEB architecture as the Volkswagen ID.4.

According to Autocar, the all-new SUV will be unveiled in the first half of 2022 before being introduced to markets early in 2023.

Ford deliberately chose the ID.4's version of the MEB platform, rather than the smaller Volkswagen ID.3, to allow it a greater choice of battery capacities, power outputs and driveline layouts.

Despite being heavily inspired by the Mach-E's design, the still-secret model is expected to adopt a low-slung two-box silhouette, with straighter, more prominent body creases.

That said, Ford Europe boss Stuart Rowley has confirmed the small battery-powered SUV will still feature a clear American influence.

"Ford is the only American brand in Europe now and that’s a unique position that we can build on. A lot of people are attracted to some of those characteristics and only Ford can bring products like that to the market," he told Autocar.

It has been suggested that as well as the Mach-E, the new Ford Bronco could also play a role in inspiring the new SUV's design.

Since the mini Mach-E will share much with the Volkswagen ID.4, the Blue Oval could spin off a performance variant based on the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX. If so, Ford bosses are already believed to have ruled out using either the ST or RS nameplate.

Instead, the fastest dual-motor version is tipped to be badged the GT, linking it to the Mustang Mach-E.

Inside, the new Ford EV is tipped to pick up where the Chinese-market Ford Evos crossover left off.

That means it should get its incredible 1.1-metre cinematic 4K infotainment screen that stretches almost the entire width of the car.

With almost all physical buttons and controls removed, users will rely on Google-developed Android technology to operate the car's functions. As well as an on-board Google assistant, the next-gen infotainment system will also feature AI and both data and machine learning.

When launched it's expected the Ford SUV with the 52kWh battery will cover around 340km and offer charging up to 100kW. A larger long-range 77kWh power pack should offer around 480km and a charging rate of 125kW.

Set to be built at Ford's Cologne factory that has recently received a $1 billion ($A1.3bn) investment to build electric vehicles, the new mini Mach-E is part of plans to fully electrify the entire Ford Europe range by 2030.

As part of these ambitions more than 600,000 MEB-based vehicles will be sold between 2023 and 2029, with the Blue Oval predicted to spin two other models off the cut-down Mach-E development program.

One of those vehicles is highly likely to be a compact SUV replacement for the Ford Fiesta that will end production in 2024.