For all we know, they ARE just taking C2 and rebodying it - I'd think this would be the fastest and cheapest approach they could take (and all they need to do really since C2 has gotten mostly good feedback aside from them being cheap on Escape).
No need to reinvent the wheel - the platform is fine, just give them desirable looks/bodies and it'll be fine.
I don't think we'll see products in every segment (i.e subcompact, compact, midsize, full size), but I could see us getting something that straddles compact and mid-size and full-size adjacent (Mustang 4-door)
Issues I see:
engine bay packaging - they'd have to make sure everything fits
crash testing
emissions/fuel economy (less of an issue here given the topic)
What else am I missing?
This is noticeably better looking to me than the Bronco sport, which is likely helped by the apparent size increase. I could see how this could fit in the current NA bronco lineup, considering it doesn’t necessarily overlap with the other models. It seems to have a more clean, premium look to it.
It’s really getting more irritating and old that China receives more compelling vehicles/options than the NA market. I have a very difficult time understanding this, since it’s an American company.