The face lifted version of the Ford EcoSport sub-compact SUV was revealed at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is launched on 9th Nov with the new facelift which is the major change from the past model.
Exterior
The first thing you will notice the new trapezoidal chrome grille, which will remind you of endeavour. There is a new raised muscular hood. There are daytime running lights, and the fog lamps are now bigger with the indicators on the side. Because of the raised bumper and SUV like departure angle ecosport gets SUV like stance.
The roof rails have changed too but otherwise the flanks and rear will remind of the car you’ve been used to. India still gets the spare wheel fixed on the fifth door at the rear. The wheels though are larger in the top spec – 17” now unlike the 16 inches previously. There is also a new alloy pattern. The boot now gets a two-level position for the floor, that can be dropped a few inches down to allow for more cargo room.
Interior
The small info screen is replaced with 8″ touchscreen with smooth mobile like touch in top two variants. and 6.5″ touchscreen in other variants. This dominates the dashboard. It now supports Apple carplay and Android auto. You do not get the navigation but you can use your mobile’s navigation.
Just below the screen is a new climate control system with two rotary knobs and a digital display – available in all except the base variant. Just below that are two USB inputs with nice backlit surrounds.
Safety
The car still lives up to its safety credentials with the top end getting 6 airbags. Dual airbags and ABS are standard, and all variants get Ford’s Emergency Assistance system that automatically calls emergency services in the event of an accident.
Engine
The EcoSport will now be available in both the 1.5 litre diesel and petrol, and the 1.0 ecoboost will also be sold. While the 1.5 diesel is the familiar motor, the petrol is all-new. We recently told you about this engine that Ford is making at its Sanand, Gujarat plant. The new 1.5-litre Ti-VCT is now a 3-cylinder and makes 123 bhp and 150 Nm of torque. This new 1.5-litre engine makes 2 more HP than ecoboost. It is best in class.
The new engine will be paired with either the familiar 5-Speed manual or an all-new 6-Speed automatic – that replaces the previous dual-clutch auto. The new gearbox also comes with paddle shift, and the AT variant also gets Hill Launch Assist, traction control and cruise control. The diesel only comes with the 5-Speed manual gearbox, with no plans for an auto.
You will get better and smooth power delivery in the petrol engine up to 6500 rpm. Even being a 3 cylinder the engine is smooth and refined.
Pricing On road (Nagpur)
| Ambiente Petrol | Rs. 8.45 lakh |
| Trend Petrol | Rs. 9.32 lakh |
| Titanium Petrol | Rs. 10.62 lakh |
| Trend + Petrol AT | Rs. 10.81 lakh |
| Titanium + Petrol AT | Rs. 12.92 lakh |
| Ambiente Diesel | Rs. 9.45 lakh |
| Trend Diesel | Rs. 10.26 lakh |
| Trend + Diesel | Rs. 10.72 lakh |
| Titanium Diesel | Rs. 11.60 lakh |
| Titanium + Diesel | Rs. 12.76 lakh |
