Compact crossovers might be a rage in India these days but it was Ford that kick-started the segment, way back in 2013, with the EcoSport. Be it the days leading up to its unveiling at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi to months after its launch, the EcoSport has been hugely popular. In fact, four years down the line, the EcoSport is still the best-selling model in Ford India's lineup despite the presence of newer and more affordable cars in the lineup.
Ford has been constantly updating the EcoSport with mild tweaks now and then to keep it relevant and up to date. But, with Maruti-Suzuki making merry at the top of the sales charts with the Vitara Brezza and Tata threatening to crash-land into the segment with the Nexon, its high time the EcoSport gets a full-fledged facelift. That’s exactly what Ford has in store.
We caught up with a group of face-lifted EcoSports sans camouflage on a test run not far off Ford’s manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Chennai.
As evident from the pictures, the EcoSport’s fascia is all set for a significant makeover. Gone is the funky 'love-it or hate-it' split grille that characterized the current EcoSport. In its place is a more conventional grille that’s in line with global Ford SUVs like the Kuga. The thick chrome-lined grille is flanked on either sides by bigger headlights that now houses inbuilt projectors and Daytime Running Lights. The fog lamps have also grown in size while the bumper has been restyled to give an appearance of a skid plate. The profile is unchanged except for the newly-designed alloy wheels (Titanium) and wheel caps (Trend and lower variants). The rear gets a blink-and-you-miss change in the form of addition of variant badges in the mid-spec Trend variant. Let's not forget the current EcoSport has variant badges only for the top-spec Titanium trim level. Don't miss the subtle change in the spare wheel cover's design too!
The interiors are getting a substantial makeover as well, the biggest being the addition of a 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that pops out of the dashboard. Ford is also likely to bring in the advanced SYNC 3 system to the EcoSport facelift's kitty in addition to a few other creature comforts and cosmetic add-ons. The EcoSport already leads the segment in terms of safety kit on offer and that's unlikely to change.
While most of us believed the 1.5-liter TiVCT petrol, the 1.5-liter TDCi diesel and the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost engines that power the current EcoSport would carryover into the facelift, recent reports indicate otherwise. An all-new 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine from the new 'Dragon' family might replace the current 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder mill. The absence of TDCi badges on any of the test cars indicate its the Dragon engine that's probably being tested under the hood of the face-lifted EcoSports. While Ford hasn't disclosed anything yet, expect higher power, torque and fuel efficiency figures from the new engine.
The EcoSport facelift is expected to be launched around the festive season, a time frame in which is Tata is also planning to launch the Nexon. We could sense a tough but interesting duel in the making. Let's wait and watch the fun!
Why have Ford not removed that ugly looking Stepney from rear tailgate. When the changes are already done in new Endeavour, what was the thought for not doing so in EcoSport?
ReplyDeleteThere's just one reason - Indians like it this way! Europeans and Americans don't like tailgate-mounted spare tires and that's why the export versions have that removed.
DeleteThe international EcoSport doesnt have the spare wheel at the back and is longer than 4m.
DeleteThe indian Ecosport is 4m long and spare wheen would cause space issues. hence its outside.
The international EcoSport's length is different because other countries measure the car's length including the spare wheel. Indian norms measure a car's length without the spare wheel. That's why the EcoSport measures less than 4 meters in India.
DeleteWhen can we expect the official launch and bookings? Is the new Red color expected in India?
ReplyDeleteFord hasn't disclosed the launch date yet. Neither have they started accepting bookings.
DeleteBy red, do you mean the Mars Red colour that's already offered in the current EcoSport?
Not Mars Red. I have heard abt a different shade called Aproader Red. I am planning to buy Ecosport and was wondering if the facelift is getting launched, shall I wait for 3-4 months.
DeleteNot sure about the colour, but its better you wait for the EcoSport facelift to be launched. The interiors appear to be a big step up and worth the wait.
DeleteI booked my facelift version with ford... As they said that they don't know exact date.... But as soon as car is launched i will be first one to get delivery.... 😊
DeleteWhere did u book it? In my city, the dealers say that they are launching it in mid 2018. Not sure how true is it.
DeleteFord has not confirmed the launch date yet. So, if you're not in a hurry, it makes sense to wait for the facelift.
DeleteWhere did you book? i'm also getting the same answer as its not scheduled for this year. already booked current model but didn't take delivery as the price increased 10000 for titanium version from august 1st. so in two minds to go with current one or wait for face lift.
ReplyDeleteFord hasn't confirmed the date of launch yet. If you're not in a hurry, it makes sense to wait for the facelift.
DeleteThanks. my booking for the current model is changed to the facelift. Dealers saying it's gonna take at least 3 more months
DeleteWhat abt the price? On what rate was the booking taken? Which city?
DeleteThey were not sure, they just want to keep my booking in, instead of canceling. if the facelift takes time, i might cancel it.
DeleteAny news on the launch?
ReplyDeleteNothing yet!
DeleteThe Ford showroom owner is a close friend of mine. He said that they are expecting the test drive vehicle and all the updates in Oct end and delivery to begin in Nov and Dec. But I personally think that there is no point to buy in Nov/Dec, rather wait till Jan/Feb and get the 2018 manufacturing year papers.
DeleteAny info about the launch
ReplyDeleteFord has already unveiled the all-new Dragon engine to the press. This engine is debuting with the EcoSport facelift and the car's launch is expected towards the end of the month.
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