2018 Ford EcoSport Launched in India With Cosmetic Updates and New Engine

The facelifted version of the Ford EcoSport sub-compact SUV was revealed at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show firstly. The best-selling product for the American manufacturer has loads of importance in our market but its global reach cannot be undermined as well.

Ford claims that localisation levels have gone up from 65 percent to 80 percent as the EcoSport is said to offer spare class-leading ownership with spare parts costing 40 percent less than rivals.

The EcoSport is the brand’s best-selling model in our domestic market and it has now been launched here with plenty of anticipation as prices start at Rs. 7.31 Lakh and it goes up to Rs. 10.99 Lakh (both ex-showroom Delhi).

The Ford EcoSport facelift doesn’t have the same award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine for India as it has been retired. The transmission options will continue to be a standard five-speed manual or a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

Instead, Ford has included the 120 bhp producing 1.5-litre Ti-VCT naturally-aspirated three-cylinder Dragon petrol engine, from Latin American market, for India. The 1.5-litre TDCi diesel continues to feature in the facelifted model as well.

The new EcoSport has a matured design language keeping the existing overall silhouette intact, as the exterior will bear influences of the current generation Kuga and Edge. The compact package will be underlined by revisions to headlamps with sleeker LED Daytime Running Lights and projector lamps, enlarged trapezoidal radiator grille with dual slats and black plastic mesh pattern, Edge-inspired fog lamps, redesigned bumpers at front and rear and a new tail lamp cluster design.

While the side profile is kept almost similar, the styling inspiration it derives from the larger Edge has been influential, as it now looks sharper and modern. The signature tail-mounted spare wheel continues at least in the India-spec EcoSport while there will be a new set of alloy wheels as well.

On the inside, the facelifted EcoSport receives a brand new dashboard with improved centre console comprising less buttons making the model more upmarket. There is also presence of a newly designed multi-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls, high-positioned latest SYNC3 infotainment system with a new colour display allowing for navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration along with a revised instrument cluster, fast-charging USB ports, two 12-volt power outlets and a 110-volt outlet and new rectangular AC vents.