Ford EcoSport facelift: 5 things to know
9th Nov 2017 4:48 pm
The refreshed Ford EcoSport boasts a number of exterior, interior and mechanical changes; priced from Rs 7.31 lakh to Rs 10.99 lakh.
Ford has brought out the heavily updated EcoSport, with a fresh face, more features, and a new petrol engine. Prices for the compact SUV begin at Rs 7.31 lakh for the Ambiente trim and go up to Rs 10.99 lakh for top-spec Titanium+ variant. Here’s a list of everything you need to know about it:
1. It’s a proper ‘face’ lift:
Most of the cosmetic changes to the updated EcoSport are concentrated in its face. You have a new hexagonal grille and sharp, angular headlamps that look a lot like the Mustang’s and the Endeavour’s, as well as a redesigned front bumper and fog lamps. The 17-inch alloy wheels – shod with 205/50 R17 tyres (on the Titanium+ variant) – feature a new design as well, though the EcoSport will remain more or less unchanged in profile and round the back (hatch-mounted spare wheel too!). Ford will also offer more colour options for this car.
2. It gets new interior design too:
Ford has changed a fair amount on the inside too – the basic design of the dash is more or less the same, but the centre console gets a new layout and is crowned by a touchscreen for Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system. The instrument cluster and steering wheel are also all-new and the cabin is now decorated with body-coloured inserts, as opposed to silver ones on the current car. There is a lot of new switchgear, though certain features such as rear AC vents are still missing.
3. A new petrol engine is on offer:
Ford’s all-new Dragon series of petrol engines will make its Indian debut in the updated EcoSport. Leading the charge is the new 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit in the EcoSport that makes 123hp and 150Nm of torque. The Dragon series engine comes mated to a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. The new petrol engine will be accompanied by the same old 1.5-litre diesel engine that puts out 100hp and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
4. It will feature new tech and features:
The updated EcoSport will receive the aforementioned new touchscreen infotainment system with Ford’s SYNC 3 software, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also expected to get cruise control, a speed-limiter function, a rear-view camera, automatic wipers, headlamps and climate control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, dual USB ports, steering-mounted audio and trip controls and paddle shifters for the automatic variant. In terms of safety, the top-spec gets six airbags and ABS with EBD, along with electronic stability control, traction control, hill-launch assist and emergency brake assist for the automatic variant.
5. It faces stiff competition:
The EcoSport is the oldest compact SUV around, launched in 2012, and has seen the number of its competitors rise dramatically. Today, its sales are under pressure from rivals like the critically acclaimed Maruti Brezza and the Tata Nexon. These substantial updates (and hopefully a competitive price) should arm it to take on the competition better.
Also read:
2017 Ford EcoSport facelift image gallery
Ford Ecosport facelift variants explained
2017 Ford EcoSport facelift review, test drive
India-spec Ford Ecosport facelift details revealed