Ford EcoSport
We’ve been tracking the EcoSport for quite some time and can confirm the final few details on Ford’s exciting new mini-SUV. First and foremost is to do with the EcoSport’s length. Ford has been cagey about the EcoSport’s dimensions, but we now know for sure it will be a sub-four metre vehicle. That means the EcoSport qualifies as a small car and will avail of a lower rate of excise duty. We hear Ford is looking at a really aggressive price tag for the EcoSport so we won’t be too surprised if the base model retails for under Rs 6 lakh.
Another piece of good news is that the production model looks very similar to the concept that was first shown at the Auto Expo 2012. Its tall stance and chunky styling are pure SUV and that’s sure to be a huge draw for Indian buyers. Adding brawn to the design is the lagre trapezoidal grille, cladding on the lower front bumper and side sills and fixed spare wheel at the back. However, the large wheel arches also make the EcoSport’s 16-inch wheels look small and we expect the Indian car to get 17-inchers. As on the concept, the roof gets chrome rails and the rear side windows have the familiar Ford upwards kink in the window line.
As expected, the EcoSport will also share many cabin components with the Fiesta and the dashboard is similar in design too. There should be decent space for four occupants but boot space will be no larger than a hatchback’s. Interestingly, the EcoSport’s touch sensitive and electric operated boot release is hidden in the tail light cluster.
Like the Fiesta, the EcoSport is underpinned by Ford’s global B-platform, so excellent dynamics are almost a given on this mini-SUV. The EcoSport will also be sold with the 1.5-litre diesel engine as offered on the Fiesta but the big news is the debut of Ford’s latest 1-litre EcoBoost petrol motor. While its small displacement may suggest otherwise, the engine benefits from turbocharging and direct injection to make it just as powerful as a 1.6-litre motor while being more efficient at the same time. What remains to be seen is if Indian buyers will readily take to such a small capacity motor.
Ford thinks it has the right product for the Indian market. We’ll know when the EcoSport hits Indian roads in early 2013.
Factfile:
Engines: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA, 88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh
