Ford EcoSport

We Indian's love SUV's but there are many who want the looks and presence but not the huge thirst and size and not to mention the big costs involved in owning one. Ford knows this and with the EcoSport it aims to redefine the Indian market. It dazzled visitors at the 2012 Auto Expo in January Delhi and now with its global debut at the 2012 Auto China in Beijing means customers in India will also soon get a taste of this. Ford plans to build the compact, fuel-efficient urban SUV in China, in addition to India, Thailand and South America. Looks are the EcoSport's biggest asset and it simply looks unlike anything else. The design is muscular but also compact (it is sub-four metre SUV) and packs in a whole lot of details. The EcoSport which is based on the Fiesta platform is a shining example of the new Ford design language.

The beltine for example which is formed by the windows and door creases, draws an ascending curve that rises as it runs to the rear of the car. The large trapezoidal grille is another characteristic of the Ford design DNA which gives the signature Ford face, like the other new global designs. More interesting details include inclined A pillars and a short hood. At the back, a large rear window that wraps around to the sides along with oblique tail-lamps. The swing gate handle is built into the tail-lamp and is another highlight of the Ford EcoSport's innovative design. The spare tyre, with an exclusively designed wheel, is mounted on the swing-out door. Step inside and the design of the interiors are influenced by the Fiesta sedan which is a no bad thing.It has the sporty looking centre console with neatly stacked buttons.

The design and overall quality feel also has been improved. On the features front expect a lot of equipment on the EcoSport such as a CD/MP3 player, USB/auxiliary slots, cooled glove box, steering controls, Smart Keyless Entry, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth. There is also the neat voice control feature. The talking point in the EcoSport is the all-new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine which will be economical plus will be fun to drive and is set to change the way we think about small engines. Ford says that the turbocharged 1 litre EcoBoost can compete with a traditional 1.6 litre petrol engine, delivering full torque at just 1500rpm. This engine makes 125 PS and 170Nm which is ample by any standards. But a diesel is important and the EcoSport will feature a 1.5 diesel 90 PS from the Fiesta sedan which will be torquey and fun to drive. The EcoSport Petrol EcoBoost promises 18.9 kmpl while the diesel will give 22.7 kmpl which is fantastic. Other than these two engines the third engine will be a 1.5 110 bhp petrol. We expect the petrol base variant to start from Rs 7 lakhs and go all the way to Rs 9-9.5 lakhs for the top diesel model. There are four trim options with the base version called as Ambiente then you have Trend, Titanium and Titatnium optional. The EcoSport is the most important launch for Ford and looking at the success of the Renault Duster, the EcoSport is destined to be a huge hit on the basis of what we have seen. The EcoSport will be available in 4 variants and in 8 colour options. For a detailed analysis read below.

Take a closer look at the EcoSport in our video

The design of the interiors are influenced by the Fiesta sedan which is a no bad thing. It has the sporty looking centre console with neatly stacked buttons. The design and overall quality feel also has been improved. On the features front expect a lot of equipment on the EcoSport such as a CD/MP3 player, USB/auxiliary slots, cooled glove box, steering controls, Smart Keyless Entry, rear parking sensors, push button start and Bluetooth.

There is also the neat voice control feature. Even the base variants will be decently equipped. Ford has also made the EcoSport practical with twenty storage spaces inside, 60:40 split rear seats and 346 ltrs trunk capacity. Despite the compact dimensions Ford has managed to squeeze out some room at the back and space is on par with rivals. There is decent legroom at the back and as we had found out the EcoSport is reasonably spacious.