THE NEW ford Eco $poRt

Ford Ecosport Review

 

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Ford Ecosport, the mini-SUV will step in India and find a place in the compact SUV segment which is slowly and steadily gaining popularity. Their compact size fits well on congested Indian roads and adds practicality to the car. Ford seems to have a highly hectic schedule, as it has revealed its new car, the next generation Ford Ecosport in the Auto Expo, 2012. Codenamed as ‘B512’, the American car maker has revealed this crushed SUV at the Beijing Auto Show in April, 2012. Ford Ecosport is a clever combination of a SUV, compact car and a hatchback. The present model of Ford Ecosport is quite a success in Brazil and Indian car market has similar dynamics to Brazil, therefore, Ford wishes to repeat that kind of success in India too.

Under the hood, Ford Ecosport will come with a new 1.0 litre 3 cylinder ecoboost petrol engine generating 120 PS power and a peak torque of 170 Nm plus super low Co2 levels of 140 g/km . This particular engine is a down-sized direct-injected, turbocharged petrol engine that provides the same output as churned by a 1.6-liter engine. The USP about this engine will be its small size which will make for excellent fuel economy. Now, one can expect that a mileage of not less than 20 kmpl will be delivered by this frugal 1-liter engine. This is a great number seeing the profiles of SUVs in India. Ford has spent more than adequate time and expertise in the aerodynamics of this car to boost up the fuel efficiency. It is pretty evident that Ford Ecosport has a similar platform as Ford Fiesta, so the car will be only in front wheel drive, distancing itself away from the 4x4 option. Ford Ecosport is expected to give a very smooth ride and is designed thoughtfully to provide a classic driving experience even on the rugged Indian terrains.

Ford India has been pretty successful in India. It has launched so many cars, which were victorious in cajoling the consumers considerably. Some of the most potential and prominent cars in India by Ford comprise of Ford Fiesta Classic, Ford Endeavour, Ford New Ikon, New Ford Fiesta and Ford Figo.  All these cars have been appreciated by the consumers as well as the critics. Ford Ecosport is prevalent in global market since 2004; however, Indian version will launch only in 2012 or may be 2013. Ford India is hoping an impressive response with this yet-to-be-launched SUV in the country. The most exciting part of the new SUV is that it has been ingeniously built on the award winning worldwide compact car platform (B2E), which is created in collaboration with Mazda who specializes in torsional rigidity and weight saving. Ford wishes to tap this platform substantially, therefore, numerous body styles will be twirled off it. Even Fiesta is built on the same platform. Chennai will be the production base of this new Sports Utility Vehicle in India.

Ford has worked very cleverly on this car and made it highly stylized on the outside and powerful on the inside. With so many features, Ford has also planned to keep the price of Ford Ecosport easy on pocket. Apparently, this new car in India will land between the price range of Rs 7 lakh-Rs. 9 lakh and is surely amongst the most awaited car to be launched in 2012. By this Ford will unleash a totally new price segment in India and is expected to garner immense response. Till now, 5-seater SUVs are available only in the luxury segment above 15 lakh, but Ford Ecosport can carve out a niche for itself. Falling in the affordable price range is also due to the length of the car. Ford has not exceeded the length above 4 meters and thus will save Ecosport from being pricey as government policies in India spare small cars (below 4 mts) from heavy excise duty.

There are plenty of similarities in Ford Ecosport and Ford Fiesta saloon. But when talking about the looks of Ecosport SUV, they are nicely different. The car surely has the looks to die for. The upright posture, soaring ground clearance, high bonnet, chic roof rails and the sophisticated cladding makes the car look fresh and well-proportioned. Moving forward, the car has a very appealing long grille as if a shark is about to eat its prey. The strong, bold stance further makes the Ecosport look ready to roar on the roads. Sleek LED headlights, pillar less rear windscreen and oblique taillights are the attractions of this SUV. This characteristic defines the striking personality of the EcoSport family: a sporty and casual car, for consumers who want to stand out and who want more from life, but in an intelligent and sustainable way. The rear end of the car also grabs eyeballs but is occupied by a spare wheel. The design chief of Ford India-J Mays says that the spare wheel which is copied from the previous generation Brazilian Ecosport enhances the ruggedness of the SUV. Ford Ecosport has pillar less back windscreen and stylishly cut tail-lights. Further, the car has is expected to come with 16 inch wheels.

The interiors of the Ford Ecosport are designed with complete style and American car maker has made sure that apart from being stylish and modern, it is very crucial for the interiors to be comfortable too. The seats of the car are comfortable for five and relaxing, accompanied with ample of space provided for luggage storage. Also the legroom and headroom spaces in Ford Ecosport are brilliantly done so that none of the passengers including driver face any discomfort in the car. To accessorize the car more, the steering wheel will be leather wrapped along with carpeted floor and centre console will be positioned at the correct level. Colors used inside are sporty turning on the youth inside. Furthermore, to enhance the driving experience there will also be AM/FM radio and CD player so that driver could zoom away with music . Voice control and SYNC takes the compact SUV ahead in the race of SUVs. Bluetooth and USB connections would not be a problem in Ecosport India. The digital clock present on the centre console will never make you late for any meeting. The American car maker surely is aware of extreme heat in the country, therefore a powerful air conditioning system will also adorn the new Ford Ecosport.

With comfy interiors, the car has also kept in mind the safety of its passengers. The new Ford Ecosport will come with aptly positioned driver seat to guarantee a good front view of the road. To enhance the safety features, the car will come with burglar alarm system, front passenger and side curtain airbags and inertial back seat belts. ABS with EBD, ESP, Traction control, Hill Launch Assist is featured and many other advance techniques can join the list of safety features.

On the whole, Ford’s Ecosport is a compact SUV, which is loaded with all necessities and luxury features. Together with a powerful engine motor under the skin and sturdy and bold exteriors, Ford Ecosport appears to have a strong persona. Apparently, this new compact SUV will give a direct competition and might overshadow the yet to be launched, Renault Duster.

Ford Ecosport Models

Ford Ecosport 1.0 litre petrol MT	This model will be powered by a 1.0 litre ecoboost petrol engine, quite new to the Indian market. The power output will be 120 Ps with a torque of 170 Nm and mileage would be great at 20 kmpl. The mighty muscular engine will be mated to a 5 speed manual transmission.
Frod EcoSport 1.5-litre petrol AT	This model is expected to feature the 1.5-litre petrol engine that will be mated to a 6-speed Powershift automatic transmission with dual clutch. This variant is basically an uprated version of the Ecosport 1.0 litre petrol MT, for customer who want a bigger bang for their buck in terms of convenience. The power output is expected to be around 108bhp.
Ford EcoSport 1.5-litre diesel MT	This model is expected to come aboard the diesel version of Ford Ecosport. The variant will be powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine (similar to Ford Fiesta) mated to a manual transmission. The power output is expected to be 90bhp.

Ford Ecosport Mileage

Ford India has started popularizing the car keeping its fuel efficiency as the target. In a mileage driven country like India, what works best in a car is a beautiful mileage figure. Ford Ecosport will be packed with an Ecoboost engine of the capacity of 1.0 litre, the diesel trim will be the one borrowed from Fiesta/Figo i.e. a 1.5 litre Duratorq engine. Talking about the mileage of Ford Ecosport SUV, the 3 cylinder petrol variant is claimed give 20 kmpl of mileage. That’s nearly 20% less fuel compared to a traditional 1.6 litre petrol engine, while still delivering analogous power. We have an answer to all those who do not have a fair idea of ecoboost petrol engine. To give an example, we can compare it with a car having 1.6 litre petrol engine running 20,000 km and the owner paying Rs 65.64 per litre of petrol . With the 1 litre Ecoboost motor, one can save Rs 19,600 in a year as compared to the normal 1.6 litre engine. So, not just the initial price, but the maintaining price of Ford Ecosport all life is very impressive. Overall, the numbers are pretty good for SUV which are generally not thought off as a mileage extraditing vehicle. Not just on the engine front, Ford has worked on the design of Ecosport which not just exudes style. The kinetic design used here right from its sleek profile to its rear tail light design, hones the aerodynamics to help pitch spectacular fuel economy.

Power of Ford Ecosport

The petrol Ecosport will house a small 3 cylinder 1.0 litre of new Ecoboost engine which will deliver really good power to the front wheels. 120 Ps of maximum power and 170 Nm of maximum torque at just 1500 rpm is something one cannot take his eyes off. Though the engine is petite in terms of capacity, it possesses enormous power as good as a 1.6 litre petrol engine normally used in Indian cars. In case of Ford Ecosport, the thumb rule of ‘small engine-less power’ is upturned and the power figures are exceptional. The diesel powered Ecosport is expected to shell out 90 bhp of power and maximum torque of 204 Nm at 2000-2750 rpm.

Acceleration & Pick-Up

With the introduction of new Ecoboost engine, Ford will unleash a fresh breed of engine in Indian cars. The Ecoboost engine will open up a new scope for engines in petrol cars. The 3 cylinder 1.0 litre Ecoboost engine is high on mileage giving out 20 kmpl . This mighty engine will be mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. There is an option of 6-speed Powershift Automatic transmission with dual clutch borrowed from Ford Fiesta. Gear changing is butter smooth in this option retaining the mileage of manual one. With such transmission, the acceleration and top speed of Ecosport will be exemplary. 

Ford Ecosport Exteriors

View Ford Ecosport Exterior Pictures

Ford India is known for rendering stylish cars to Indian market. After all, looks form the USP of cars many a times. Until and unless, a car is good looking, people would not even notice it, no matter how good its engine and interiors are. Ford cars have been quite successful in striking a chord with Indian consumers as far as their exterior design is concerned and Ecosport is no exception. Ford India has not played much with the design and the production version which will finally be on road is strikingly similar to the concept shown at Expo.

The major talking point about this car is that it will be below 4 meter in length so as to save the excessive excise cuts on long cars. Thus Ford Ecosport will fall in the compact SUV segment and will essentially be a 5-seater wagon. This crushed SUV has a pillar-less C-pillar. The B2E platform of this compact SUV has been developed in association with Mazda and is very light yet tensile. A perfect blend of SUV and sedan can be seen in the form of Ecosport. Built within the length of a sedan, thus good for cramped parking spaces and heighted like a SUV, thus giving good headroom and strength, Ford Ecosport presents an amalgamated show.

Starting from the front, we will give a complete review of the 360 degree appearance of Ford Ecosport. High ground clearance, roof antenna, roof rails, silver skid plate are some of the features on exterior front of Ford Ecosport that enhance its manly look. Off-roading would not be a problem for Ecosport as it is designed in a way to handle off-road terrains. The four slat chrome grille holding the Ford’s badge is much enticing. Alongside the grille are the menacing headlamps sweeping towards the grille. Though the concept version displayed in Expo had LEDs in headlamps, the production ready version is devoid of LED and is equipped with halogen units. Even the tail lamps are conventional. Body color bumper has a black air dam and the on either side of the chin are small round fog lamps. Below the bumpers are protective claddings for difficult terrains. Roof is front sweeping and merges in the tinted windshield which looks sporty again.

Sides are marked by curves and lines on the doors. Side claddings are provided for saving the car while it is off-road. Body color ORVMs are quite outgrowing for better view and turn indicators are fixed on them. Body color door handles, black pillars are other highlights. Wheels are done with alloy and are large enough to prove that Ecosport never looks back.

At the rear, a pillar less tinted windscreen is the major focal point. A rear spoiler above it adds to the aerodynamics of the SUV and enables the car to zoom away at highways. The spare wheel hanging at the swing gate does spoils the look (as per some car lovers) but helps the car maker to cut the price of Ecosport as Government policy excludes spare wheel in calculating the 4 metre length of the car. The chisel shaped tail lamps are acutely spread over the body and boot lid. Low mount brake lights are present on the body color bumper. Skid plate is given at rear also which makes way for an exhaust.

Exterior Measurements

The length of this SUV will be less than four meters for sure because it has to fit in the price range of Rs 7 lakh-Rs 9 lakh. Stay tuned for other details. The ground clearance of 200 mm keeps the passengers and bumpers on road far away. An approach angle 25 degree, departure angle of 35 degree and breakover angle of 35 degree helps in great off roading especially climbing uphill or coming downhill. A water wading height of 550 mm will help the car to propel even in shallow water on roads. The height of Ecosport is equivalent to a typical SUV.

Ford Ecosport Interior

View Ford Ecosport Interior Pictures

Ecosport borrows its interior design and room from Fiesta. The style quotient is high not just on the exteriors but even interiors are chic and happening. The silver and black dashboard exudes nothing but sportiness. The compact SUV will be a 5-seater with a considerable boot space . The dashboard and many other elements inside the cabin come from the Figo/Fiesta. The cool ice Blue backlight in the dials and meters of the dash completely mesmerizes the passengers aboard. Elevated driving position, rugged looks and expanded cargo space are three stand-out features of the Ecosport interiors. Black leather seats add to the sporty character of SUV. It is clear from the pictures that the compact car will have a powerful AC, comfortable seats, steering mounted controls, power steering, MFD, Tachometer, power windows, rear seat belts, arm rest with cup holders and many other comforts. The ORVMs will be internally adjustable. It might be possible in Ecosport that the rear seats can be folded to increase the boot space. The cabin is calm and sound proof; engine sound is not heard at all. As soon as we get more updates about the interiors of Ford Ecosport, this space will be updated.

Interior comfort

Practical space inside the car is the USP of Ecosport. The space is well managed by the designers and created 20 storage spaces inside. The glovebox can also be a cooler, using the air conditioning to keep your drinks at just the right temperature. A slide-out drawer under the front seat keeps valuables safely out of sight. Even your umbrella can be hanged at its own space. It is human nature to keep car keys at random places and then search for them later. But not anymore, as the keyless entry and start system automatically unlocks the door when you’re nearby and lets you drive away with just a push of a button. Ford’s SYNC driver connect system with voice control is meant for the young buyers.

Interior measurement

Although compact in size, Ecosport is roomier as compared to other sedan cars in India. Fold-down the 60:40 rear seats and you can fit a 560-litre load in the back . The normal boot size or rather trunk size is 346 L in this car. Such space is enough to carry the weekend luggage.

Ford Ecosport Engine and Performance

Ford Ecosport will come with a 1.0 litre petrol engine from the Ecoboost family of engines. This direct-injected, turbocharged petrol engine is down sized so as to spit out more mileage. 18-20 kmpl mileage is what is expected of this version; the car maker claims stand firm at 20 kmpl. The 3 cylinder engine belts out 120 Ps of maximum power and 170 Nm of maximum torque at just 1500 rpm . Generally SUVs are not associated with high mileage but Ecosport would be an exception. An advanced “split cooling” system reduces fuel consumption by warming the engine quickly and – unique to the 1.0 engine –cast iron has been selected for the block, reducing the amount of energy needed for warm-up by up to 50 percent as compared with aluminium. This clean and green engine emits less than 140g/km CO2. The diesel option is expected to be the 1.5-liter DuraTorq borrowed from the new Fiesta with a different calibration. This engine will keep the power to churn out 90 BHP and is intelligently mated with 5 speed manual gearbox. The car will be only in front wheel drive.

Wheels

Ford Ecosport wheels will be 16 inch wide . Alloy wheels adorn this SUV. A spare wheel resides on the back swing door to add true SUV nature and practicality.

Braking & Handling

The compact size of Ecosport makes it an easy car to drive in the city and park on roadsides. Front disc and rear drum brakes are expected in the braking system of Ford Ecosport SUV. Since the new generation car is based on the Fiesta’s platform, the SUV possess handling like a car and will be sharp and agile. It will also ride very well and with the help of phenomenal ground clearance, the Ecosport could just be right choice for Indians. The SUV is expected to come with great suspension to handle all kind of roads. The front suspension will be MacPherson Strut and the rear suspension will be of Torsion beam type.

Handling & Safety

As for safety features in Ford Ecosport, Dual airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Rear parking sensors, Hill Launch assist, ABS (Anti Lock Braking system) , EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and three rear seat belts will come aboard. Fog lamps adorn the front of Ecosport and helps in clear vision of road while driving in unusual weather.

Ford EcoSport Exterior

Ford has clearly stated that EcoSport will be a sub 4 meter car which means shorter than many of the hatches. Give it a look and it’s hard to believe if it’s actually that short. The design of this car is exceptional. The people at Auto Expo couldn’t believe if they will see this car plying on Indian roads. We have never seen a compact SUV as dazzling as EcoSport in India. Turn once, twice, thrice around it and you just can’t stop wondering how unique this car is. There is no doubt that Ford has tried to bring all the SUV characteristics to this car. This five seater SUV stands high and tall. It looks extremely aggressive from its front. It has a massive front bumper sporting a huge three layered air dam. It’s partly black in color so that it looks less bulky.