Ford introduced EcoSport in 2013 and started a new segment now known as Compact SUV. The EcoSport was so successful that the segment is flooded with options now. To compete against these new rivals, Ford has given the Ecosport a much needed update. And we are in Goa to drive the new EcoSport.
Ford hasn’t played with the overall design as it is one of the USP of EcoSport. The facelift model get revised front with updated grill, tweaked headlamp design, new DRLs and an all new bumper with new fog lamps. The side and rear profile is carried over from the previous model except for new 17 inch alloywheels available on the top end model. The interior design was one of the weak points for the earlier Ecosport, and it seems the folks at Ford are listening. And the new interiors are proof that they are. The steering wheel is taken from Ford Focus hatchback with lots of controls for infotainment system, voice commands and other features.
The floating 8 inch touch screen infotainment system in centre console gets the Ford Sync 3 system along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All the controls and switchgear feels well built and the dashboard quality too has improved. Ford has made the Ecosport future ready by adding quite a list of features to the car. Features like
climate control, leather seat, projector headlamp, DRLs, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter device, leather seats, smart key, push button start, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers & rear view camera to mention some. The dimensions of EcoSport is same from the previous model so the interior space hasn’t improved. Even though headroom is more than enough, legroom is bit on the shorter side. But the seats offer good back support, under thigh support is adequate and the new side bolsters keeps you in the seat during the occasional spirited driving sessions.
The new Ford EcoSport is powered by two engines. The diesel is the tried, tested and proven 1.5 L TDCi engine producing 100 PS of power and 205 NM of torque. The engine is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. This engine is known for excellent drivability as turbo lag is not evident and the gearbox ratios works very well with this engine. Overtaking on highways is walk in park for this engine and triple digits can be maintained without much effort. Even during city use, we can drive in higher gears and the torquey engine will pull swiftly from low speeds.
This diesel motor is very efficient as well as you can expect more than 17 kmpl of efficiency. Ford has replaced the petrol engine with an all new 1.5 L 3 cylinder dragon series unit which make its debut in new EcoSport. This engine produces 123 PS of power and 150 NM of torque. Ford give choice of a 5 speed manual or 6 speed automatic. This engine is way better than previous unit as we don’t have to rev the motor to get power. Just like diesel engine, power is more than enough and it is served in a linear manner. Again we have to appreciate engineers at Ford for tuning the gearbox to perfection.
Both manual and auto are very well mated. The 6 speed automatic is a torque convertor instead of dual clutch in previous model but we can’t feel the lag. This engine returns 10 kmpl of efficiency which is good for car of this size. Ford hasn’t compromised on safety as well, as the EcoSport get 6 airbags, ABS and traction control.
The automatic model gets hill start assist too. Overall, the new EcoSport has improved a lot, with its updated interiors, exterior design tweaks and upgraded petrol engine. So it’s safe that Ford has ironed out some of the major complaints from their previous model and has delivered a benchmark for the segment once again. If you are in the market for a compact SUV, the EcoSport is a very good choice to put your money on.
