Ford EcoSport Facelift vs Old EcoSport — Top 5 Key Changes

1. New Front Profile

The smooth lines have given way to bold and chunky cues mainly highlighted in the front grille and profile. The facelifted EcoSport is slightly aggressive compared to the old EcoSport. The headlamps are bigger and bolder LED DRLs and projector headlamps.

The black fog lamp housing has been changed and the fog lamp is much bigger compared to the old EcoSport. The current generation EcoSport sports a split grille and now the facelifted model trapezoidal front grille is larger and sharper and has a newly designed black plastic mesh.

On the bonnet, the sharper lines characterise it compared to the old butch design. There is a lot of design cues seen from the Ford Endeavor.

2. Side Profile - Unchanged

The side profile on the facelifted EcoSport is the same as the old EcoSport and Ford has not changed any design language. The only difference is a chrome strip running along the window line and a newly designed alloy wheels.

3. Rear Profile

Since Ford unveiled the facelifted EcoSport in the U.S. the spare wheel has been ditched and because of that the licence plate has moved up. Also, the current EcoSport does not feature the grey skid plates at the bottom, unlike the facelifted EcoSport.

Apart from the above changes, there is hardly any difference. In most probable, the India bound could get the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate to give its SUV character.

However, not many subcompact SUVs in India feature a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. Ford might rethink its offering here in India.

4. Interiors - Overhaul

The interior of the new EcoSport has been redesigned and the only familiar aspects are the HVAC vents on the sides. The facelifted EcoSport's dashboard is cleaner and lot more premium than the outgoing model.

As for the new bits, there a new steering wheel, wider instrument cluster and new HVAC controls. The EcoSport facelift model features Ford's new SYNC 3 floating 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Ford has featured the premium B&O PLAY audio system with a 675-watt system, including B&O PLAY branded speakers along with a subwoofer on the rear tailgate.

5. Engine Specifications & Gearbox

The U.S. spec facelifted EcoSport is offered with the option between a 1.0-litre three cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine or the 2.0-litre four cylinder mill.

Buyers opting for the 2.0-litre mill will get Ford's Intelligent 4WD as standard. Both the engines come paired with the 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The current model EcoSport available in India is offered between a 1.5-litre petrol or the diesel, and the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol mill.

Observation:

The current market for the subcompact SUV is led by Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza mainly because of pricing, features, and the overall package. When Ford launches the facelifted EcoSport later in India, Fordhas take into account the overall aspects of the EcoSport.

However, the facelifted EcoSport is indeed feature ridden with premium in nature and this should help Ford to claw back the market share in the segment.