Ford EcoSport Review: Reviewed & Demolished

Overview

The Ford EcoSport is aimed at the Indian and Asian markets. The EcoSport was revealed last year at the Delhi Auto Expo. Since its launch, hype surrounding Ford's latest offering has been picking up speed. So what's all the hype about? Browse through our featured slides to get a better understanding of the EcoSport and what it has to offer ardent Ford fans.

The EcoSport is based on the global B-segment Ford Fiesta platform. The EcoSport measures in just four meters tip to tail. However its width is almost the same as that of the Fiesta. The EcoSport is undoubtedly stylish and if you love light SUVs with roof rails and a spare tire attached at the rear you will certainly love the EcoSport.

If we're asked what aspect of the light SUV caught our attention the most, without hesitation, we'd say it's all in the design. Ford has given the EcoSport a great looking front fascia, stylish narrow headlamps and a yawning shaped grille gasping for air.

When you drive the EcoSport, you will command a fair volume of attention.

For the rear end (excuse us) of the car, Ford has equipped the EcoSport with a rear tyre. For some, the attached tyre may be reminiscent of driving an SUV from the 90's. That being the case, no worries, one can detach the spare tyre easily.

Interiors ~

Pictured here is the Ford EcoSport's interior. Overall, the interiors are quite pleasant and give you a plush feeling.

The Ford EcoSport comes with heavily bolstered leather seats which provide good under thigh and lower back support. The driver's seat adjustable height allows for an ideal driving position. Slim to medium build owners will find the seating in the EcoSport appealing, however us hulks will mostly find the seats a bit cramped. Overall, the driving comfort, visibility, head-room and leg-room is good.

The steering wheel is a reach and take adjustable. During our drive, the electric steering felt light on the highways and seemingly effortless while tackling the Indian traffic congested roads.

The instrument console featured in the EcoSport is an imitation of the Ford Fiesta console. Whilst driving you will face no hiccups viewing the clear 3.5 inch display screen which provides you with information including distance to empty, average mileage, instant mileage, average speed, and outside temperature.

The Ford EcoSport also features an engine start/ stop button. The SUV fires-up by simply pushing the button while engaging the clutch.

The rear seats are split fold and recline. They come equipped with height-adjustable neck restraints. Ford has designed the rear seats in such a way that when the seats are folded they give room to a large boot space.

What can you do with this kind of boot space? Join us on the next slide.

Let's just say you'd be able to carry your laundry and washing machine with you on your drives.

The Ford EcoSport boasts of a 705 litres boot space when the rear seats are folded in and 362 litres otherwise.

On The Road ~

Again, let's say the Ford got it right with the EcoSport's disc/drum set-up. Braking at all-time felt right and pedal feedback was accurate. The suspension seemed tweaked for more handling than comfort. But that is the case with most Ford's, isn't it?

EcoSport Safety: Hats-off and thank GOD I am alive! Hang on, let me explain - I had just finished testing the Ford EcoSport and jumped into the co-passenger seat for a fellow auto journo to have a go. Long story short, I was involved in a demolition derby-styled crash (and thankfully, made it out alive).

So from my first-hand experience, I can vouch for the SUV's safety features, the EcoSport is built like a tank.

*** Main Safety Features include 6 airbags, ABS + EBD, Emergency Assist (Which saved my life - Click here to read more on that).

The Clutch Factor: Driving the EcoSport around on highways and while tackling the congested Indian traffic, I soon learnt, the clutch just requires a nudge.

If you love to drive cars which have a short throw design, you will quickly adapt to the EcoSport.

Exterior Close-up Shots ~

The EcoSport features stylish headlamps.From the look of it, the standard halogen headlamps should do a decent job to set ablaze your nights.

***We did not get the opportunity to test the throw of the headlamps after sunset.

The EcoSport features stylish wing mirrors with inbuilt turn signals. However, we wish Ford would have equipped the wing mirrors with an auto folding feature.



Give the image a closer look and you will notice how, Ford has cleverly disguised the tail-gate handle within the tail-lamp.

Stylish | Clever ~ What are your thoughts ?



So how does one open the tail-gate?

Simple ~ Press the button on the tail-gate handle.



The EcoSport features stand out foglamps with a bit of chrome treatment.



The EcoSport design gives high priorioty to aero-dynamics. Even the tail lamps have a sharp design. The tail lamp is armed with two lights, one for the brake and the blinker.



Here is different view of the tail lamps from another angle.



The grill grabs attention undoubtedly! Some might feel its a bit chickish!

However, doesn't it look like a gold fish gasping for air?



Certainly one of the best alloys we have seen on a light SUV.

Yup! these are 16 inch alloys with205/60 rubber.



Simple and clean Titanium [EcoBoost] badge. Overall Ford has given close attention to teeny-weeny details.

What are your thoughts on the reversing light which has been integrated into the bumper ?



Features ~ Interiors

A common FAQ asked now-a-days is about the additional interior and exterior features.

Here is an image showcasing the interior, exterior features on the Ford EcoSport. Impressed yet?



Features ~ Exterior

If you are more intent on exterior features, this image should give you a better picture.

Ecoboost Technology - [Video]

Finally, the part the auto-addicts are really waiting to hear about - the EcoBoost technology.

The car we tested had a 1.0 litre 3 cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine/5 speed manual. Your first impression will be its rather undersized, but drive the EcoBoost and it's all about to change.

The engine has smooth power delivery and for a small sized engine which can fit in an A4 sheet of paper, it surely delivers a good amount of power (123HP / 170 Nm of torque). More importantly, it is suitable for Indian roads.

• Mileage During Testing - 15kpl (Under smooth operation)
• Ford Claims - 18.9 kpl



Pros ~ Cons ~ X-factor

Pros:

• Loaded with technology - Personally, too much for my liking!
• Excellent small-sized engine for Indian roads
• Airy interiors
• Futuristic styling & well balanced light SUV

Cons:

• Stiff suspension. Set-up for handling more than ride comfort.
• Thick A-pillars which causes blind spots
• Electric steering feels light especially on highways. It will tend to freak you out!
• Driver/co-passenger leg room is a bit cramped for taller/bigger individuals.

X-factor:

• Pricing



Verdict ~

Drivespark Thinks ~ If you are looking to purchase a light compact SUV which takes about the same space of a small car on Indian roads and is crammed with safety features, futuristic styling, modern technology at an aggressive pricing, proceed - The EcoSport Is Here.

Pricing ~

The EcoBoost Titanium model Ecosport we tested is currently priced at INR 7.89 lakhs [ex-showroom Delhi].

To check the Ford EcoSport Price across Indian cities - Browse through the next few slides.



EcoSport Facts ~

Engines

• 110 HP, 140 Nm 1.5 liter petrol
• 90 HP, 204 Nm 1.5 liter diesel
• 123 HP, 170 Nm 1.0 liter EcoBoost petrol



Fuel Economy ~

• 1.5 liter petrol: 15.6 kmpl
• 1.5 liter diesel: 22.7 kmpl
• 1.0 liter EcoBoost: 18.9 kmpl



Transmission ~

• 5 speed manual standard
• 6 speed dual clutch automatic is offered as an option only for the 1.5 liter petrol



Colours ~

• Mars Red
• Kinetic Blue
  
• Sea Grey
  
• Moondust Silver
  
• Panther Black
  
• Diamond White
  
• Chill



1.5 liter Petrol Price ~

***As of June, 2013

• Ambiente: INR 5.59 lakhs
• Trend: INR 6.49 lakhs
• Titanium: INR 7.51 lakhs
• Titanium Automatic: INR 8.45 lakhs

*** Prices indicated are base variant of each model listed above (ex-showroom Delhi)



1.5 litre Diesel Price

***As of June, 2013


• Ambiente: INR 6.69 lakhs
• Trend: INR 7.61 lakhs
• Titanium: INR 8.62 lakhs
• Titanium Plus: INR 8.99 lakhs

*** Prices indicated are base variant prices of each model listed above (ex-showroom Delhi)



1.0 litre EcoBoost Petrol Price

***As of June, 2013

• Titanium: Rs 7.89 lakhs
• Titanium (O): Rs 8.29 lakhs

*** Prices indicated are base variant of each model listed above (ex-showroom Delhi)



Price Across Indian Cities ~ [As Of June, 2013]

Delhi ~

• 1.5P Ambiente: INR 559,000
• 1.5P Trend: INR 649,990
• 1.5P Titanium MT: INR 750,990
• 1.5P Titanium AT: INR 844,990
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium: INR 789,990
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium Plus: INR 828,990
• 1.5D Ambiente: INR 669,000
• 1.5D Trend: INR 760,990
• 1.5D Titanium: INR 861,990
• 1.5D Titanium Plus: INR 899,990



Mumbai ~

• 1.5P Ambiente: INR 586,181
• 1.5P Trend: INR 681,596
• 1.5P Titanium MT: INR 787,506
• 1.5P Titanium AT: INR 886,077
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium: INR 828,403
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium Plus: INR 869,299
• 1.5D Ambiente: INR 701,530
• 1.5D Trend: INR 797,992
• 1.5D Titanium: INR 903,903
• 1.5D Titanium Plus: INR 943,750
  



Kolkatta ~

• 1.5P Ambiente: INR 574,400
• 1.5P Trend: INR 667,897
• 1.5P Titanium MT: INR 771,680
• 1.5P Titanium AT: INR 868,269
• EcoBoost Titanium: INR 811,755
• EcoBoost Titanium Plus: INR 851,828
• 1.5D Ambiente: INR 687,430
• 1.5D Trend: INR 781,955
• 1.5D Titanium: INR 885,738
• 1.5D Titanium Plus: INR 924,783



Ahmedabad ~

• 1.5P Ambiente: INR 571,421
• 1.5P Trend: INR 664,434
• 1.5P Titanium MT: INR 767,678
• 1.5P Titanium AT: INR 863,768
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium: INR 807,545
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium Plus: INR 847,412
• 1.5D Ambiente: INR 683,866
• 1.5D Trend: INR 777,900
• 1.5D Titanium: INR 881,145
• 1.5D Titanium Plus: INR 919,989



Bangalore

• 1.5P Ambiente: INR 568,937
• 1.5P Trend: INR 661,545
• 1.5P Titanium MT: INR 764,340
• 1.5P Titanium AT: INR 860,012
• EcoBoost Titanium: INR 804,034
• EcoBoost Titanium + INR 843,728
• 1.5D Ambiente: INR 680,893
• 1.5D Trend: INR 774,518
• 1.5D Titanium: INR 877,314
• 1.5D Titanium Plus: INR 915,989



Chennai ~

• 1.5P Ambiente: INR 568,937
• 1.5P Trend: INR 661,545
• 1.5P Titanium MT: INR 764,340
• 1.5P Titanium AT: INR 860,012
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium: INR 804,034
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium + INR 843,728
• 1.5D Ambiente: INR 680,904
• 1.5D Trend: INR 774,562
• 1.5D Titanium: INR 877,335
• 1.5D Titanium Plus: INR 916,024



Patna ~

• 1.5P Ambiente: INR 563,968
• 1.5P Trend: INR 655,768
• 1.5P Titanium MT: INR 757,665
• 1.5P Titanium AT: INR 852,501
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium: INR 797,012
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium + INR 836,359
• 1.5D Ambiente: INR 674,946
• 1.5D Trend: INR 767,754
• 1.5D Titanium: INR 869,652
• 1.5D Titanium Plus: INR 907,989



Mysore ~

• 1.5P Ambiente: INR 568,937
• 1.5P Trend: INR 661,545
• 1.5P Titanium MT: INR 764,340
• 1.5P Titanium AT: INR 860,012
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium: INR 804,034
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium + INR 843,728
• 1.5D Ambiente: INR 680,893
• 1.5D Trend: INR 774,518
• 1.5D Titanium: INR 877,314
• 1.5D Titanium Plus: INR 915,989



Goa ~

• 1.5P Ambiente: INR 558,999
• 1.5P Trend: INR 649,990
• 1.5P Titanium MT: INR 750,989
• 1.5P Titanium AT: INR 844,990
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium: INR 789,990
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium + INR 828,990
• 1.5D Ambiente: INR 668,999
• 1.5D Trend: INR 760,989
• 1.5D Titanium: INR 861,990
• 1.5D Titanium Plus: INR 899,989
  



Hyderabad ~

• 1.5P Ambiente: INR 568,937
• 1.5P Trend: INR 661,545
  
• 1.5P Titanium MT: INR 764,340
  
• 1.5P Titanium AT: INR 764,340
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium: INR 804,034
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium + INR 843,728
• 1.5D Ambiente: INR 680,893
• 1.5D Trend: INR 774,518
• 1.5D Titanium: INR 877,314
• 1.5D Titanium Plus: INR 915,989



Mangalore ~

• 1.5P Ambiente: INR 568,937
• 1.5P Trend: INR 661,545
• 1.5P Titanium MT: INR 764,340
• 1.5P Titanium AT: INR 860,012
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium: INR 804,034
• 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium Plus: INR 843,728
• 1.5D Ambiente: INR 680,893
• 1.5D Trend: INR 774,518
• 1.5D Titanium: INR 877,314
• 1.5D Titanium Plus: INR 915,989



Over & Out ~ Stay Tuned!

Do drop us a line if you need any clarification on the EcoSport. Also, drop us a line anyway, we would love to hear your thoughts, ideas and feedback on the Ford EcoSport petrol review.



About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 175,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://corporate.ford.com