Q.2017 Ford EcoSport to get a facelift

Ford has unveiled the EcoSport facelift and it looks mean! There’s a host of changes to the exterior and the interior and I’m sure this should revive the EcoSport’s sales in India which has been dwindling ever since the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza was launched. This version in likely to go sale in the US only in 2018. However, expect Ford India to launch this version in country mid-2017. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n20836[/ATTACH] The EcoSport facelift looks quite mean with the faux skid plates and new design headlamps, fog lamps and bumper. The hood to gets new creates which adds more aggression to the face. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n20837[/ATTACH] The US-spec car does not get the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. However, the India-spec will continue to do so. To be honest, the EcoSport looks a whole lot better with the spare wheel behind. Without it, this pseudo-SUV looks like a glorified hatchback. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n20838[/ATTACH] Ford has revamped the interior completely and it finally has the goods to take on the Vitara Brezza. The instrument panel, steering wheel and centre console have been completely redesigned and the dashboard also gets a grab rail for the passenger like in a proper SUV. However, the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the Ford SYNC3 infotainment system which now features a high resolution 8-inch floating touch screen. The screen looks much better than the Vitara Brezza’s and also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Top-end variants will also get a 675-watt, 10-speaker sound system which includes B&O PLAY-branded tweeters and woofers in the front doors along with a subwoofer in the back. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n20839[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]n20840[/ATTACH] Two fast charging USB ports on the centre console should ensure that your smartphone never runs out of juice. In addition to these, the centre console features a 12V outlet and an 110V outlet which is positioned behind the centre console. Rear passengers too get a separate 12V outlet. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n20841[/ATTACH] The engine and drivetrain specs for the US are quite interesting. The standard version will be powered by the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 6-speed auto ‘box. There will be a 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine on offer to with the same gearbox and Ford says they might equip this version with four-wheel drive system. Woah, now that I must drive!

After failing to unveil the EcoSport facelift at the Sao Paulo Auto Show, it is now learnt that the redesigned EcoSport will now make its debut this coming Monday (14th November) in Los Angeles. Rap artist DJ Khaled, in a Snapchat video, confirmed that he would be presenting the world premier of the EcoSport. The EcoSport will go on sale in the US shortly after that and if sources are to be believed, the US version is expected to be exported from India. Ford is set to launch four new SUVs in the US in the next four years and the EcoSport will be the first of them. Expect the new Bronco, which is likely to be developed alongside the next-gen Ranger in Australia, to be another SUV part of this plan. Coming back to the EcoSport, the US version will likely be powered by a 1.5-litre three cylinder engine with an all-wheel drive system.

The Sao Paulo Auto Show kick off on the 8th of November. While the local media expected Ford to unveil the EcoSport facelift, it was not to be because apparently it was not ready in time. Come on! The facelift version has been on test in the USA and Brazil since March - that’s 9 months! The Brazilian media said this was a missed opportunity as the Ford EcoSport facelift could have countered the unveil of the Hyundai Creta facelift and also take away some of the attention from the Honda HR-V which has been gathering a rather huge fan following in the country in recent times.

The EcoSport facelift is all set to make its Brazilian debut at the 2016 Sao Paulo Auto Show on November 8th. Ford says the the new EcoSport takes a lot of design inspiration for the larger Ford Kuga.[ATTACH=CONFIG]n19778[/ATTACH] Below is the Ford EcoSport facelift imagined by SRK Designs and Indian Autos Blog: [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2017-Ford-EcoSport-facelift-Rendering-1024x768.jpg[/IMG] The EcoSport facelift will get an extensively reworked interior with Ford's Sync2 touchscreen infotainment system. For Brazil, the EcoSport is also likely to get an all-new 1.5-litre three-cylinder 'Dragon' petrol engine. No word yet on if this engine will come to India or not.

[B]Ford EcoSport Signature Black Edition Launched[/B] Ford has just launched a Signature Edition of the earlier special Black Edition Ford EcoSport. The new Signature Edition is priced at Rs. 9.26 lakh ex-showroom Delhi and comes loaded with accessories worth about Rs. 37,900. This Ford EcoSport Signature edition has all black exteriors - alloys, grille, fog lamp housing and smoked headlamps. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n19201[/ATTACH] The EcoSport also features LED daytime running lamps fitted just below the fog lamps, which have a string of five LEDs. Earlier the fog lamp itself was the daytime running lamp (DRL). These LED DRLs make the EcoSport stand out quite a bit. It also gets body graphics running along the side and appliques on the front and rear bumper. On the interiors, it has illuminated scuff plates and black leatherite seats with red stitching. Most of these accessories will be fitted at the dealership on the EcoSport Black edition - transforming into the Signature Edition. There are no mechanical changes to the EcoSport. The diesel makes 100 PS of power from a 1.5 litre diesel engine, while the petrol comes in two variants - a 1.5 petrol (with a choice of 5-speed manual and a 6-speed DSG automatic), and a 1-litre, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine (not in the Black Edition though).

The Ford Ecosport Black edition is out in the dealerships. Looks sexy! Why do we still have this obsession about all things chrome? [IMG]http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/filedata/fetch?filedataid=5789&type=medium[/IMG] It is available in Trend+, Titanium and Titanium+, and priced from INR 8.58 lakhs (Ex-showroom Delhi).

[USER="42"]CorsaVeloce[/USER], even I was unsure of the output from the NA engine. The report I read said that Ford is currently developing two new engine which will likely be produced in India, Brazil, Russia, China and Europe - a 1.2-litre three cylinder to replace the 1.2-litre Duratec engine and a 1.5-litre [B]three cylinder [/B]engine to replace the 1.5-litre TiVCT engine. Not sure if they will be turbocharged or not. I'm guessing they could be turbocharged. Need some more information on this. Anyone out there who can find some information on the same?

[URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/20"]NikilSJ[/URL], I think the new Ford Ecosport will be a much better looker than its predeccesor. I liked everything about the car earlier, except the ugly front end. Some of you might disagree, but I think ford did a terrible job on designing that big, weird face in the front. The interior also seem way fresher. The dials finally look that they are from this age and the re-worked center infotainment system seems to have all the bells and whistles. And wait, did I read 1.5liter NA making 130 horses? Whaa? Howwww?

The 2017 Ford EcoSport has been spied testing in Brazil yet again courtesy Quatro Rodas. The test mule is covered in camouflage so it is unclear what the changes to the front and the rear are. What is clear though is that the side profile remains unchanged. [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2017-Ford-EcoSport-facelift-spy-shot-Brazil.jpeg[/IMG] The Ford EcoSport facelift is expected to get an all-new headlamp design, grille and foglamps. The As I mentioned in an earlier post, the EcoSport will borrow cues from the Ford Edge SUV and the Ford Endeavour. On the inside, the EcoSport facelift is likely to receive Ford’s updated Sync@ infotainment system with a colour display, much like the one on the new Endeavour. It will also get a new instrument panel and HVAC controls. The Sync 2 system as seen on the [URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/posts/6089-ford-endeavour-detailed-review-go-anywhere-do-anything"]Ford Endeavour[/URL]. [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2015-Ford-Ranger-SYNC-2-with-touchscreen-press-shot-1024x758.jpg[/IMG] For Sout America, the EcoSport is likely to receive an all-new 1.5-litre Dragon naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces around 130hp. This engine is unlikely to make it to India however.

Auto Blog has again rendered the 2017 Ford EcoSport facelift which is expected to launch in India and South America early 2017. The rendering shows what the all-new headlamp assembly and fog light clusters could look like. The Ford EcoSport is also likely to get a new cover for the spare wheel attached to the boot lid. [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2017-Ford-EcoSport-facelift-rendering-AutoBlog-1024x604.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2017-Ford-EcoSport-facelift-rear-rendering-AutoBlog.jpg[/IMG] Various spy shots from South America and even China have showed us that the EcoSport will receive a massive upgrade for the interiors. The 2017 EcoSport is likely to get a colour touchscreen infotainment system to keep up with the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and others. It will also get an all-new multifunction steering wheel, a larger instrument cluster and rectangular AC vents. [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/China-spec-Ford-EcoSport-interior-spied.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/filedata/fetch?id=8564&d=1461125802&type=full[/IMG] The EcoSport’s powertrain, however, will remain unchanged.

Ooooh! Me likes this Black! I always felt the front of the Ecosport has a little too much bling, and this is just the solution to my grudge! The Black Edition in black body color would look just awesome! But yes, the chrome loving junta might not really like this.

Ford India has launched ‘Black Edition’ EcoSport that was first showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. This could probably a last hurrah before the facelift version arrives next year and to keep the Vitara Brezza at bay. The new ‘Black Edition’ gets you a black grille, blacked-out moulded headlamps, 16-inch black alloy wheels (wheel design is the same though), black ORVM covers, black fog lamp bezel, black roof rails and roof cross bars. It definitely looks a lot more meaner now although I'm not sure if our chrome-loving car buyers will take a liking to this. The ‘Black Edition’ will be available in three variants — Trend+, Titanium and Titanium+. Prices start at Rs 8,58,500 and will be available with three powertrain options — the 1.5-litr TiVCT petrol engine, 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine and the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Ford-EcoSport-Black-Edition-press-shot-1024x667.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Ford-EcoSport-Black-Edition-Mars-Red-press-shot-1024x770.jpg[/IMG] Other features, variant-to-variant, are likely to remain the same. Here's the price list by variants [LIST] [*]Ford EcoSport Black Edition 1L EcoBoost Trend+ – Rs 8.58 lakhs [*]Ford EcoSport Black Edition 1L EcoBoost Titanium+ – Rs 9.63 lakhs [*]Ford EcoSport Black Edition 1.5L Diesel Trend+ – Rs 8.88 lakhs [*]Ford EcoSport Black Edition 1.5L Diesel Titanium – Rs 9.34 lakhs [*]Ford EcoSport Black Edition 1.5L Diesel Titanium+ – Rs 9.93 lakhs [*]Ford EcoSport Black Edition 1.5L Petrol MT Titanium – Rs 8.74 lakhs [*]Ford EcoSport Black Edition 1.5L Petrol AT Titanium – Rs 9.79 lakhs [/LIST] That's about Rs 20,000 above the standard variants.

[QUOTE=Venu.av;n8626]Hi Nikhil, I am planning to buy a Car and Ecosport is on the top of my list. Given the recent price correction, It is really hard to ignore but i have a doubt regarding the resale value once the new version (2017) is out. Do you think the resale value will hold out good after 2-3 years for the current version.[/QUOTE] The EcoSport is probably one of the few Ford vehicles that will definitely hold its resale value much better than the others. If you recall, it was such a hit when it was launched that waiting periods stretched to nearly 9 months. It continues to sell in decent numbers clocking over 4,300 odd last month, an increase of nearly 2K after the price correction, despite the entrance of the Maruti Vitara Brezza and other competition like the NuvoSport. We recently drove the Brezza and EcoSport, one after the other, and can clearly see why the Ecosport will continue to find many buyers. Better power, better refinement, decent fuel efficiency being some of the key advantages. I don't think resale value should be much of a concern and it will fetch a good price even after 3 years.

Hi Nikhil, I am planning to buy a Car and Ecosport is on the top of my list. Given the recent price correction, It is really hard to ignore but i have a doubt regarding the resale value once the new version (2017) is out. Do you think the resale value will hold out good after 2-3 years for the current version.

[QUOTE=JijoMalayil;n8610][USER="20"]NikilSJ[/USER] The interior shots reveal different infotainment systems. I like the one posted above which has that large display, i guess Indian models will not get it :( The exterior looks a lot more elegant and grown-up now. But the fog lamp cluster looks a bit large when compared to the headlamps, right?[/QUOTE] Maybe the Fog lamps are the Headlights and the headlights are the Fog lamps?! :p At least Ford haven't gone overboard decorating the fog lamps in chrome like the new age XUV! :D

[QUOTE=JijoMalayil;n8610][USER="20"]NikilSJ[/USER] The interior shots reveal different infotainment systems. I like the one posted above which has that large display, i guess Indian models will not get it :( The exterior looks a lot more elegant and grown-up now. But the fog lamp cluster looks a bit large when compared to the headlamps, right?[/QUOTE] The India-spec model could, in all likelihood, get the infotainment system seen in the rendering above as the Maruti Suzuki Brezza now comes with it. However, it may not be a touchscreen system like the one seen on the Brezza and I'm all in favour of it as touchscreens can be a bit distracting and cumbersome to use. The exterior looks like the Ford Edge sold abroad and does look good. Can't wait to see the final version of the facelift.

[USER="20"]NikilSJ[/USER] The interior shots reveal different infotainment systems. I like the one posted above which has that large display, i guess Indian models will not get it :( The exterior looks a lot more elegant and grown-up now. But the fog lamp cluster looks a bit large when compared to the headlamps, right?

[QUOTE=NikilSJ;n6262]From the spy shots and the rendered images, it is clear that the EcoSport will get [B]new headlamps[/B] which are shaped similar to the ones on the Ford Endeavour. It is not clear what changes are in store for the rear of the car. [CENTER][IMG]https://www.rushlane.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2017-Ford-EcoSport-facelift-1-810x456.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER][/QUOTE] I quite like the front grille treatment. Bold yet reasonably understated. Definitely better than the garish chrome on the current gen model. [QUOTE=NikilSJ;n6263] While many thought it would be exported from Brazil, this report says that the North American Ford EcoSport could be imported from Ford’s Indian subsidiary. Ford’s Chennai plant currently exports the EcoSport to countries in Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Europe. This would be the first time any manufacturer exports cars from India to the North America.[/QUOTE] Make in India! (y) [QUOTE=NikilSJ;n6263]The North American-spec Ford EcoSport could be sold exclusively with the 1-litre turbocharged EcoBoost three cylinder petrol motor, though maximum power and torque could be bumped upto 140bhp. In North America, the Ford EcoSport will compete with the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V and the Fiat 500X. [/QUOTE] Not fair! Here the HRV will compete with the Creta or above. Is the HRV overpriced or has Ford managed to price the Ecosport well?

Based on the spyshots above, Indian Auto Blog's graphic artist, Shoeb R Kalania, has come out with a rendering of what the EcoSport facelift could look like. [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2017-Ford-EcoSport-facelift-Rendering-1024x768.jpg[/IMG] Image courtesy: Shoeb R Kalania, indianautosblog.com [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Ford-EcoSport-facelift-new-interior-Rendering-1024x768.jpg[/IMG]

The Ford EcoSport facelift has been spied in China now. Though the changes to the exterior are not visible thanks to extensive use of camouflage, another shot on a Chinese website has revealed what the interiors might look like. [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/China-spec-Ford-EcoSport-interior-spied.jpg[/IMG]The interiors now get a more sedated look and looks less premium in my opinion. However, it isn’t clear if these changes are only limited to the Chinese-version. The new interior now uses silver and chrome materials to make the cabin more luxurious. The infotainment system has undergone a thorough redesign. But it still doesn’t get a touchscreen unit. That said, I still like the older unit better with large buttons arranged neatly like a phone’s numberpad for all the controls. The AC vents in the middle sit lower than before, but the units on the side are the same. The instrument cluster loses the hoods for the speedo and tachometer and looks too plain. Sort of like the ones you find on a budget hatchback. Other changes include a new steering wheel with buttons for the infotainment system called Sync2 and buttons for phone functions too. [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/China-spec-Ford-EcoSport-front-spied.jpg[/IMG]If you peer closely at the exterior shots, you will be able to see the reworked headlights. But again, these changes might be limited only to the Chinese version. The rear end, like the Euro-spec model, loses the tailgate-mounted spare wheel as well. [IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/China-spec-Ford-EcoSport-rear-spied.jpg[/IMG]

Here's a couple of more images of the Ford EcoSport facelift that will go on sale soon. [CENTER] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n8562[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n8563[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n8564[/ATTACH] Source: Auto Esporte [ATTACH=CONFIG]n8570[/ATTACH][/CENTER]

[QUOTE=NikilSJ;n6263] The North American-spec Ford EcoSport could be sold exclusively with the 1-litre turbocharged EcoBoost three cylinder petrol motor, though maximum power and torque could be bumped upto 140bhp. In North America, the Ford EcoSport will compete with the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V and the Fiat 500X. [/QUOTE] Damn! The Ecosport here will compete with the ugly BR-V, and the HR-V will be placed about 2 segments higher. I wish the HR-V is rightly priced!

I don't think they will. They have thrown out the spare wheel only on Euro spec cars. Other markets like Asia and South America will continue to get the EcoSport with the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. The rendering here shows a sharp front-end from the Ford Edge, but the sides still retain those curves. I hope Ford tightens up the lines and creases on the side when the final spec is ready. Otherwise it might just look flabby from the side.

I hope they don't ditch the spare wheel at the back,It is the only SUV-ish trait of the vehicle.

A recent report from the [URL="http://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/passenger-vehicle/uv/made-in-india-ford-ecosport-set-to-woo-us/47590887"]Economic Times[/URL] suggested that the Ford EcoSport could soon be launched in North America by 2017. While many thought it would be exported from Brazil, this report says that the North American Ford EcoSport could be imported from Ford’s Indian subsidiary. Ford’s Chennai plant currently exports the EcoSport to countries in Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Europe. This would be the first time any manufacturer exports cars from India to the North America. Ford India’s exports have grown so much that thanks to the demand from overseas markets, Ford’s plant in Chennai operated 24x7 in the second half of 2015. If Ford decides to export cars from India to the North America, the Chennai plant could transform into an EcoSport production hub. The North American-spec Ford EcoSport could be sold exclusively with the 1-litre turbocharged EcoBoost three cylinder petrol motor, though maximum power and torque could be bumped upto 140bhp. In North America, the Ford EcoSport will compete with the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V and the Fiat 500X. [CENTER]Chevrolet Trax[/CENTER] [CENTER][IMG]http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/media/assets/submodel/7313.jpg[/IMG] Honda HR-V [IMG]http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/media/assets/submodel/6351.jpg[/IMG] Fiat 500X [IMG]http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/media/assets/submodel/6404.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

Recently, Ford’s impact SUV - EcoSport - was spotted in the US wearing camouflage at the front and the back. This could only mean two things. The first is that the American carmaker is finally mulling introducing the compact SUV in the US market. The second is that the EcoSport finally gets a major update. [CENTER][IMG]http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2017-Ford-EcoSport-facelift-spotted-testing-in-the-U.S-768x442.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] From the spy shots and the rendered images, it is clear that the EcoSport will get [B]new headlamps[/B] which are shaped similar to the ones on the Ford Endeavour. It is not clear what changes are in store for the rear of the car. [CENTER][IMG]https://www.rushlane.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2017-Ford-EcoSport-facelift-1-810x456.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] However, what we know is that the new EcoSport will sport a [B]larger grille[/B] shaped like the ones on the Ford Edge SUV, [B]new fog light clusters and LED DRLs[/B]. While the European version of the car has ditched the spare wheel on the tail gate, the Indian and Brazilian versions of the car will continue to do so. [CENTER][IMG]https://www.rushlane.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2017-Ford-EcoSport-facelift-7.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] On the inside, the dashboard remains quite similar to the one on the current car. But instrument panel does get a minor update. Gone is the tiny OLED MID screen. Instead, the facelift version will get a [B]bigger TFT screen[/B] with similar graphics as the one of the [URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/topics/car-and-bike-research/test-drives-and-reviews/6089-ford-endeavour-detailed-review-go-anywhere-do-anything"]Ford Endeavour[/URL]. [CENTER][IMG]https://www.rushlane.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2017-Ford-EcoSport-facelift-6.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Engine options will remain the same as before. So you get the option of a [B]1.5-litre diesel[/B] with a five speed manual, a [B]1-litre EcoBoost[/B] turbocharged petrol motor with a five speed manual or a [B]1.5-litre petrol[/B] with wither a five speed manual or a six speed automatic. The new Ford EcoSport will be unveiled at the [B]2016 Sao Paulo Motor Show[/B] in Brazil later this year. Expect the facelift version to make its way to India by the year-end.