Facelifted Ford EcoSport Begins Testing In India

• Cosmetic changes include new L-shaped DRLs, new front bumper, five-spoke alloys wheels, and what looks like a tweaked front grille.

• Interiors may remain unchanged, aside from new upholstery trims.

• Expected to soldier on with 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines, with the diesel unit likely to get a new 6-speed manual transmission.

• It will continue to rival the  Nissan Magnite, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, Toyota Urban Cruiser, and the Hyundai Venue.

Looks like Ford is set to give the EcoSport sub-4 metre SUV yet another refresh, with the updated model being spotted testing for the first time. Despite the test mules being camouflaged, we can say the EcoSport will sport a slew of subtle updates in its second facelift.

For starters, the front end looks revamped, with a new bumper and inverted L-shaped DRLs, squared-off fog lamp housing, and a tweaked grille. Head towards the sides and you’ll notice a new set of five-spoke alloy wheels, but keep in mind this is a test mule, so the final design could be different. What’s familiar is the rear end design, which looks identical to the current model. Also expect the SE variant, which comes without the tail-mounted spare wheel, to be retained. 

We also expect Ford to introduce the more rugged-looking Active variant that debuted in Europe in November 2020. This variant added body cladding around the wheel arches and doors as well as ‘Active’ badges on the exterior. Coming back to the India-spec model, it could finally be offered as a proper dual-tone offering like in markets abroad.

We’re yet to get a look at the cabin, but it may be largely unchanged, aside from new upholstery options. It could retain features such as an 8-inch SYNC touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford Pass connected car tech, automatic AC, a rear view camera, rain-sensing wipers, and push button start/stop. 

Under the hood, we think the updated EcoSport will retain its 100PS 1.5-litre diesel and 122PS 1.5-litre petrol motor from the current model. While the petrol engine may continue to get the 5-speed manual transmission as standard, the diesel mill could get a 6-speed manual considering the model sold abroad gets this gearbox option. As for automatic transmission, expect the petrol unit to retain the 6-speed torque converter automatic option. 

The facelifted Ford EcoSport could be launched here around Diwali. It is unlikely to garner a major price hike over the current model that retails from Rs 8.19 lakh to Rs 11.69 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rekindle its rivalry against the likes of the Nissan Magnite, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, Toyota Urban Cruiser, and the Hyundai Venue.

Image Source