BREAKING: Ford EcoSport EcoBoost Variant Faces The Axe In India

• The EcoSport EcoBoost was available in a single S trim, priced at Rs 10.95 lakh (ex-showroom).
• The 1.0-litre EcoBoost motor developed a healthy 125PS and 170Nm of torque.
• EcoSport EcoBoost could make a comeback in the BS6 era with Mahindra’s 1.2-litre T-GDI engine.

Ford India has discontinued the EcoSport EcoBoost in the country as per a leaked document. It was available in a single S trim which was priced at Rs 10.95 lakh (ex-showroom). Bookings for the EcoSport EcoBoost have been halted across the country and the model will be dropped from Ford's lineup on January 15. The discontinuation of the EcoBoost variant could be due to the upcoming BS6 norms. 

The Ford EcoSport utilises the award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that develops 125PS of power and 170Nm of torque. It is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This powertrain is a direct import and commands a hefty premium over the top-spec Titanium+ 1.5-litre petrol-MT variant. 

Upgrading the imported EcoBoost engine could drive the costs further and might result in lacklustre sales, which is the case with the existing version as well. Therefore, Ford India will be withdrawing the EcoSport EcoBoost in India.  

The EcoBoost, though small in displacement, scores high on fun-to-drive quotient. Yes, there is turbo-lag below 2000rpm. But once it comes into its own, the EcoBoost pulls hard and clean till its 7000rpm redline. However, it must be mentioned that the recently introduced 1.5-litre Dragon petrol motor makes the sub-4 metre SUV even more fun-to-drive than the EcoBoost. Read our review of the EcoSport 1.5-litre right here. 

Ford could bring back the EcoBoost moniker in the BS6 era by plonking in the Mahindra XUV300’s 1.2-litre T-GDI engine under the hood of its SUV. This engine develops 110PS of power, 200Nm of torque and is currently available with a 6-speed manual.  

The EcoSport’s existing 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines will soon be upgraded to meet BS6 norms. Prices for the sub 4-metre SUV start from Rs 7.91 lakh (ex-showroom). It rivals the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Mahindra XUV300 and upcoming Tata Nexon facelift.