Ford EcoSport

Hey car enthusiasts! When you’re looking for your next ride in India, what’s on your mind? Is it the budget-friendly price, top-notch safety, easy monthly maintenance, or perhaps the latest high-tech features and reliable company service? These are crucial questions for every Indian car buyer.

Today, we’re taking a deep dive into a car that truly set the benchmark in the compact SUV segment in India: the Ford EcoSport. While Ford has exited the Indian market for new car sales, the EcoSport remains a highly sought-after model in the pre-owned segment, thanks to its strong build, fun-to-drive nature, and proven reliability. Let’s explore why this compact SUV continues to be a fantastic choice for many prospective car buyers.

Engine Specifications

The Ford EcoSport was known for offering a choice of refined and peppy engines, catering to different driving styles:

• 1.5L Ti-VCT Petrol Engine: This naturally aspirated petrol engine offered a good balance of power and efficiency, ideal for city driving and occasional highway runs.
• 1.5L TDCi Diesel Engine: A real gem, this diesel engine was praised for its strong low-end torque, excellent fuel economy, and robust performance, making it a highway cruiser’s delight.
• 1.0L EcoBoost Petrol Engine: (Available in earlier models) This turbocharged petrol engine was highly acclaimed for its performance and surprisingly good fuel efficiency, despite its small size.

Design Overview

The EcoSport’s design was a major reason for its popularity. It perfectly blended the ruggedness of an SUV with the compactness needed for Indian urban environments.

Exterior Design

The Ford EcoSport boasted a distinctive and muscular stance. Key elements included:

• A bold, hexagonal grille that gave it a commanding road presence.
• Sleek headlamps with projector units and DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) in higher variants.
• Prominent wheel arches housing stylish alloy wheels.
• The signature tailgate-mounted spare wheel (in earlier versions), which made it stand out, though later versions moved it under the floor.
• Roof rails that added to its SUV appeal.

Interior Design

Inside, the EcoSport offered a functional and user-friendly cabin:

• A driver-focused cockpit design with well-placed controls.
• Comfortable seats with good support, especially for front passengers.
• A dual-tone dashboard theme in many variants, adding to the premium feel.
• Ample storage spaces around the cabin, including bottle holders and cubbyholes.
• Overall good build quality with durable materials.

Key Features

The Ford EcoSport came loaded with a decent set of features for its time, enhancing convenience and comfort:

• Infotainment Screen Size: Depending on the variant, it featured an 8-inch or a smaller touchscreen infotainment system.
• Connectivity: SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
• Sunroof: Yes, many top variants offered an electric sunroof, a highly desirable feature among Indian buyers.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control for consistent cabin temperature.
• Other Features: Cruise control, push-button start/stop, keyless entry, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors with camera.
• Note: Features like a 360-degree camera and wireless charging were generally not available on the Ford EcoSport models sold in India.

What is the Ground Clearance of Ford EcoSport?

The Ford EcoSport offered a substantial 200 mm of ground clearance, making it perfectly suited for tackling Indian roads, speed breakers, and light off-road conditions with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Ford EcoSport?

The Ford EcoSport provided a practical 352 liters of boot space, which was expandable by folding down the rear seats (60:40 split), making it versatile for luggage and shopping.

What are the Dimensions of Ford EcoSport?

Being a compact SUV, the EcoSport cleverly stayed within the sub-4 meter length to avail tax benefits:

• Length: 3998 mm
• Width: 1765 mm (without mirrors)
• Height: 1647 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2519 mm

Powertrain Options

The EcoSport offered a range of powertrain combinations:

• 1.5L Ti-VCT Petrol: Available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
• 1.5L TDCi Diesel: Exclusively paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
• 1.0L EcoBoost Petrol: (Older models) Typically came with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Safety Features

Safety was a strong point for the Ford EcoSport, often leading its segment:

• Up to 6 Airbags (Dual front airbags standard, side and curtain airbags in top variants)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

The Ford EcoSport demonstrated strong structural integrity in crash tests:

Rating Body	Rating
Global NCAP	4 Stars (Adult Occupant Protection) 4 Stars (Child Occupant Protection) (For India-spec model tested in 2017)
Bharat NCAP	Not Applicable (Bharat NCAP was launched after the EcoSport was in production/sale in India)

Rivals of Ford EcoSport

During its active years, the Ford EcoSport competed fiercely with several popular compact SUVs in India, including:

• Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
• Hyundai Venue
• Tata Nexon
• Mahindra XUV300
• Kia Sonet
• Nissan Magnite
• Renault Kiger

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let’s break down the Ford EcoSport’s strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision, especially if you're looking at the used car market.

Pros of Ford EcoSport:

• Excellent Driving Dynamics: Known for its solid build, precise steering, and well-tuned suspension, offering a confident and fun driving experience.
• Robust Build Quality: Felt like a well-put-together car, instilling confidence in its durability and safety.
• Safety First: One of the pioneers in offering multiple airbags and advanced safety features in its segment.
• Punchy Engines: Both petrol (especially EcoBoost) and diesel engines offered strong performance and good fuel efficiency.
• Compact & Capable: Its size made it easy to drive in city traffic, yet its high ground clearance handled bad roads effectively.
• Feature-Rich (for its time): Came with appealing features like a sunroof and SYNC 3 infotainment.

Cons of Ford EcoSport:

• Rear Seat Space: Rear legroom was a bit cramped compared to some rivals, especially for taller passengers.
• Limited Boot Access: The side-swinging tailgate, while unique, could be inconvenient in tight parking spots.
• Feature Gaps (Compared to newer rivals): Lacked some modern features like wireless charging, ventilated seats, or a 360-degree camera which newer competitors now offer.
• Ford's Exit from India: While service and parts are still available through authorized service centers, potential buyers might have concerns about long-term support and resale value in the used market.

Conclusion

The Ford EcoSport, even after Ford’s exit from the new car market in India, remains a testament to what a well-engineered compact SUV can be. It consistently delivered on safety, driving pleasure, and a robust build quality that few could match in its segment. If you’re a prospective car buyer looking for a reliable, safe, and engaging compact SUV in the used car market, the EcoSport should definitely be on your shortlist.

It's a car that prioritizes driving dynamics and safety over flashy features, making it a solid choice for those who value the core automotive experience. While considering a pre-owned EcoSport, make sure to get it thoroughly inspected and verify service history. With its strong legacy, the EcoSport continues to offer excellent value for money.