• Ford EcoSport launched – entry level variant to start at Rs. 559,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi)
• Right-sized EcoSport offered in 10 variants across 4 trims, 3 engine options and 7 colours
• First-in-segment global award-winning SYNC in-car connectivity technology and 1.0L EcoBoost engine debut in the EcoSport
• Ford is the first auto manufacturer in India to offer Emergency Assistance – a potentially life-saving feature in this category of vehicles
• Ford’s commitment to competitive cost of ownership rides on child part strategy and fuel economical engines
• EcoSport boasts of class-leading fuel efficiency with the revolutionary 1.0L EcoBoost with 18.9 km/L, 1.5L TDCi at 22.7 km/L and the 1.5L Ti-VCT delivering 15.8 km/L
Ford India, today officially launched the EcoSport keeping up to its commitment of delivering a stunning-looking product that packs in outstanding value for Indian consumers. EcoSport’s India launch raises the bar in the country’s fast-growing compact utility segment with its compelling value-for-money proposition.
Ford EcoSport has been launched at an entry-level pricing of Rs. 559,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Indian consumers will have the power of choice with a wide selection of 10 variants across four trims, three fuel efficient engine options in manual and a petrol automatic and seven colours. Consumers can book and take deliveries of their EcoSport from across pan-India Ford dealerships with immediate effect.
Joginder Singh, president and managing director, Ford India said, “EcoSport sets new standards in India’s SUV industry classification through its design, development and sensible value proposition. With the launch of the EcoSport we stand true to our commitment to offer India the best of Ford. EcoSport’s competitive pricing and market positioning underscores our respect and commitment to Indian consumers.”
The stunning urban SUV is the successful outcome of the US$ 142 million investment that Ford committed to enhance its capability at its Chennai manufacturing facility. With the launch of the EcoSport, Ford has aggressively positioned itself in the compact utility segment, which is expected to grow five-fold by 2020.
Vinay Piparsania, executive director of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford India said, “Stylish, robust and dynamic, the fun-to-drive Ford EcoSport fuses ample versatility and a ‘can do’ attitude to appeal to a newer range of customers. The EcoSport’s substantial package underscores both desirability and versatility and brings a new sense of value and ingenuity to the Ford brand.”
Ford EcoSport’s clever pricing has the potential to attract a wider range of customers who may want to explore alternate body styles. Compact, contemporary and capable, the all-new EcoSport epitomizes urban life and urbane aspirations such as practicality, efficiency, drivability, reliability and attractiveness in a compelling package.
Ford EcoSport will be available in seven colours– Mars Red, Kinetic Blue, Moondust Silver, Panther Black, Sea Grey, Chill and Diamond White; four trims – Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Plus in three engine options, as well as manual and a petrol automatic transmission.
• Ford EcoSport Ambiente 1.5L Ti-VCT (MT/petrol) — Rs. 559,000 *
• Ford EcoSport Ambiente 1.5 TDCi (MT/diesel) — Rs. 669,000 *
• Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.0L EcoBoost (MT/petrol) — Rs. 789,990 *
• Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.5L TiVCT with Powershift (AT/petrol) — Rs. 844,990 *
Clever capability with several firsts
The all-new Ford EcoSport makes driving addictive and intuitive with an array of smart segment-first features. The urban SUV is the first in its class to offer Ford SYNC®, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system co-developed with Microsoft. The award-winning system enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while choosing their favourite music and making phone calls using voice commands, without compromising on safety.
SYNC also features Emergency Assistance, which helps occupants place a call to the emergency services operator directly in the event of an accident. The Ford EcoSport is the first-ever vehicle in India in this category of automobiles to offer this extremely advanced and potentially life-saving feature.
The Ford EcoSport’s cabin also has 20 practical storage spaces, including a glove box that can keep up to six beverage cans cool. Its cargo space at the back is just as versatile. The rear seats can be reclined in select models for greater comfort or easily folded down for additional cargo space. With the rear seats tumbled against the front seats, the boot space increases to 705 litres, big enough to fit a washing machine. On the Trend series and above, the rear seats can be split 60:40 to transport long objects such as flat-pack furniture while still carrying passengers at the back.
With Smart Keyless Entry, customers no longer need their key to unlock the SUV or to start the engine. They can unlock the doors automatically by pulling the door handle; push the Ford Power Start button and go.
Power of choice with revolutionary technology
Ford brings its globally acclaimed EcoBoost technology to India with the patented 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine on the all-new Ford EcoSport. The award-winning three-cylinder delivers power and performance of a traditional 1.6-litre engine with an improvement in fuel economy by up to 20 percent.
The revolutionary engine has won the ‘International Engine of the Year’ award twice consecutively in 2012 and 2013. It is compact enough to fit on a sheet of A4 size paper but produces 125 PS of power and peak torque of 170 Nm from 1,400 to 4,500 rpm. In India, the Ford EcoSport with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine achieves class leading 18.9 km/L and emits 15% less CO2.
The Ford EcoSport will also be available with the fuel-economical 1.5-litre petrol engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing or a 1.5-litre diesel engine, well-suited to urban driving conditions.
To further improve fuel economy, the aerodynamic Ford EcoSport boasts of an outstanding drag coefficient of 0.371.
Quality that speaks to all five senses
With a signature Ford face, dramatic rising beltline and a ready-to-pounce stance, the all-new Ford EcoSport conveys a dynamic spirit of energy in action. The spare tyre, with an exclusively designed wheel, is mounted on the tailgate as a classic SUV cue.
Inside, soft-touch fabrics, tight gaps and the global Ice Blue dashboard illumination all reinforce superior quality and craftsmanship. Controls and knobs are ergonomically placed while seats are designed to be soft enough for comfort and firm enough for longer journeys.
The cabin is also extremely quiet at high speeds, thanks to meticulous efforts to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Add to this a very effective climate control system, and the customer is very comfortable in the Ford EcoSport.
The Ford EcoSport’s compact sub-four metre dimensions and the electric power-assisted steering with Pull-Drift Compensation help drivers tackle the stress of city driving, be it parking in small spaces, manoeuvring in heavy traffic, or making tight U-turns.
The Ford EcoSport’s high ground clearance of 200 millimetres also means customers won’t have to worry about driving over speed bumps and potholes. And with its exceptional ability to wade through 550 millimetres of water, drivers can confidently drive through large pools of water, especially during the monsoon season.
Safety and driver assistance
The all-new Ford EcoSport has been designed to provide high levels of protection and driver support through a range of advanced features. About half of the urban SUV’s body structure is made up of high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel, such as boron steel, making the Ford EcoSport’s frame especially strong yet lightweight too.
The SUV’s array of airbags provides additional peace of mind. The Ford EcoSport offers airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as side airbags and curtain airbags.
To take the stress out of driving, the Ford EcoSport comes with an array of driver-assist systems. Hill Launch Assist, which is offered in the petrol automatic variant helps drivers make a perfect hill start whether it’s uphill or downhill, by holding the SUV for up to three seconds. This prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards or forwards while moving off from the slope, increasing driver confidence.
Advanced safety technologies such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which is available on models with the automatic transmission, also help customers remain in control of the Ford EcoSport at all times, especially on slippery roads. When it detects that the car is losing control, it automatically reduces engine power and selectively brakes individual wheels to stabilise the vehicle and keep it travelling on track. The Ford EcoSport’s ESP system includes the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) which prevents the wheels from locking up and helps the vehicle to stop quickly on slippery road surfaces.
“EcoSport’s launch is another chapter in Ford’s product-led transformation. This product underscores Ford’s continuing commitment to raise the bar on quality, fuel efficiency and reduced cost of ownership to offer consumers peace of mind”, concluded Joginder Singh.
Editor’s note:
1.*All prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi
2.The stated fuel efficiency figures are as per ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) certification. Actual mileage may vary
3. Specifications may vary by series
