American car maker Ford is gearing up for the unveiling of new EcoSport, which is expected on November 14. Global unveiling of the new EcoSport was expected on November 8 at the Sao Paulo International Motor Show. However, Ford didn't bring the vehicle for the show. On the new unveiling date on November 14, the compact SUV will also mark its entry to the homeland of the manufacturer.
The new EcoSport is important to India as well since Chennai will be one of the production hubs for the new version. The new version will be limited to the US market initially, while India launch can be expected in mid-2017.
The 2017 Ford EcoSport will be based on Ford's global B-car platform that also underpins Fiesta, Ka and the B-Max. A new 1.5-litre "Dragon" three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine has been linked with the new EcoSport. An interesting addition will be all-wheel-drive system. Many reports say new that EcoSport will have an off-road friendly version that will be equipped with 4WD system.
On the design, the new EcoSport will be a blend of Ford's Edge and Kuga SUVs. Jeremy Schofield, manager of SUV communications at Ford, already stated that the new version of the compact SUV will have a similar face to its larger siblings.
This means that new version will get a revised large front grille with sharp edges flanked by newly designed sweptback headlamps. The headlamp unit will also flaunt integrated daytime running lamps limited to top variants. The rear door mounted spare wheel, one of the highlights in the design of the current EcoSport will stay intact for South American and Asian regions, whereas the Euro-spec will do away with it.
On the inside, the SYNC 2 infotainment system will be updated to a more advanced Sync3 infotainment technology. Basic design of the dashboard will remain the same, while the instrument panel will get a new inlay. New steering wheel design, instrument panel and centre console can be expected.
For India, the current powertrains are expected to continue. EcoSport in India is sold with a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine, which is tuned to dish out 99bhp of power. The petrol mills are a 1.5-litre Ti-VCT and the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine.
