2018 Ford EcoSport S, Signature Edition launched: To take on 2018 Vitara Brezza, Nexon

• Ford EcoSport S is powered by 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine
• The EcoSport S comes mated to an all-new six-speed manual transmission
• Signature Edition comes as an option pack on EcoSport's Titanium variant
• Both new variants get sunroof christened 'Fun-roof'

Ford India Private Limited, the Indian subsidiary of American carmaker Ford Motor Company, has extended its EcoSport compact SUV options with the launch of two new variants. Christened EcoSport S and EcoSport Signature Edition, the new variants adds more features and bling to Ford India's compact SUV range.

All prices ex-showroom Delhi

The new Ford EcoSport variants will be offered in seven colour options – Lightning Blue, Canyon Ridge, Race Red, Diamond White, Absolute Black, Moondust Silver and Smoke Grey.

Ford EcoSport S

The EcoSport S is the performance version of the EcoSport and it is powered by the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine better known as Ecoboost engine. The engine develops 123bhp of power at 6,000rpm and 170Nm of torque at 1,400rpm and it comes mated to an all-new six-speed manual transmission. Besides the EcoBoost engine, the S variant of the EcoSport is also offered in 1.5L TDCi diesel motor.

The biggest attraction in the EcoSport S is the sunroof, which Ford India is calling 'Fun-roof'. The EcoSport S sets itself apart from the other variants with unique 17-inch alloy wheel design in a gunmetal finish, blacked out front grille and smoked headlamps. The front fog lamp bezels, roof rails, and rear spoiler of the model will also get black colour treatment.

The all-black interior will get with orange coloured touches on the doors, seats, dashboard and other. Other additions exclusive to EcoSport are bigger instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch information display and a tire pressure monitoring system.

"In line with our feels like a family promise, we are committed to meeting diverse needs of our customers and act on their feedback. The addition of the sunroof, a feature that customers have been demanding, and world-renowned EcoBoost engine technology, is an example of our commitment," said Anurag Mehrotra, president and managing director at Ford India.

Ford EcoSport Signature Edition

The Signature Edition also comes with sunroof and it is available as an option pack on EcoSport's Titanium variant. The limited edition gets imposing grille with chrome surround, diamond cut 17-inch alloy wheels, black fog-lamp bezel along with all-around graphics, rear spoiler and roof rails. The EcoSport Signature Edition also gets Anodised Blue exterior paint shade, special 'Signature' badging at the tailgate. On the inside, all black upholstery is complemented with the subtle use of blue accents on seat stitching, centre console and instrument panel to add to its overall appeal.

Ford EcoSport Signature Edition will come paired with the 1.5-litre three-cylinder TiVCT petrol engine that delivers 123bhp of power and the trusted 1.5L TDCi diesel engine that comes with a 100bhp output.

"The Signature Edition further enhances the value for money proposition of the EcoSport with the introduction of sunroof and a host of exterior & interior changes that customers have been looking for," Mehrotra added.

To rival 2018 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Tata Nexon

Ford EcoSport goes up against the segment leader Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Tata Motors' Nexon. Maruti Suzuki launched 2018 Vitara Brezza last week with AMT transmission option, new features and colours. Tata Motors also launched the Nexon AMT with new colour options at the beginning of May. The EcoSport S and the Signature edition will help Ford India compete against the established rivals.