Review 04 - Ford Ecosport Facelift: Will it be a game changer for Ford?

This car needs no introduction. I still remember the queue at the Ford showroom to take a test drive of this beast when it's first generation was launched in 2012. Ford Ecosport was a trend setter for this segment. Today, this car is facing tough competition and its sales are under pressure from rivals like the critically acclaimed Maruti Brezza and the Tata Nexon. Hence, Ford has given a heavy upgrade to the Ecosport model.

The car gets a new petrol engine, fresh look and lots more additional features. The base trim will cost around 7,31,000/- and the top end will be priced at 10,99,000/- (ex showroom).

Let's have a quick look at what has changed in the Ecosport.

The car gets a new hexagon front grill and a redesigned front bumper to enhance the look. The headlights are sharper and angular and the 17 inch alloy does wonders on the car as it helps in changing the entire profile of the car (17 inch alloy is available only in the top end model).

Inside the car the dashboard looks the same. Finally, Ford got rid of the tacky looking music system and now the car gets a touchscreen and new center console layout. The steering wheel and instrument cluster are all new and the cabin is now decorated with body coloured inserts.

Talking about the engine; Ford’s new Dragon series of petrol engines will make its Indian debut in the updated Ecosport. The new 1.5-litre three-cylinder will churn out 123bhp and 150Nm of torque. This car will be a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic.The new petrol engine will be accompanied by the same old 1.5-litre diesel engine that puts out 100bhp and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The updated Ecosport will get a new touchscreen infotainment system with Ford’s SYNC 3 software, Apple carplay and Android Auto. It is also expected to get cruise control, a rear-view camera, automatic wipers, headlamps and climate control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, dual USB ports, steering-mounted audio and trip controls and paddle shifters for the automatic variant.

Ford cars are known for it's safety features. In terms of safety, the top-spec gets six airbags and ABS with EBD, along with electronic stability control, traction control, hill-launch assist and emergency brake assist for the automatic variant.

To conclude, let's see if this facelift model will help Ecosports revive and sustain in the Indian market or will it be the end just like Ford Ikon.