• Published On: 1 November 2017
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Ford is all set to take on competition from Tata and Maruti in a segment that the EcoSport first made popular in India.

As we know, Ford’s EcoSport is a well-proven and thoroughly tested compact SUV. It was the car that increased the popularity of the then-new compact SUV segment. Many manufacturers tried to take on the EcoSport with slightly tweaked hatchbacks however, the first proper competition to the car arrived three years after its launch, namely, the Vitara Brezza and the Nexon. For 2017, the facelifted EcoSport has got some tricks up its sleeve.

The Big Change

One of the biggest changes is the all-new petrol engine. The new engine, named the Dragon, makes 123hp and 150Nm, which puts it very close to the turbocharged 1.0 EcoBoost engine. The new engine is extremely refined, so much so that it makes it hard to tell that it is a three-cylinder unit. Not only is the new engine vibration free, it is quiet as well.

Similar to most Fords, the EcoSport is a fun-to-drive car. It has a well-weighted and precise electric steering. The engineers at Ford have purposely added play because previous customers found the sharpness edgy. This time around the suspension has been made softer also from customer feedback. What’s more is that the car has not lost its body control, despite the improvement in ride comfort.

The new Dragon engine pulls very well from low rpms and Ford claims there is an increase of 7 percent in terms of fuel economy. In terms of performance, the EcoSport does well too. It accelerates strongly and the tall second gear helps in overtaking manoeuvres. The diesel engine is the same four-cylinder unit making 100hp and 205Nm. That engine continues to be responsive and offers smooth power delivery.

On the Outside

The updated EcoSport gets a number of changes on the outside. At the front, the bonnet has been redesigned with more aggressive lines. The headlamps are now larger and feature LED daytime running lamps. The fog lights now have triangular housings, which aren’t very appealing. What’s nice is the new Ford grille features chrome touches. The compact SUV now comes with redesigned alloy wheels as well.

On the Inside

The car now gets a touchscreen infotainment system that replaces the age-old monochrome system that was seen on the previous model. The new unit is a free-standing unit that sits nicely within reach. It features the Sync 3 interface, which is one of the best systems available in this price range. Even though this unit features smartphone integration with a good colour screen it lacks Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and navigation.

The EcoSport’s interior bits have either been replaced or tweaked. Many bits on the inside now feel nicer to touch and offer a premium feel. The EcoSport also has a tall armrest with a small cubbyhole (which isn’t very useful). The Ford was never known for its interior space, but Ford has increased the seat height to increase room on the inside. This has also led to a good view out of the front of the compact SUV. The front seats are wider and softer this time around.

Should I Buy One?

The company will most definitely price the new EcoSport competitively. The updates are introduced to compete with and outdo the competition. The new touchscreen, dashboard and engine are changes, which buyers should look most forward to. The EcoSport is a very good all-rounder and feels more like a premium car this time around. Furthermore, the optional automatic transmission will give the EcoSport a trump card over its rivals.