American manufacturer Ford has already launched the petrol version of its acclaimed compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) EcoSport in Argentina. Now its diesel variant would also be seen in the South American country. The EcoSport in Argentina gets a 1.5 litre TDCi turbocharged diesel engine with 89 bhp of power and 204 Nm of torque, which would also be seen in India. It is expected that the Indian EcoSport would be launched in June 2013.
Ford EcoSport is already being sold in Brazil, China and Mexico. However, no diesel variant is available in these markets. Argentina already sells the 1.6 litre Sigma and 2.0 litre Duratec petrol versions of EcoSport. The compact SUV would be available in S and SE trim levels throughout Argentina. Compared to these, India would witness the launch of the 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine and 1.5 litre TDCi engine in the EcoSport. A 5-speed manual gearbox is fitted to each of the EcoSport variants. The model has been placed above the Fiesta in Argentina, which would be exactly opposite of the segmentation in India. The car has also been marketed on social networking sites through the Ford EcoSport Urban Discoveries campaign. Interestingly, it is being referred to as an urban SUV.
In Argentina, EcoSport's base version can be purchased for Rs. 15 lakhs INR, while the next variant is available for Rs. 15.5 lakhs INR. It is speculated that an Automatic Transmission variant may also be launched in India. In terms of competition, the EcoSport would have to stand its ground against the likes of established players such as Renault Duster and Mahindra Quanto, amid others. Maruti may also jump onto the bandwagon by launching XA- Alpha sometime later this year. It is expected that the EcoSport will be able to seat 4 adults comfortably, but the other two can seat more number of adults with adequate comfort. On the interior front, the EcoSport looks more sophisticated than the Quanto and the Duster. It also would have touch screen information display.
The good thing about the EcoSport is its ability to handle well on Indian roads, as it has the Fiesta platform. It is remarkably stable at speeds in excess of 130 kmph. It clings to the road just like a low saloon. The cabin is well insulated and it is an ideal machine for undertaking long drives. High ground clearance of 200 mm allows the SUV to deliver a comfortable ride on almost any road. Despite being 200 mm above the ground, EcoSport hardly experiences any body roll while turning on tight corners.
It is interesting to note that the EcoSport has not been altered from the concept that was showcased across world shows, including the one in India during 2012. Seeing the SUV with the big wide grille on the road gives a great high. Machine gun-like headlamps give it a unique appearance as compared to the Ford Fiesta. This surely is one vehicle that almost every buyer and auto enthusiast would be eagerly awaiting.
