Ford EcoSport has got a good response from customers and critics since its introduction in the country. In fact, here, it would be apt to say that this vehicle is one of the best selling compact SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle) in India. Recently, there were reports that Ford India saw a growth of 50.95 per cent in total sales in September 2013 and a major portion of that was due to EcoSport. Vinay Piparsania, Ford India Executive Director (Marketing, Sales and Service) also stated, “Despite prevailing difficult economic conditions, we are excited to see our products finding greater acceptance among customers that is mirrored in our sales.” Clearly, one can establish a strong correlation between sales and the statement made. In other words, Ford India can now sense that it could use EcoSport platform to have a deeper penetration in the market for boosting growth and brand presence.
The wide spread recognizance of EcoSport is attributable to a number of aspects like high affordability, improved performance and driveablity, enhanced comfort, ample luggage space and high fuel economy. Pan-India campaigns like 'EcoSport Urban Discoveries' have further made the difference by attracting the attention of common mass towards this compact utility vehicle.
Predominantly, a car's success in the market can be attributed to a number of factors that also include crucial fuel efficiency or mileage aspects while driving on roads. Especially, with soaring fuel prices, the demand of fuel efficient vehicles is increasing day by day. Customers now want a vehicle that not only is high on specification and comfort aspects, but also good on mileage front. EcoSport also had to go through the same market scrutiny to pave a path of success in the demanding Indian automobile market. Here, we can say that vehicle did meet with expectations of customers and critics; a good response being the true testimony of this fact.
Ford EcoSport is a highly capable vehicle that is available in two engine options, petrol and diesel. The petrol variant is powered by a 1.5-litre TiVCT petrol engine that can generate a power of 110 bhp at 6300 rpm and torque of up to 140 Nm at 4400 rpm. There is an option of 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine version that can generate peak output of 123 bhp at 6000 rpm and top torque of 170 Nm at low 1400-4500 rpm. The diesel version of EcoSport comes equipped with a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel powertrain that can churn out power and torque levels of 89 bhp at 3750 rpm and 204 Nm at 2000-2750 rpm, respectively. Here, it is interesting to see the diesel engine's peak torque output is at low 2000-2750 rpm, which helps to enhance the acceleration and pick-up. Besides being powerful, engines used in EcoSport are fuel frugal too, in order to ensure a high kilometre run for every litre of fuel consumed.
High efficiency of EcoSport is due to a proficient fuel supply system that is used in engines. As per company claims, depending on driving conditions, petrol version yields a mileage in the range of 13.07 kmpl to 16.15 kmpl. The petrol versions with 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine give a mileage between 15.30 kmpl and 18.90 kmpl under standard driving conditions. Notably, the 1.5-litre diesel mill gives a mileage between 19.30 kmpl and 22.70 kmpl. A glimpse at the mileage numbers is suggestive of a decent fuel efficiency.
