2015 Geneva Motor Show: Ford unveils new Ecosport S
The Ford Ecosport has been a fortune mill for Ford ever since its launch, thanks to its 200mm of ground clearance and butch SUVish looks in a compact and practical package. The virtues of this urban prowler from the American manufacturer has struck the right chord with buyers, especially in India.
So, at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Ford announced that it will upgrade and extend the Ecosport range and while at it, revealed the refreshed Ford Ecosport with an S badge.
The most notable change is at the rear, where the new Ford Ecosport does away with the tailgate-mounted spare wheel. The spare wheel will be available as an option and instead Ford will supply a tyre mobility kit. The kit comprises of an air-compressor with a gauge and a canister that contains a tyre sealant. In case of a puncture, the driver will have to connect the device to the valve of the flat tyre which in turn injects the sealant as well as re-inflates the tyre. Power for the kit is sourced from the 12V socket in the car. However, in case, there is damage to the sidewall, one may have to call for Ford's roadside assistance.
Ford also says that it has revised the ride and handling characteristics of the new Ford Ecosport. Revisions include a 10mm decrease in ride height, improved power steering system and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and re-tuned suspension with a reworked rear twist beam.
The interiors also get a brush over, including stylish upgrades and a new look instrument cluster. The Sync screen is now a colour display and the handbrake position has also been optimised for better accessibility, says Ford.
The NVH characteristics of the new Ford Ecosport are improved to offer an even better in cabin experience says Ford. The company says that this was achieved by utilising thicker sound deadening materials in the doors and dashboard and tighter seals around the pedals. The TDCI and Ecoboost engines produce additional torque and the diesel engine gets a power boost by 5PS.
The S version sports a new colour called Deep Impact Blue, blackened out 17-inch alloys and mirror caps. The rear bumper gets a mock-diffuser shaped scuff plate.
There is no word yet on when Ford will launch the new Ford Ecosport in India..
For more stories from the Geneva Motor Show 2015, click here
FORD ANNOUNCES ENHANCED AND EXTENDED ECOSPORT SUV LINE-UP; PRESENTS NEW ECOSPORT S AT GENEVA
| BRENTWOOD, Essex, March 4, 2015 Ford at Geneva today announced it will deliver a range of styling, drive dynamics and equipment enhancements for the practical and affordable EcoSport. Customers will for the first time be able to order the compact SUV without a rear-mounted spare wheel. Subtle and stylish interior improvements include a restyled instrument cluster with chrome surround, light dimming function, and chrome tips for window switches. EcoSport driving dynamics benefit from suspension retuning with revised rear twist beam, and revised spring and damper rates for chassis optimisation, a 10mm reduction in ride height and optimised Electronic Stability Control and power steering systems. Convenience and comfort is also enhanced with a Winter Pack with heated windscreen, heated mirrors and heated front seats. Ford's SUV line-up in Europe already includes the mid-sized Kuga, and will be extended to include the Edge SUV, which goes into production for Europe at the end of 2015. Ford has registered more than 4,000 EcoSports in the UK since its launch last April. The new upgrades will be available to order from June. "Ford EcoSport is already popular with customers in Europe who are looking for a flexible, stylish, and economical compact SUV," said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. "This range of enhancements including an EcoSport that is now available without the rear-mounted wheel makes EcoSport an even more compelling choice as part of our growing SUV range." For vehicles without the spare wheel, the rear swing-gate on EcoSport hasalso been revised to allow for easier partial opening where space is limited, and all models now feature an EcoSport badge. Inside, the handbrake lever positioning has been optimised for accessibility. Noise, vibration and harshness levels have also been reduced with thicker sound deadening materials in the doors and dashboard, as well as tighter seals around the pedals. Equipment that will later this year be made available with EcoSport for the first time includes satnav technology and Rear View Camera. EcoSport S Making its debut at Geneva, the sporty EcoSport S delivers an insight into the upgrades and equipment for a model that will be available to order towards the end of this year. The model displayed is the first EcoSport with distinctive exterior colour Deep Impact Blue. This is complemented by a black roof without roof rails, mirror caps and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. Further exterior upgrades will include a sporty rear diffuser element and privacy glass. The full list of EcoSport enhancements includes: Spare wheel optional, with a tyre mobility kit in place of the spare as the standard offering Colour 4-inch display Charcoal black lower instrument panel, centre console and door boards Partial leather seats standard for Titanium models Significant Noise, Vibration and Harshness reworking via enhanced sound package Significant dynamics upgrade with revisions to springs, dampers, spring aids, steering gear, rear axle twist beam, Electronic Stability Programme settings and steering assistance profiles Reduced gearbox torque truncation in lower gears provides more available torque for both EcoBoost and TDCi diesel Instruments can be dimmed, have chrome-surround rings, window-lifter switches have chrome tabs Heated windscreen, heated mirrors, and heated seats available as a combined "Winter Pack" which also adds rear seat ducting at floor level to improve comfort in the rear seat in cold conditions Privacy glass optional The handbrake is relocated to improve accessibility Powertrains are upgraded to EU6.1 emission standard, with the diesel gaining 5PS | |
Starts Rs 7.99 Lakhs
1498cc
Manual
100
215
21.7 Kmpl
