As Ford India continues testing the 2017 Ford
EcoSport, a test car has again shown up on the roads. Indianautosblog reader Nithi recently
spotted a 2017 Ford EcoSport with accessories and SYNC 3 infotainment system
testing near Chennai.
The 2017 Ford EcoSport will feature a revised design
and a host of interior changes to give it a premium look. Up front, the
facelifted Ford EcoSport gets a hexagonal grille with the border and two
horizontal slats in silver finish, bigger headlamps with projectors, triangular
fog lamps and remodelled bumper. On the sides, the mid-cycle refresh brings new
design alloy wheels, while at the rear, the bumper is redetailed and the new
camouflaged spare wheel cover appears similar to the one on the 2017 EcoSport
in China.
The 2017 Ford EcoSport has substantial changes
inside starting with the free-standing display at the centre of the dashboard,
which is presumably for the SYNC 3 infotainment system. This system would offer
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation, voice recognition and apps
among other features, already available in Maruti, Hyundai and Mahindra
vehicles. Lower grades of the EcoSport could settle for a 2-DIN audio system
with a small display.
A new three-spoke steering wheel and centre console
with horizontal central HVAC vents, dashboard grab bar and a more intuitive
instrument panel complete the transformation. New trim and higher grade
upholstery are expected to give the cabin a premium feel and look.
While the refreshed EcoSport has been announced with
the all-new 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine from the ‘Falcon’ family in
Brazil, it is unclear if this motor will find a place in the Indian version.
The current model is available in 112 PS 1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol (5-MT), 112 PS
1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol (6-DCT), 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol (5MT) and 100
PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel (5MT) configurations. The fuel economy ratings of
these models, 15.85 km/l, 15.60 km/l, 18.88 km/l and 22.27 km/l respectively,
should remain largely unchanged, if Ford retains them.
As the EcoSport brings better quality and
upgraded equipment, expect a minor price hike. The current model starts at INR
7.18 lakh, stretching to INR 10.76 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Cr : Indianautosblog