Facelifted Ford EcoSport unveiled

A facelifted version of the Ford EcoSport has been unveiled at the 2016 LA Auto Show. This is the most comprehensive update for the compact crossover since it was launched in 2012 and marks its arrival in the American market. The new version of the SUV is expected to arrive in the Indian market sometime in 2017 and will be offered here with both petrol and diesel power.

Externally, the updated Ford EcoSport gets a new grille and lighting package that has taken the SUV’s appearance from wide and gaping to muscular and angled. The revised headlamps have become sharper and now include projectors. The side profile remains the same but the wheels have undergone a revision. It’s a similar story at the rear but now a contrast coloured bash plate element has been integrated into the bumper.

While the exterior changes are noticeable, the insides have undergone a major change both in terms of design and features. The single tone grey/black cabin now gets exterior colour co-ordinated inserts for the dashboard/door while the seats too have been given offset body coloured stripes. The fonts on the instrument cluster have been revised and there is a new colour digital display between the pods. However, the biggest addition is that there is now an eight-inch touchscreen system (with a floating display) fitted with the American automaker’s SYNC 3 system. It is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Sound comes courtesy of a B&O 10 speaker sound system.

The American market will get the EcoSport with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost motor as well as a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Both engines will only get the option of a six-speed AT and AWD will only be offered on the top-of-the-line trims. We in India will also get the car with the 1.5-litre petrol engine as well as the 1.5-litre diesel.

The growing demand for SUVs globally has probably prompted Ford to bring the EcoSport to the American market. While we consider it a C-segment SUV, it will, in the US of A, be an alternative to the range of compact hatchbacks that they have on sale and debut in early 2018.