Ford EcoSport revealed for Thailand

26/03/2013 - 13:09 | ,   | Shrawan Raja

Graham Pearson Vehicle Line Director Small Car Ford Asia-Pacific Yukontorn ‘Vickie’ Wisadkosin managing director Ford Thailand and Matt Bradley president Ford-ASEANThe Ford EcoSport made its ASEAN debut at the 34th Bangkok International Motor Show yesterday. Ford claims that the urban SUV "combines the agility, affordability and fuel efficiency of a compact car with the flexibility and spaciousness of a sport utility vehicle."

The EcoSport is built on the Ford B-Segment platform and flaunts its raised seating position and high fuel economy as its main assets.

The specifications are exactly similar to the Indian market's car with 550 mm water wading ability, 60:40 rear split seats, 705L of boot space with the seats folded down, SYNC connectivity and a glovebox that can cool six beverage cans.

The model on view at the Bangkok show is the top-end Titanium sporting the 'Mars Red' paintjob. The Titanium models features a sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome fittings on the body.

Ford Thailand's manufacturing facility in Rayong, which currently produces cars such as the Fiesta and Focus, will take on the additional responsibility of rolling out the EcoSport. Other factories manufacturing this model are situated in India, China and Brazil. Ford says about 100 markets will receive the EcoSport eventually, with a big chunk of exports managed by Thailand and India.

Features announced for the Thai market include push-button start, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, Hill Launch Assist, dual front and side curtain airbags, and ESP.

Ford is restricting the engine lineup to just one displacement - 1.5L naturally aspirated, VVT unit - that puts out 108 PS power and 138 Nm of torque. It can be paired to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Ford hasn't announced the timeframe for the Thai market's launch.

[Image from RushLane.com]

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