2016 Ford EcoSport for India to launch before Christmas confirms MD - IAB Report

28/09/2015 - 09:04 | ,   | Anjan Ravi

Diesel variant will produce 100 PS.

Ford India will soon introduce a model year update for the EcoSport, which will see feature and mechanical changes.

2016 Ford EcoSport S front at IAA 2015
Launched in June 2013, the EcoSport has sold over 200,000 units in the domestic and export markets.

When asked about the launch timeframe for the updated EcoSport by Indian Autos Blog, Ford India's President and Managing Director, Mr. Nigel Harris said - "You won't have to wait till Christmas. Its not too far away."

The 2016 EcoSport is expected to carry the 100 PS tune of the 1.5-liter TDCi diesel engine. Ford India already offers this tune on the new Figo and Aspire models, which claim an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 25.83 km/l. The EcoSport will continue offering a 1.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine and a 1.5-liter Ti-VCT petrol, the latter featuring an optional 6-speed Powershift dual-clutch transmission.

Unlike the EcoSport for Europe (which is exported from India), the Indian model will continue with an external spare wheel, owing to the local market taste which prefers a rugged and brawny design. The external spare wheel was seen as "brash" by many Europeans and is hence optional now.

2016 Ford EcoSport interior Europe
The India-made EcoSport for Europe now gets a color display for the SYNC system.

Inside, the 2016 EcoSport is likely to offer a 4-inch color display for the SYNC entertainment system (the current model features Blue on Black text), a reverse parking camera and satellite navigation. Other minor spec changes could include chrome highlights for the power window buttons, handbrake lever etc.

Also read: Indian market could have as many as 8 sub-compact SUVs by 2016 – Report

In the interest of safety, even the base variant of the 2016 EcoSport would offer a driver-side airbag, if not dual airbags. The Titanium+ variant will continue with 6 airbags though.

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