Facelifted model expected to go on sale in Q3 2017.
The 2018 Ford EcoSport is now undergoing local road testing ahead of its expected Q3 2017 launch in India. In the latest, IAB reader Alok Garg has spotted a 2018 Ford EcoSport test mule and captured its exterior and interior.
We determined these spy shots show the Indian-spec version as if this was the RHD UK specification, it wouldn't have an exposed spare wheel. It's worth noting that EU-spec Ford EcoSport production shifts from Chennai to Romania this fall, where Ford has hired 976 more people and installed 220 new robots to make the Fiesta-based crossover.
The spy shot (above) suggests that the interior of the India-spec 2018 Ford EcoSport is the same as that of the U.S.-spec 2018 Ford EcoSport. We remind readers that Ford's Chennai plant will make both cars.
A floating screen is visible on the centre console, which is likely the touch-operated 8.0-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means that the Indian-spec version won't have a CD player as in the U.S.-spec version.
Redesigned instrument panel, dashboard and centre console, new three-spoke steering wheel and horizontal central HVAC vents are among other interior changes arriving with the facelift, all of which were revealed at the car's world premiere at the LA Auto Show last year.
Also See: India-made Ford Ka+ sedan spotted testing in Turkey
The 2018 Ford EcoSport is expected to have the same engine options: 82 kW (112 PS) 1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol, 92 kW (125 PS) 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol and 73.8 kW (100 PS) 1.5-litre TDCi diesel. Similarly, 5-speed manual and 6-speed dual-clutch automatic should continue as the transmission choices, and therefore the car's mileage won't differ hugely from the current figure (1.5 petrol - 15.85 km/l, 1.0 petrol - 18.88 km/l and 1.5 diesel - 22.27 km/l).
Besides a new fascia and an upgraded dashboard, expect new colour options with the mid-cycle change, including the Arpoadar Red seen on a test mule this month.
Price of the new Ford EcoSport would be very close to the current version, which ranges between INR 7.18 Lakhs – INR 10.76 Lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) when it comes out during Diwali.
