Ford showcases EcoSport with 4WD, Powershift AT in Brazil

23/10/2012 - 15:50 | ,   | Shrawan Raja

Ford is premiering many global models at the ongoing Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil.

Ford EcoSport 4WD rearFord EcoSport PowerShift 2WD

[Left - 4WD variant; Right - Powershift (dual clutch, automatic transmission) variant]

Soon after showing the Fiesta sedan facelift, variants of the much-awaited EcoSport mini SUV which are good bets for the Indian market have been revealed.

Although the EcoSport is an urban SUV (an SUV top hat on the Fiesta platform) and has no business in the woods or the desert, four-wheel drive technology is essential to conquer snowy and slippery terrain. Regions which experience snowfall during the winter months need four wheel drive technology, not for adventure, but for the purpose of safety and security.

Ford EcoSport 4WDFord EcoSport PowerShift 2WD badgeFord EcoSport PowerShift 2WD interior

[Powershift technology is strapped on to the variant with 2WD; Both variants are based on petrol-engined cars]

4WD technology is also a sort of marketing gimmick on smaller vehicles. The marketing teams get bragging rights on television and poster ads. This technology, for ages, has differentiated the top-end variant from the usual variants.

Ford notes that the more powerful 2.0-liter 16V flex fuel Duratec engine that motors both show cars, will be launched soon in Brazil.

The EcoSport comes to India, China and many Asian markets in 2013. For India, the EcoSport launches with naturally aspirated petrol, turbocharged petrol and turbocharged diesel engines. Ford India is looking at the first quarter of 2013 to send it out to the market, and said it will price it "aggressively." The company can take advantage of the sops given to cars under four meters long to undercut the Duster in pricing.

[Source - Autoblog.com.ar & Bestcars.uol.com.br]

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