The Ford EcoSport is finally here at an unbelievable pricing falling in the range, wherein premium hatchbacks and sedans are also available in the Indian auto market. The EcoSport compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is expected to rule not just its segment, but could also draw buyers away from investing in top selling models like Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Swift DZire and Volkswagen Polo, amongst others. Ford India has launched the new EcoSport within an introductory price band of Rs. 5.59 lakh to Rs. 8.99 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
The direct rivals of Ford EcoSport in the Indian auto market include the likes of Renault Duster, Mahindra Quanto and Premier Rio compact SUVs. At present, Renault Duster is the undisputed market champion in the compact SUV category of vehicles, and sells around 5,000 units a month in the country. The French auto maker offers its Duster range in a price band starting from Rs. 8 lakh that goes on till Rs. 12.20 lakh. Therefore, the EcoSport seems like an unmatched value-for-money proposition over the hot selling Duster model. Further, it must be noted that the Ford SUV delivers superior power and mileage than its Renault rival, which is why industry experts are claiming that EcoSport could become the kryptonite for Renault Duster in the Indian auto market.
At present, Maruti Suzuki offers its Swift and Swift DZire range within a price bracket of Rs. 4.5 to 6.9 lakh and Rs. 5 to 7.5 lakh, respectively. Therefore, Swift and Swift DZire entry level sedan falls in the direct war zone of the new Ford EcoSport. Just like Swift, premium hatchbacks Hyundai i20 and Volkswagen Polo could also face the heat from Ford SUV. Both i20 and Polo are available within a price band of Rs. 5 to 8 lakh, which makes them another possible EcoSport victim in the Indian auto market. Not just Swift DZire, Ford EcoSport can also challenge big selling Honda Amaze compact sedan price wise.
Coming back to the utility vehicles, the Ford EcoSport will pose nightmares for Quanto and Rio compact SUVs in the country. Duster and Quanto have consolidated their positions in the market and together contribute to the bulk of sales recorded by their segment. The Quanto retails within a price bracket of Rs. 5.99 to 7.75 lakh, whereas the of Rio range starts from Rs. 5 lakh onwards.
Expressing his views on the pricing of EcoSport, Joginder Singh, President and Managing Director (MD) at Ford India Private Limited, was quoted as saying, “We are offering a very compelling price. It's a game changer product for Ford and the first of the new products coming from 'One Ford' strategy, offering the best of global design and technology to the Indian customers.”
