Domestic sales for American manufacturer Ford declined by 44.41 per cent in the month of April this year. As per reports, the company sold just 4,003 units as compared to 7,201 units during April 2012. However, Ford India would be launching its much awaited compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), the EcoSport this June, with an aim to resurrect itself in the domestic car market.
Ford EcoSport is a radically designed compact SUV, which has the capability of outselling its rivals due to several revolutionary features. For one, the car will be powered by the internationally acclaimed 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which is capable of delivering 120 bhp of power. It has a high ground clearance and a water wading ability of 550 mm. A high localisation level of 65 per cent will help the company price this vehicle competitively. It is expected to be available between Rs. 6.5 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh. At this price, not only will the EcoSport give strong competition to other compact SUV models, but also to the premium hatchbacks and sedans that are available at similar prices.
A major reason why Indian customers buy compact sedans and hatchbacks are due to the high fuel efficiency figures. However, as per test drives by several automobile experts, the EcoSport returns a mileage of 18.9 kmpl in the Indian Driving Cycle (IDC), which is even better than the hatchback Honda Brio (18.4 kmpl). This definitely makes the EcoSport an interesting vehicle for many mileage conscious Indian buyers.
Another feature that makes the EcoSport a great vehicle is its precise steering. The power steering comes with Ford's 'Pull Drift Compensation’, which can correct the steering wheel when a pull caused by crosswinds or bad road surfaces is detected. No only this wheel delightfully light, but also allows the EcoSport come out unperturbed from a tight corner. In addition, engineers at Ford have invested a lot of energy in ensuring that the vehicle's brilliant suspension gives it a great balance between ride and handling.
With all the features fitted in it, the EcoSport definitely seems like a sure shot winner, once it is launched in June 2013. Ford India hopes that this vehicle will help in bringing in high sales for the company.
